California Center for Sustainable Energy

Event focuses on how homeowners can make their homes more energy efficient

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2012) - An energy-efficiency program that provides cash rebates and special discounts for homeowners who improve their homes’ energy performance is now available to all Chula Vista residents. A community meeting explaining the program will be held by the California Center for Sustainable Energy ( CCSE) on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Loma Verde Recreation Center, 1420 Loma Lane. Admission is free and a continental breakfast will be served.

Residents in Chula Vista will learn about the Community Saving Initiative, an exclusive opportunity that provides incentives for completing home energy upgrades through the statewide Energy Upgrade California™ program. The initiative is a collaboration of CCSE, the City of Chula Vista, San Diego Gas & Electric and three local home performance contractors.

"The initiative is designed to give Chula Vista homeowners opportunities to make their home safer, more comfortable and energy efficient at considerable cost savings,” said Bob Coleman, a CCSE associate program manager. “We are proud to be working with our partners and local contractors to reduce energy use, curb greenhouse gas emissions and conserve resources."

During the community meeting, residents can hear firsthand about the initiative and learn about the benefits of the home energy upgrades, from lower utility bills to improved health. Earlier program participants have reported greatly improved indoor air quality, leading to reduced respiratory and asthma problems. The first 50 homeowners to arrive will receive a free energy-saving gift.

Representatives of the Community Savings Initiative’s preferred contractors, ASI Hastings Heating and Air, Greenwise Solutions and GGR Energy, will be on hand to talk to homeowners. These contractors were selected by a group of Chula Vista neighborhood leaders based on the companies’ track records and discount pricing for Chula Vista homeowners.

The Energy Upgrade California program involves a “whole house” approach to test, diagnose and fix health and safety issues and deficiencies in the insulation, heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters, appliances and lighting that waste energy. CCSE is partnering with San Diego Gas & Electric, local municipalities and contractors to implement Energy Upgrade California in the region.

There are added benefits for Chula Vista homeowners who have their homes upgraded besides the state rebates. They are also eligible for the city’s Home Upgrade, Carbon Downgrade Program that matches SDG&E’s rebates dollar-for-dollar and offers 0% financing for a limited time. On average, Chula Vista homeowners are receiving approximately $5,000 in rebates to cover costs of installing energy efficiency upgrades.

The Community Savings Initiative also provides opportunities to visit upgraded energy-efficient homes in Chula Vista and to speak directly with homeowners who have been through the upgrade process about specific energy efficiency measures.

For information visit the Community Savings Initiative website at www.energycenter.org/cv or call Bob Coleman at CCSE at (858) 737-1583.