Welcome Sierra Homeowners
As you know, we live in a beautiful region, populated with ranches, retirees, home-based businesses, and homesteaders. The majority of energy use here comes from our homes.
Click on the information below to see how you can save money and re-direct it into the local economy.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Have you been wondering what you can do to save money and use less energy? Here are a few ways to get started...
ENERGY CONSERVATION >>> Energy conservation is a different than energy efficiency, although they both save money and resources. Energy conservation is the practice of NOT USING POWER when it is not needed. This is low-hanging fruit for saving energy and easy to do. Examples include not turning on a light when it's not needed or not leaving a vehicle running unnecessarily.. Conservation is NOT using energy when you don't need to, and being aware of wasteful habits. Simple. Easy. Effective. Here are websites with info on energy conservation: NEVADA COUNTY GOVT: ENERGY EFFICIENCY TOOLKIT https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/37819/Nevada-County-Energy-Efficient-Toolkit NEVADA COUNTY GOVT: ENERGY EFFICIENCY: https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/3198/Energy-Efficiency NEVADA COUNTY: OUR ENERGY ACTION PLAN https://www.mynevadacounty.com/DocumentCenter/View/35183/Nevada-County-Energy-Action-Plan NEVADA CITY: SUSTAINABILITY PLAN & RESOURCES https://www.nevadacityca.gov/pview.aspx?id=20800&catid=564 PG&E: RESIDENTIAL ENERGY-SAVING TIPS https://www.pge.com/en/save-energy-and-money/energy-usage-and-tips/residential-energy-savings-tips.html PIONEER COMMUNITY ENERGY: HOME ENERGY SAVING TIPS https://pioneercommunityenergy.org/residential/home-energy-savings-tips/ DEPT OF ENERGY: EFFICIENCY VS CONSERVATION https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/use-of-energy/efficiency-and-conservation.php CORNELL UNIVERSITY: BASIC ENERGY CONSERVATION STEPS https://fcs.cornell.edu/departments/energy-sustainability/energy-management-overview/what-you-can-do-home-conserve-energy UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS: VEHICLE FUEL CONSERVATION https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/how-maximize-your-vehicles-fuel-economy AAA: VEHICLE FUEL EFFICIENCY https://www.aaa.com/autorepair/articles/How-To-Maximize-Fuel-Economy DEPT OF ENERGY: STRATEGIES TO CONSERVE FUEL https://afdc.energy.gov/conserve
ENERGY EFFICIENCY >>> Energy efficiency means that when you DO decide you have to use power or resources, you make sure to use as little as possible. This can mean using items that are built to be more efficient and use less power, such as Energy Star-rated refrigerators or AC units. Sometimes newer technology can be more efficient than older, but not always. A summertime laundry line can be more efficient than the latest dryer. So while energy conservation is NOT turning a light on, energy efficiency is using the lowest wattage high-efficiency bulb when you DO turn it on. Here are some links on efficiency: NEVADA COUNTY GOVT: ENERGY EFFICIENCY TOOLKIT https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/37819/Nevada-County-Energy-Efficient-Toolkit NEVADA COUNTY GOVT: ENERGY EFFICIENCY WEBPAGE https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/3198/Energy-Efficiency NEVADA COUNTY: OUR ENERGY ACTION PLAN https://www.mynevadacounty.com/DocumentCenter/View/35183/Nevada-County-Energy-Action-Plan NEVADA CITY: SUSTAINABILITY PLAN & RESOURCES https://www.nevadacityca.gov/pview.aspx?id=20800&catid=564 PG&E: RESIDENTIAL ENERGY-SAVING TIPS https://www.pge.com/en/save-energy-and-money/energy-usage-and-tips/residential-energy-savings-tips.html PIONEER COMMUNITY ENERGY: HOME ENERGY SAVING TIPS https://pioneercommunityenergy.org/residential/home-energy-savings-tips/ ENERGY UPGRADE CA: ONE-STOP PAGE FOR HOME EFFICIENCY https://energyupgradeca.org/home-energy-efficiency DEPT OF ENERGY: EFFICIENCY & CONSERVATION https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/use-of-energy/efficiency-and-conservation.php DEPT OF ENERGY: ENERGY STAR & EFFICIENCY https://www.energystar.gov/about/how-energy-star-protects-environment/energy-efficiency NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL: CLEAN FACTS ABOUT EFFICIENCY https://www.nrdc.org/stories/energy-efficiency-clean-facts QUICK PRIMER ON BOTH EFFICIENCY & BEHAVIOR https://www.eesi.org/topics/energy-efficiency/description UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS: VEHICLE FUEL CONSERVATION https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/how-maximize-your-vehicles-fuel-economy AAA: VEHICLE FUEL EFFICIENCY https://www.aaa.com/autorepair/articles/How-To-Maximize-Fuel-Economy DEPT OF ENERGY: STRATEGIES TO CONSERVE FUEL https://afdc.energy.gov/conserve DEPT OF ENERGY: ENERGY STAR GUIDE TO EFFICIENT HEATING & COOLING https://www.energystar.gov/sites/default/files/asset/document/HeatingCoolingGuide%20FINAL_9-4-09_0.pdf DEPT OF ENERGY: UPDATING & REPLACING WINDOWS https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/update-or-replace-windows DEPT OF ENERGY: ENERGY STAR WINDOWS & SKYLIGHTS TAX CREDIT https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal-tax-credits/windows-skylights MORE ON TAX CREDITS FOR EFFICIENT WINDOWS & DOORS https://environmentamerica.org/articles/energy-efficient-windows-and-doors-how-federal-tax-credits-can-help-you-install-them/
