Another reason to Buy a home in Berkeley: Berkeley Offers $ for energy conservation

If you are thinking of buying a home.  consider Berkeley.  Here is another great reason:

Stimulus Money for Energy Efficiency for Berkeley Residents-- ME2 for You
Federal stimulus funding for whole-house energy retrofits. Starting summer 2010, Berkeley proposes to offer incentives for energy efficiency improvements. Energy retrofits help you save money on your PG&E bill; improve building comfort, safety, and durability; and reduce your carbon footprint!

The ME2 cash incentives will be provided through federal stimulus funds awarded to Berkeley from the U.S. Department of Energy. ME2 is important part of Berkeley efforts to reduce greenhouse gases by 33% over the next 10 years and 80% by 2050 and create green jobs in our community. To learn more about the City of Berkeley's Climate Action Plan, visit the Berkeley Climate Action Plan


Money for Energy Efficiency (ME2):

Free Weatherization Program (low-income eligible residents)- available now
The City of Berkeley's Weatherization Program provides free energy saving improvements to income-eligible residents. Services vary by program, and can include free attic insulation, weatherstripping, water heater blankets, low-flow shower heads, duct insulation, high efficiency lighting, window repairs/replacement, and ceiling fans.
Check the Weatherization income eligibility chart, or call (510) 981-7773, to see if you qualify.


Subsidized Retrofit Services - available summer 2010
The City of Berkeley proposes to offer subsidized direct installation of home energy improvements in partnership with Rising Sun Energy Center. Subscribe to receive emails updates as more information becomes available.


City-wide Rebates - available summer 2010
The City of Berkeley proposes to offer rebates to Berkeley property owners who retrofit their buildings to improve energy performance. Subscribe to receive emails updates as more information becomes available.


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Additional Energy Efficiency Programs:
California Youth Energy Services (sign-up today to reserve your free Green House Call)
The first step in getting free energy efficient upgrades for your home. Professional Youth Energy Specialists from Rising Sun Energy Center's CYES program will come to your house or apartment to check the household's electricity, gas and water use, and then help you reduce your energy bill by providing FREE energy-saving devices as well as energy education. Compact fluorescent light bulbs, water-saving showerheads, and retractable clotheslines provided at NO COST to home renters and owners. Call: 510-665-1501 ext.10 or go to www.risingsunenergycenter.org to sign up today!

SmartSolar Free Site Assessment (available now)
Considering solar? The SmartSolar Program offers free individualized, independent information and site-specific technical assistance to Berkeley property owners who are thinking about going solar. Also visit the Berkeley Solar Map to calculate the solar potential for your roof. Visit www.ebenergy.org/smartsolar for more information.

California FIRST Financing (available in summer 2010)
Help pay for your green upgrades with California FIRST. Based on the Berkeley FIRST solar financing program, the CaliforniaFIRST Program allows property owners to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects for homes and businesses. Sign up to receive updates as specific program information becomes available at: www.acgreenretrofit.org.

Alameda County Green Retrofit Program (available in summer 2010)
A comprehensive list of all available rebates for energy efficiency retrofits in the region. Alameda County in partnership with StopWaste.org is offering residents help in understanding how to best take advantage of available incentives for energy efficiency. Sign up to receive updates at: www.acgreenretrofit.org/signup.php

PG&E Ratepayer Incentives (some rebates available now and others coming soon)
PG&E has rebates for energy efficiency upgrades including for appliances, insulation and is launching a whole-home energy retrofit incentive program that will be available later this year.

Federal Tax Credit for Energy Star™ Materials (available now)
If you purchase an energy-efficient product or renewable energy system for your home, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit. Up to $1,500 is available in federal tax credits for qualified Energy Star materials and up to 30% of the cost of a solar energy system.