Our Mission
Helping Californians Reduce Grid Dependence
California’s Energy Initiative helps homeowners in wildfire-prone and underserved areas use self-generation systems to reduce grid dependence. It focuses on improving energy reliability, lowering costs, and building safer, more sustainable communities across California.
After years of wildfire damage, California utilities shifted focus from rebuilding old infrastructure to supporting locally distributed energy systems. These programs help stabilize the grid and make clean, reliable power more accessible to homeowners.
Supported by Utilities
Local utility partners review and approve qualified self-generation systems submitted through trusted third-party administrators. Eligible homeowners can receive bill credits for contributing to community-based energy solutions.
Process
Your Path to Energy Independence
Follow these four steps to lower your bills, protect your home, and switch to clean, reliable power.
01
Schedule Your Assessment
Book a free home visit with a certified program administrator to confirm your eligibility for local energy incentives.
02
Get Approved
Once verified, your application is reviewed by your utility provider to confirm funding and equipment eligibility.
03
Install Your System
Certified installers set up your self-generation system to reduce costs and grid use.
04
Enjoy Energy Independence
Store clean power, lower monthly bills, and stay protected during outages with reliable utility support.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to own my home?
Yes. If you don’t own the home, someone listed on the property title must be available during the assessment.
What do you need from me?
The program administrator will need access to your electrical panel (usually outside or in the garage) and a recent copy of your electric bill.
Are there any hidden fees or charges?
No. Assessments are completely free, and there are no hidden costs or surprise fees at any step of the process.
Can I reschedule my assessment?
Yes. Contact us at (877) 743-1143 and we’ll help you reschedule quickly at a time that works best for you.
How long does the process take?
Most assessments are completed in one visit, and applications are typically reviewed within 2–4 weeks depending on your utility provider.
What happens after approval?
If your home qualifies, installation partners will contact you to finalize your system setup and connect it to your utility for ongoing benefits.
Power Your Home, Secure Future
Get started with California’s self-generation incentives and gain energy independence today.
Blog
Latest Blog Posts

California Energy Initiative vs californiaenergyinitiative.org: Clearing Up the Confusion (2026)
Searching "California Energy Initiative" turns up two different websites. Here's the difference between cainitiative.com and californiaenergyinitiative.org, why they get confused, and how to confirm which one you're dealing with.
Jul 9, 2026

Small Wind for California Homes: Where It Actually Makes Sense (2026)
Can a home wind turbine work in California? For most homes, no — but for the right rural site it can. Here's what small wind needs, what it costs, and how it compares to solar in 2026.
Jul 7, 2026

How VPP Payments Work: What a California Homeowner Actually Earns (2026)
What does a Virtual Power Plant actually pay? Here's how VPP earnings work in California in 2026 — per-event rates, enrollment bonuses, and realistic totals by utility.
Jul 5, 2026

NEM 3.0 Explained: What Changed and What It Means for Your California Bill (2026)
NEM 3.0 cut what California utilities pay for exported energy by about 75%. Here's what changed, who it applies to, and why pairing storage with solar now matters more than ever.
Jul 3, 2026

