Landmark Legislation Encourages Electrification
Across California, homeowners, renters, and contractors alike will soon see the benefits of new State legislation that streamlines permitting, offers virtual inspections, strengthens ratepayer protections, and provides new opportunities for electrical upgrades and portable (balcony!) solar systems.
The following, recently-signed bills help advance climate goals through electrification in buildings:
- SB 222, the Heat Pump Access Act, becomes the nation’s first statewide effort to simplify the permitting process for heat pumps—helping Californians install clean heating and cooling systems more quickly, easily, and affordably.
- AB 1738, the Remote Virtual Inspection Act, requires local governments to offer remote inspection options for common residential projects—such as installing heat pumps or solar—while still upholding strong safety standards.
- SB 905, adds sections to the Public Utilities Code relating to electricity, to strengthen ratepayer protections and utility accountability, including oversight of utility profits associated with wildfire-related spending.
- AB 2313, known as the Home Energy Choice Act, requires utilities to offer incentives to homeowners to electrify their homes rather than automatically replacing existing gas hookups.
- SB 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, removes interconnection requirements and fees for portable or “balcony” solar systems, expanding access to cost saving solar options for residents, particularly renters and people living in multifamily housing.
Read a summary of recently-signed bills from the Heat Pump Partnership.
State Looks to Local Industry Professionals for Guidance
Clearer language and more visual educational resources in the Energy Code were just some of the ideas that came forward during last week’s Energy Code Forum in San Luis Obispo. The forum, hosted by 3C-REN and the California Energy Commission (CEC), brought together local building professionals and state agency staff to explore practical solutions to challenges in Energy Code compliance.
Several important themes emerged throughout the panel and round-table discussions. Participants emphasized the need for resources like photos and videos to help translate code requirements into practical applications, as well as clearer, more accessible language to make the Energy Code easier to understand and apply in the field. Stronger communication and collaboration across all sectors of the building industry was another recurring theme.
The forum also provided an opportunity for attendees to connect with representatives from 3C-REN, the CEC, Energy Code Ace, and SLO Climate Coalition to learn about available resources, technical assistance, and other opportunities to support energy efficiency across the Central Coast.
3C-REN extends a sincere thank you to the CEC staff and the panelists, attendees, and community partners who helped make this forum a success. We appreciate everyone who contributed their time, experience, and perspectives to these important conversations. The insights shared will help inform ongoing efforts to strengthen Energy Code education, better support building professionals, and advance Energy Code compliance across the Central Coast and beyond.
Incentives Update
- Single Family Home Energy Savings participants can receive up to double the incentives for projects in Ventura County completed by Sept. 30, 2026. Incentives are even higher for customers who meet equity criteria!
- Multifamily Home Energy Savings projects can now receive 30%–40% higher rebates when including heat pumps for water heating or HVAC in their project scope and reserving funds by Dec. 31, 2026.
- Commercial businesses, non-profits, and government buildings that meet equity criteria can now receive 33% higher incentives for projects completed by Dec. 15, 2026.
- Contractors can sign up anytime. You can also check The Switch Is On’s Incentive Finder for additional rebates in your area or contact our 3C-REN team at info@3c-ren.org.
What's New?Introducing Our New Staff
Greg Bloom, Program Specialist, Ventura County
I help expand the reach of our Building Performance Training program, working closely with building professionals, students, community members, and industry partners to streamline access to our free educational courses and technical resources. I love to help develop our regional workforce and scale up skills in sustainable design and construction.
CivicSpark Fellows
CivicSpark is a national service program that builds local government workforce capacity, supports community-driven solutions to local planning needs, and develops future civic leaders.
3C-REN and Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are hosting two CivicSpark Fellows for the 26-27 service year to help expand 3C-REN’s reach and impact in local communities:
Keaton Povinelli, Santa Barbara
I support 3C-REN’s energy-efficiency and electrification education programs for students from elementary school through college. I also manage our DIY Toolkits and portable induction cooktops, which are available for check-out at libraries across our three counties.Sofia Curto, San Luis Obispo
I support 3C-REN’s marketing and outreach strategies, working across our many programs to promote events, trainings, and digital media resources.
Visit our staff page to meet the rest of our talented team.
Code Coach Corner
Wondering which Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) compliance documents require registration?
This month’s blog post clarifies which forms require registration, where they should be generated, and when to look for a CHEERS watermark during plan review to ensure applicable energy code documentation requirements are met. Check out the tip sheet on our new blog post!
Upcoming Events
OUR FINAL GREEN DRINKS HAPPY HOUR!
Thurs, Nov 12 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Mission Audio/Video, Santa Barbara
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Thurs, Nov 12 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Virtual
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Fri, Nov 13 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
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Thurs, Dec 3 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Virtual
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Thurs, Dec 10 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Virtual
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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.
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