Goleta Goes Electric with Fee Waivers for Heat Pump Permits
The City of Goleta has made electric heat pumps even more affordable for residents by waiving permitting fees for projects installing qualified electric heat pump water heater and HVAC systems at time-of-replacement for fossil fuel appliances. The fee waivers can be utilized in both single and multi-family residential buildings.
Installing electric heat pumps in Goleta sometimes requires acquiring a range of permits, including electrical, plumbing, and mechanical, depending on the type of project. Waiving the fees for typical smaller-scale residential projects can save around $300, which is stackable with other electrification incentives available in the area.
When applying for permits, applicants will need to indicate that their project includes installation of an electric heat pump. The applicable fees will then be waived upon approval and confirmed completion of the project. Learn more about the City of Goleta’s Heat Pump Permit Fee Waiver program and building electrification at the City’s website. The permit fee waivers are available until the program’s $10,000 pilot funding is exhausted.
2025 Annual Report Released
On April 15th 3C-REN published its 2025 Annual Report. Marking its seventh year of service to the tri-county region, 2025 was a year of continued investment towards a more efficient, decarbonized, and resilient Central Coast.
The year was marked by numerous successes, including:
- Distribution of $3 million in energy efficiency incentives for energy upgrades serving 1,000 households and businesses.
- Participation at 150 public events connecting educators with current and emerging building professionals around the topics of building performance and the energy code.
- Providing increased support to the region’s agricultural community as well as to critical facilities in need of technical support like energy audits and program referrals.
Together, these efforts led to a reduction of 206,413 therm* savings across our programs and 643 tons of avoided greenhouse gas emissions, 3,073 attendees educated at energy efficiency and energy code events, and technical assistance provided to eight agricultural customers and critical facilities.
The report includes an executive summary and chapters for each of 3C-REN’s seven programs featuring key data, case studies, and fun photos of the 3C-REN team and partners out in the field! Read it here.
* A therm is a unit of energy content; the same as 100 cubic feet (2.83 cubic meters) of natural gas at standard temperature and pressure.
Incentives Update
Contractors can sign up anytime. You can check the Switch is On Incentive Finder for other rebate programs available in your area — or contact our concierges at the links above.
What's New?
Introducing Our New Energy Concierges!
Got a question about electrification? 3C-REN’s commercial and single-family energy concierges get you the answers you need to make your home or business more energy efficient.
Multifamily Concierge staff provide property owners and managers with incentive guidance and one-on-one technical assistance. For Multifamily concierge service, please complete the interest form or email info@3c-ren.org.
Commercial Concierge Paul Whang connects local businesses with practical resources and incentives to save energy. Paul translates his experience in clean energy initiatives to the Central Coast’s business community, and he’s here to help your commercial enterprises implement cost-effective tools and technologies.
Contact Paul at 805-892-1066 or pwhang@3c-ren.org
Single Family Concierge Naomi Newman teaches residents how electrification makes homes more comfortable, energy-efficient, and safer—and plugs them into rebates and incentives that make it affordable, too! Naomi’s experience working on education and outreach for Santa Barbara County gives her the background she needs to assist homeowners along their electrification journey.
Contact Naomi at 805-957-7843 or info@3c-ren.org
Itzel Torres supports Spanish-speaking residents and businesses by helping them navigate the incentive landscape and connect to the resources needed to make informed decisions about home and commercial energy upgrades and electrification. Through culturally responsive outreach and bilingual support, she guides residents through each step of their electrification journey so they feel informed, confident, and supported.
Contact Itzel at 805-767-1204 or info@3c-ren.org
Code Coach Corner
Upcoming Events
Wed, June 17 @ 8:00 am – Thurs, June 18 @ 5:00 pm
This two-day hands-on course, designed by Electrify My Home, provides a robust intro to residential building electrification. CEUs available.
Register Here
Wed, May 13 @ 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Virtual
Register Here
Thurs, May 14 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Virtual
Register Here
Tues, May 26 @ 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Virtual
Register Here
Wed, May 27 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Virtual
Register Here
All 3C-REN programs and services are free to participants in the tri-county region.
3C-REN offers ICC CEUs and AIA LUs for many of our educational events.
Pass it along! If you found this newsletter valuable,
please share with a friend or colleague.