CLEANER ENERGY SOURCES >>> After practicing energy conservation and after using the most efficient methods for consuming energy when we do use it, the next step is having our energy sources be as clean as possible. Fortunately, as a result of state law, the utility grid in CA is getting greener every year and headed towards 100% clean energy. (Both Pioneer Community Energy and PG&E are fast approaching 50% renewable energy in their standard power mix.) While that is happening, there are already options for purchasing 100% green power from either PG&E or Pioneer Community Energy. And of course, there is producing your own clean power via the sun, using solar, . Here are links to use more clean energy: PG&E: ONE-STOP PAGE FOR SOLAR, BATTERIES, EV https://www.pge.com/en/clean-energy.html PG&E: INFO ON SOLAR https://www.pge.com/en/clean-energy/solar.html PIONEER COMMUNITY ENERGY: 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY RATE PLAN https://pioneercommunityenergy.org/residential/green100/ NEVADA COUNTY CONTRACTORS: LOCAL SOLAR COMPANIES https://business.nccabuildingpros.com/list/category/solar-systems-189?q=&c=189&sa=False NEVADA COUNTY GOVT: OFF-GRID SOLAR BASICS https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/3127/Off-Grid-Solar CA ENERGY COMMISSION: STATEWIDE CLEAN ENERGY DATA & STATS https://www.energy.ca.gov/data-reports/energy-almanac
UTILITY RATES >>> There are ways to save money using novel utility rates. PG&E customers can go to pge.com to model what your bills would be on different rates. There are also reduced-rates for low income homes and those with medical equipment at home (CARE, FERA, medical baseline rates, etc). Then there are rates for EV drivers that help incentivize late night charging. Note: Under CA law, homes are defaulted to what are called Time-of-Use (TOU) electricity rates that have higher prices during the "peak use" hours of 4-9pm daily. Power used outside that window is cheaper. Keep an eye on all power use during those hours. You also have options for clean energy rate plans. Here are links to explore rate plans: PG&E: FIND YOUR BEST RATE PLAN https://www.pge.com/en/account/rate-plans/find-your-best-rate-plan.html PIONEER COMMUNITY ENERGY: RESIDENTIAL RATES https://pioneercommunityenergy.org/residential/grass-valley-nevada-city-rates/ PIONEER COMMUNITY ENERGY: 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY RATE PLAN https://pioneercommunityenergy.org/residential/green100/#
UTILITY PROGRAMS >>> There are also ways to save money using special utility programs. Programs such as the SmartRate from PG&E and the Power Saver Rewards from Pioneer Community Energy, can save money during the summer, by avoiding power use during the hottest afternoons. There are programs offering utility rebates on various items, including back-up generators and batteries, thermostats, AC units, heat pumps, and EV charging stations. Some PG&E programs help you become part of group-aggregated efficiency efforts that pay you to conserve, via third parties like OhmConnect. And there is even a free Energy Coach program through PG&E. Here are links to explore utility programs: PG&E: ENERGY SAVING PROGRAMS & RESOURCES https://www.pge.com/en/save-energy-and-money.html PG&E: INCENTIVES & REBATES https://www.pge.com/en/save-energy-and-money/rebates-and-incentives.html PG&E: PROGRAMS TO REDUCE DEMAND ON CUE & SAVE MONEY https://www.pge.com/en/save-energy-and-money/energy-saving-programs/demand-response-programs.html PIONEER COMMUNITY ENERGY: PROGRAMS TO REDUCE DEMAND ON CUE & SAVE MONEY https://pioneercommunityenergy.org/residential/power-saver-rewards-program/ OHMCONNECT: PROGRAMS TO REDUCE DEMAND ON CUE & SAVE MONEY https://www.ohmconnect.com/comparison OHMCONNECT: HOW TO CONNECT A PG&E ACCOUNT https://www.ohmconnect.com/help/en_us/connecting-your-pg-e-utility-account-HyEUEwAru HOMEINTEL: FREE ENERGY ANALYSIS & COACHING FOR PG&E CUSTOMERS https://join.hea.com/ NEVADA COUNTY GOVT: ENERGY EFFICIENCY WEBPAGE https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/3198/Energy-Efficiency CA GOVT: ONE-STOP PAGE ON HOME ENERGY PROGRAMS https://climateaction.ca.gov/home-energy/
UTILITY COMPANY FAQ
Find out about local utility companies...
