Tri-Valley Energy Challenge to Help Homeowners Save Money

by John M. Zukoski

 Homeowners in Dublin, Pleasanton and Livermore, CA can now take advantage of additional incentives for energy-saving home improvements through the recently launched Tri-Valley Energy Challenge. As part of their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the three cities are working together to ensure Tri-Valley homeowners can make the most of the available rebates from Energy Upgrade California, a statewide program that offers rebates and incentives for homeowners to make energy-efficient home improvements. Additional rebates may be available through local cities. The rebate can now be up to $6,000.

Dublin, Pleasanton and Livermore have teamed up with Green Home Solutions, a leading provider of energy evaluations and home-performance improvements, to give homeowners a discounted $99 home energy assessment – up to 75 percent in savings – and an additional 10 percent off an energy upgrade. Green Home Solutions recently participated in a similar Energy Challenge in Stockton and Sacramento that resulted in over 120 home energy upgrades.
“Dublin, Pleasanton and Livermore’s Tri-Valley Energy Challenge is a great example of how cities can work together to help homeowners save money and energy, and to reduce Alameda County’s overall environmental footprint,” said Wendy Sommer, Principal Program Manager at StopWaste.Org, the local government agency that is leading Energy Upgrade California in Alameda County. “If you live in the Tri-Valley, there’s no better time to improve the energy efficiency of your home because rebates and incentives like these don’t come along every day.”
Dublin, Pleasanton and Livermore are co-hosting three free workshops for homeowners who want to learn more about available rebates, tax credits, and the benefits of a home energy upgrade.

• Wednesday, October 26th, 6:30PM-8:00PM at the Pleasanton Veterans Memorial Building
• Thursday, October 27th, 6:30PM-8:00PM at Livermore Library Community Room
• Saturday, October 29th, 10:00AM-11:30AM at Dublin City Council Chambers

An energy upgrade can increase a home’s efficiency by 10 to 40 percent through “fixed” improvements like insulation, duct sealing and energy-efficient windows. To achieve the greatest efficiency gains and help homeowners qualify for the largest incentive available, Energy Upgrade California emphasizes a “whole house” approach, rather than piecemeal improvements, as the most efficient and effective way to save money while saving energy. For more information, homeowners can visit www.EnergyUpgradeCA.org or call (855) 464-8484.
Energy Upgrade California just launched a new fundraiser for schools called Energize for the Prize. When Alameda County homeowners sign up for a home energy upgrade, the school of their choice will receive $100. The school that signs up the most households between now and April 2012 will earn an additional $5,000. Pleasanton Partnerships in Education Foundation is the first school organization in the Tri-Valley to sign up.