Energy Program Reaches Out to Homeowners

Energy Program Reaches Out to Homeowners.

The Palm Springs (CA) Desert Sun (7/7, Kaufmann, 36K) reports California's state-funded energy-efficiency program, Energy Upgrade California, offers homeowners rebates up to $4,000 but "has gotten off to a slow start since its official launch earlier this year." The program is re-launching outreach efforts, according to program coordinator Drew Henley, who works for California Center for Sustainable Energy and is helping with the effort. The program's first two years have $100 million from the state's budget, but officials are calling the program "underutilized." According to Rick Powell, owner of RMC EnergyWise Homes in La Quinta, "the still-sputtering valley economy and a lack of upfront financing options remain the biggest brakes on getting homeowner buy-in."