PG&E CONTACT INFO >>> As a PG&E customer, you can find out more info about your rate options, energy usage history, incentives for efficiency, and more, by calling PG&E at (800) 743-5000. We also recommend that you create a login and password at their website, which allows you to compare rates, see your home's historical usage, and explore utility incentives. You can create a login at pge.com.
PIONEER COMMUNITY ENERGY INFO >>> If you live inside the city limits of Grass Valley or Nevada City, or in Placer or El Dorado counties, you have the option to use Pioneer Community Energy as your preferred power supplier to PG&E. They do not replace PG&E as your new utility company. PG&E is still your utility company. Pioneer is simply an alternative source of power that is available to select PG&E customers who reside in an eligible city or county. See more at: PIONEER: RESIDENTIAL RATES https://pioneercommunityenergy.org/residential/grass-valley-nevada-city-rates/
PIONEER VS PG&E RATE INFO >>> Getting power from Pioneer Community Energy is not more expensive than PG&E, nor is it a scam or out of town hoax. Pioneer's basic residential rates are cheaper than PG&E rates, and their 100% green energy rate (Green100) costs less than PG&E's default rates. Pioneer is known as a CCA, or Community Choice Aggregator, which is a growing form of how CA communities can combine their buying power to serve their needs, and is run as a local nonprofit entity run by a Board of Directors comprised of local elected officials. For more info see: PIONEER: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS https://pioneercommunityenergy.org/faq/ CA PUBLIC UTILITES COMMISSION: CONSUMER INFO ON CCAs https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/consumer-support/consumer-programs-and-services/electrical-energy-and-energy-efficiency/community-choice-aggregation-and-direct-access-/consumer-information-on-ccas---frequently-asked-questions CA STATEWIDE CCA GROUP https://cal-cca.org/
PG&E CONTACT INFO FOR SOLAR HOMES >>> If you are a solar homeowner, connected to PG&E, and have questions about your solar billing and how it works, you can call a special PG&E hotline for solar homes, at (877) 743-4112. This bypasses the normal call line and ensures you get a solar-knowledgeable PG&E representative on the line. You can also call the company that installed the system, regarding billing and technical solar service-related questions. See also: PG&E: INFO ON SOLAR https://www.pge.com/en/clean-energy/solar.html NEVADA COUNTY CONTRACTORS: LOCAL SOLAR COMPANIES https://business.nccabuildingpros.com/list/category/solar-systems-189?q=&c=189&sa=False NEVADA COUNTY GOVT: OFF-GRID SOLAR BASICS https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/3127/Off-Grid-Solar
UTILITY ALTERNATIVES? >>> There aren't any official alternatives to PG&E utility power, other than choosing to live in an off-grid home, which many people do in the Sierras. This generally requires solar, batteries, and a generator, and several local contractors do these types of projects under a permit. Our area has pioneered off-grid living since the 1980s, and the building department has a process to follow. NEVADA COUNTY GOVT: OFF-GRID SOLAR BASICS https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/3127/Off-Grid-Solar NEVADA COUNTY CONTRACTORS: LOCAL SOLAR COMPANIES https://business.nccabuildingpros.com/list/category/solar-systems-189?q=&c=189&sa=False
POWER DURING OUTAGES >>> Power outages are more common here, due to the occasional mix of high winds, high temperatures, and dry conditions. What can you do to help get through these? Usually there is a day or two to prepare for living briefly without power, however the only options for safe power during an outage are batteries or a generator. There are small battery packs and generators that can be plugged into during outages, but keep in mind that if you're interested in larger whole-home back-up power systems, they should always be installed by a licensed contractor with a permit. Note: The county has experienced several house fires during outages, due to dangerous unpermitted generator installations. See also: LOCAL CONTRACTOR: GENERATOR FAQ https://pegv.net/generator-info LOCAL CONTRACTOR: LARGE WHOLE-HOUSE GENERATOR VS SMALL PORTABLE VERSION https://www.theoselectric.com/generator-nevada-city NEVADA COUNTY GOVT: GENERATOR SAFETY BASICS https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/2879/Generator-Safety PG&E: BACKUP POWER OPTIONS https://www.pge.com/en/outages-and-safety/safety/electric-safety/backup-power-safety.html PG&E: RESIDENTIAL BATTERY PROGRAM https://www.pge.com/en/outages-and-safety/outage-preparedness-and-support/general-outage-resources/residential-storage-initiative.html PG&E: REBATES FOR BATTERIES & GENERATORS https://www.pge.com/en/outages-and-safety/outage-preparedness-and-support/general-outage-resources/generator-and-battery-rebate-program.html
"POWER CONDITIONER" SCAMS >>> You may have read about special boxes and plug-in wall devices, sometimes referred to as power conditioners, that purport to save homeowners money. These unfortunately are not useful devices that would save a homeowner money. The best way to save money on your utility bill is to not use energy, or use as little as possible.
