UPPER LAKE— A recent change to a long-running California program now allows Lake County homeowners to almost completely offset the cost of purchasing a solar battery for their new or existing home solar system.
Because periodic PG&E power shut offs are now part of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) strategy for wildfire prevention, the CPUC has expanded the eligibility of its long running Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) to include homeowners with “critical resiliency needs”.
The definition of “critical resiliency needs,” as it applies to Lake County, includes homeowners whose electricity was shut off during two or more power shut off events.
Lake County homeowners must also satisfy one of the following additional requirements: 1) qualify for PG&E’s medical baseline allowance 2) have notified PG&E of a serious illness or condition that could become life-threatening if electricity is disconnected 3) rely on electric pump wells for water supply.
For Lake County homeowners who don’t meet the above eligibility requirements, there is also a General SGIP fund that has rebates available for battery purchases.
Further information about the SGIP program and solar for your home will be provided at two upcoming educational programs: one at 5 pm on March 1 at the Middletown Art Center, 21456 State Hwy 175 in Middletown; and the second on March 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Habematolel Community Center, 9470 Main St in Upper Lake. You can also text or call Upstart Energy at 707-413-0044 for more information.
