Energy

Energy

Find out about renewable energy information and services.

Featured resources

Drive electric on a budget

Factsheet on switching to electric vehicles. Includes information on cost benefits, charging stations, tax rebates, and buying options to help you choose an affordable and energy-efficient driving option.

Spectrum Community Services

Spectrum’s HEAP & Weatherization Services are available to Alameda County residents looking for utility bill payment assistance and energy efficiency services. *Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)* HEAP is a federally-funded program to help low-income households pay their energy bills. Assistance is in the form of a direct payment to the utility company on behalf of an eligible applicant. Eligibility is based on the household’s total monthly income, which cannot exceed the HEAP income guidelines listed on the website. Federal HEAP funds are for households with low incomes and high energy costs, prioritizing households with elderly, disabled persons and/or children under six years old. *Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program* Weatherization helps by upgrading a home by installing products that makes the home more energy-saving. Homes being weatherized stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The average yearly savings is over $400 per household. As a federally-funded program, Spectrum can give energy-saving measures to people who meet our eligibility requirements. Priorities are placed on households with seniors (60+), disabled, and children under 6. *What they can provide:* - Heater Replacement - Water Heater Replacement - Attic and Floor Insulation - Window and Exterior Door Repair or Replacement - Low-flow Showerheads and Faucet Aerators - Fridge Replacement or Repair - Range Replacement or Repair - Weather-Stripping - Energy-Saving Light Bulbs - Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms - Microwaves *For Weatherization Call:* Talk to a staff member at 510-881-0300 ext. 272 For HEAP, Call 510-881-0300. Dial x 214 for Spanish

Local tips & resources

Aerotecture, Ltd.

Aerotecture International seeks to radically transform the dominant paradigm of energy production and consumption around the globe. Blending the concepts of aerodynamics and architecture, Aeroturbines are wind electric turbines designed to be attached to buildings or integrated into the very form of buildings. With Aeroturbines, buildings and other structures will not only consume electricity, but produce it onsite.

California Department of Community Services and Development -- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Administers the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in California. The federal Department of Health and Human Services distributes funds to states annually to assist with energy bills and offset heating and/or cooling energy costs for eligible low-income households. California's share is distributed to contracted community energy service providers. See website for income guidelines and energy services provider directory.

California Department of Community Services and Development -- Weatherization Assistance Program

The U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program (DOE WAP) delivers energy conservation services to low-income Californians. The Weatherization Assistance Program reduces the heating and cooling costs for low-income families by improving the energy efficiency of their homes and ensuring their health and safety. Among low-income households, the program focuses on those with elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and families with children. See website for income guidelines and energy services provider directory.

Center for Resource Solutions (CRS)

CRS is a nonprofit that creates policy and market solutions to advance sustainable energy.

Checklist for Saving Energy

Factsheet on saving energy. From low cost tips to larger investments for your home, helping you save in the long run.

Drive electric on a budget

Factsheet on switching to electric vehicles. Includes information on cost benefits, charging stations, tax rebates, and buying options to help you choose an affordable and energy-efficient driving option.

Ecology Action

Nonprofit environmental consultancy delivering cutting edge education services, technical assistance, and program implementation for initiatives that assist individuals, business and government to maximize environmental quality and community well being. Continually seeking innovative ways to instill environmental awareness, promote pragmatic change, and create opportunities for individuals, businesses, and community agencies to save money, create jobs, and contribute to a sustainable local economy.

Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)

EPRI does research into alternative and present power funded by surcharge on electricity bill. They have a library and technical assistance available to the public.

Food Service Technology Center (FSTC)

Providing energy efficiency consulting services to the commercial food service industry, including: Restaurant owners and operators, institutional food service providers, cooking equipment manufacturers and kitchen designers. A Certified Green Business program, funded by California utility customers, administered by Pacific Gas & Electric Company under the auspices of the California Public Utility Commission, and operated by Fisher-Nickel, inc.

Grid Alternatives

The nation’s largest nonprofit solar installer, GRID provides free solar-installations to low-income households, certifies volunteers and trainees in installing solar panels, and participates in community solar installations. GRID also lobbies for policies to support equitable access to solar power, especially to low-income and indegenous groups. Visit their website to get your free solar installation, get trained to install solar, or read about their other work.

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