As a member of the campaign’s advisory committee, I am excited to announce the launch of the investAHSC campaign website to advocate for the Affordable Housing & Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program’s continued funding through the State of California’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. With its first three funding rounds, AHSC has invested more than $701 million statewide to build affordable housing Read More
This report published by the California Housing Partnership and the Association for Energy Affordability presents new findings on the climate and community benefits delivered by the Cap-and-Trade-funded Low-Income Weatherization Program (LIWP) Multifamily since its launch in 2016. The report finds that LIWP Multifamily has delivered on its ambitious goals, including: Statewide impact: The program has committed $54.4 million to invest in 90 properties Read More
During the Global Climate Summit last week, the Governor signed SB 1477 (Stern), which will incentivize low-emissions technologies for affordable housing. SB 700 (Weiner), which will incentivize energy storage, is currently on the Governor’s desk. Recognizing that we need climate solutions that support new affordable housing, the California Housing Partnership worked with housing, energy equity, environmental and industry organizations on Read More
Originally published in the California Adaptation Forum, April 19, 2018 Californians have suffered a devastating year of climate change impacts, ranging from wildfires to deadly heat waves. In communities where extreme heat is becoming the norm, rising energy costs threaten the health of children and seniors as families struggle to pay their utility bills. Low-income Californians pay the highest percentage Read More
Good news – the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) finally released its Proposed Decision to implement Assembly Bill 693 creating the $1 billion Solar on Multifamily Affordable Homes (SOMAH) program for affordable rental properties located in investor-owned utility territories! As a reminder, the CPUC is in the process of establishing guidelines for the SOMAH program, which will provide up to $100 million in Read More
On December 14, 2016, the California Energy Commission (CEC) approved the SB 350 Barriers Study mandated by Senate Bill 350 to address barriers for low-income households and disadvantaged communities to participate in energy efficiency and renewables opportunities. The purpose of the study is to identify how new legislation and joint agency efforts can establish transformative goals and policies to enable all Read More
On November 10, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a decision that dedicates $80 million to empower government and non-profit owners of rent-restricted affordable housing to participate in Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) programs for low-income households. The Green Rental home Energy Efficiency Network (GREEN) and Energy Efficiency for All (EEFA) Coalition* secured these funds and significant ESA program improvements Read More