Yes, there are specific incentives for energy storage in high fire threat areas through the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP). Here are some key points regarding these incentives:
Key Incentives
- Equity Resiliency Rebates: These rebates are particularly targeted at homeowners living in Tier 2 and Tier 3 High Fire-Threat Districts (HFTD). The rebate rate is $1,000 per kilowatt-hour, which can cover close to 100% of the cost of an energy storage system, bringing the cost down to nearly free for eligible residents. To qualify, residents must meet additional criteria such as being Medical Baseline Customers, meeting low-income specifications, or relying on an electric well pump.
- Eligibility Criteria: Residents who have experienced two or more Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events are also eligible, alongside low-income households and those with medical vulnerabilities. Critical facilities like fire stations, emergency response centers, and healthcare facilities in these areas can also benefit from these incentives.
- Additional Financial Benefits: Any out-of-pocket costs not covered by SGIP rebates may be eligible for the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit, providing additional financial savings to homeowners.
Program Availability
These incentives are available to customers of major utilities such as Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) through their respective program administrators. The CPUC has allocated over $1 billion for SGIP through 2024, emphasizing support for communities in high fire-threat areas.
Application Process
Homeowners can navigate the application process by reaching out to certified installers or using online resources provided by their utility companies. Some installers may cover upfront costs and handle the application process on behalf of the homeowner.
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