TIME-OF-USE RATES >>> As a homeowner in PG&E territory, you pay different rates for electricity based on the time of day. All homes are now defaulted to what are called Time-of-Use rates for their electricity use. This means power costs more during the hours of 4-9pm daily, which are the "peak hours" when more power is being used than any other part of the day. Avoiding power use during peak hours will save you money. PG&E: RESIDENTIAL PRICING INFOGRAPH https://www.pge.com/assets/pge/docs/account/rate-plans/residential-electric-rate-plan-pricing.pdf
PROPANE TANKS VS PG&E-PIPED GAS >>> Some area homes get only electricity from PG&E, while others get both power and natural gas piped in from PG&E. Generally speaking, those homes located in and near our small cities will get both gas and electricity from PG&E. Homes located in the unincorporated areas will just get electricity from PG&E, and have to supplement that with an on-site propane tank that gets filled by a local supplier. Here is an interactive tool on the impacts and cost of reducing your home's use of natural gas/propane: CA AIR RESOURCES BOARD: COMPARE GAS APPLIANCES TO ELECTRIC https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/technology-clearinghouse/technology-clearinghouse-tools/residential-appliance-comparison
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
for Homeowners
These incentives are designed to help property owners make easier purchasing decisions to conserve energy and get more reliable power.
There are incentives from the federal and state, and from utilities and manufacturers. There are even special incentives designed for veterans, families, senior citizens, low income homes.
Some incentives are rebates that come AFTER a project has been completely paid for, requiring the full cost to be paid upfront. However, there are now many options for financing energy upgrades for your home. Ask your lender or contractor for info.
FEDERAL INCENTIVES INFO >>> From tax credits to rebates, from EVs to solar panels, and from heat pumps to charging stations, there has never been a better time to make needed changes. Due to the nature of politics and government, some incentives are newer and still being rolled out, including a large suite of incentives that came from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. Examples of federal incentives, usually in the form of tax credits, include: - up to $7500 for a new EV, or up to $4000 for a used EV - 30% back on installing a home EV charger - up to $2000 for a heat pump - 30% back on solar systems and/or batteries We urge you to take action and help make a difference. And please spread the word! Here are some websites with more info on federal incentives: DEPT OF ENERGY: FINANCING & INCENTIVES https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/financing-and-incentives DETAILED DATABASE OF FEDERAL ENERGY PROGRAMS https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=US DEPT OF ENERGY: QUICK ENERGY STAR PAGE ON REBATES & TAX SAVINGS https://www.energystar.gov/products/ask-the-experts/get-federal-tax-savings-and-other-rebates-energy-efficiency-home-upgrades IRS: ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME IMPROVEMENT CREDIT https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/energy-efficient-home-improvement-credit IRS: HOME ENERGY TAX CREDIT INFO https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/home-energy-tax-credits GOOD QUICK GUIDE TO ALL FEDERAL ENERGY INCENTIVES https://www.constellation.com/energy-101/homeowners-guide-tax-credits-and-rebates.html GOOD INFO TAX CREDITS FOR HEAT PUMPS https://environmentamerica.org/center/resources/heat-pumps-how-federal-tax-credits-can-help-you-get-one/ BASIC INFO ON USED EV TAX CREDIT https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/22476/previously-owned-clean-vehicle-tax-credit DEPT OF ENERGY: ENERGY STAR WINDOWS & SKYLIGHTS TAX CREDIT https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal-tax-credits/windows-skylights GOOD INFO ON TAX CREDITS FOR EFFICIENT WINDOWS & DOORS https://environmentamerica.org/articles/energy-efficient-windows-and-doors-how-federal-tax-credits-can-help-you-install-them/
CA STATE INCENTIVES INFO >>> California has been a national and world leader when it comes to energy conservation, energy efficiency, and clean energy. Some incentive programs have been in place for decades. Our state currently has dozens of different policies and incentives addressing energy use in CA. With new funding from the federal Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the state of CA is administering rebate programs for whole-home energy retrofits, as well as home electrification work (insulation, air sealing, electric panel upgrades, new wiring, etc), and appliance replacements with Energy Star models. We urge you to take action and help make a difference. And please spread the word! Here are some websites with more info on CA state incentives: CA ENERGY COMMISSION: HOME EFFICIENCY REBATE PROGRAMS https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/inflation-reduction-act-residential-energy-rebate-programs CA GOVT: ONE-STOP PAGE ON HOME ENERGY PROGRAMS https://climateaction.ca.gov/home-energy/ CA GOVT: QUICK PAGE ON INCENTIVES https://californiaeda.com/california-energy-rebates-financial-incentives-for-energy-savings/ CA GOVT: WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BASED ON INCOME https://www.csd.ca.gov/Pages/Residential-Energy-Efficiency.aspx ONE-STOP PAGE ON ALL CA ENERGY PROGRAMS & INCENTIVES https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/ca FORBES: GOOD RECAP OF CA SOLAR INCENTIVES https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/solar/california-solar-incentives/ GOLDEN STATE REBATES: STATE-FUNDED REBATE PROGRAM FOR APPLIANCES https://goldenstaterebates.com/ ENERGY UPGRADE CA: FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE https://energyupgradeca.org/home-energy-efficiency/financing-assistance
UTILITY INCENTIVES INFO >>> PG&E offers various incentives for homeowners that can instantly decrease your energy use and save you money. You likely qualify for multiple incentives, helping you purchase items like generators, batteries, solar panels, EV charging stations, thermostats, heat pumps, water heaters, AC units, refrigerators, and more! We urge you to take action and help make a difference. And please spread the word! Here are some websites with more info on PG&E incentives: GOLDEN STATE REBATES: STATE-FUNDED REBATE PROGRAM FOR APPLIANCES https://goldenstaterebates.com/ PG&E: ONE-STOP PAGE FOR REBATES & INCENTIVES https://www.pge.com/en/save-energy-and-money/rebates-and-incentives.html PG&E: INCENTIVES FOR GREEN ENERGY https://www.pge.com/en/save-energy-and-money/rebates-and-incentives/green-energy-incentives.html PG&E: ONE-STOP PAGE FOR ALL POSSIBLE RESOURCES TO SAVE https://guide.pge.com/resources PG&E: RESIDENTIAL STORAGE INITIATIVE https://www.pge.com/en/outages-and-safety/outage-preparedness-and-support/general-outage-resources/residential-storage-initiative.html PG&E: REBATES FOR GENERATORS & BATTERIES https://www.pge.com/en/outages-and-safety/outage-preparedness-and-support/general-outage-resources/generator-and-battery-rebate-program.html PG&E: INFO ON SOLAR INCENTIVES https://www.pge.com/en/clean-energy/solar.html PG&E: FREE HOME UPGRADES BASED ON INCOME https://www.pge.com/en/save-energy-and-money/energy-saving-programs/energy-savings-assistance-program.html PG&E: SPECIAL PAGE FOR MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING UNITS https://pgemultifamily.com/ PIONEER COMMUNITY ENERGY: INFO ON FEDERAL & STATE INCENTIVES https://pioneercommunityenergy.org/inflation-reduction-act/
MANUFACTURERS' INCENTIVES INFO >>> Some equipment manufacturers offer incentives, rebates, and limited-time offers that create incentives for homeowners to buy their products designed to decrease your energy use and save you money. While there is no single catch-all website for these types of offers, we encourage local property owners to ask questions of contractors and keep their eyes open for special deals! Often, manufacturers use rebates that come after their product had been installed.
COMING SOON
To help foster bonds and enjoy the success of peers, we are working on creating peer groups to help encourage you as you make changes at home.
If this interests you, please contact us and we will add your name to the list of possible future energy-peers!
