News Summary
San Diego has introduced the HEART program to assist low-income residents impacted by the severe floods in January. The initiative provides rebates to replace damaged appliances with energy-efficient ones at no cost. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the program targets households earning less than 80% of the area median income, and will cover up to 100% of appliance and installation costs. A webinar is scheduled to provide more details about applying for the program and resources available for contractors.
San Diego has unveiled a new rebate program aimed at assisting low-income residents affected by the devastating floods in January 2024. The Home Electrification Affordability Rebates and Technical Assistance (HEART) program is designed to help these residents replace damaged appliances and switch to energy-efficient alternatives at no cost to them.
The HEART program will reimburse selected applicants for up to 100% of the costs associated with acquiring energy-efficient appliances. This initiative includes essential household items such as stoves, dryers, air conditioners, and water heaters, in addition to expenses related to permits, labor and installation, and disposing of old appliances. The program is a part of the city’s wider efforts to support recovery and provide financial assistance to those most in need.
Funding for the HEART program comes from the U.S. Department of Energy as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant program. The city has structured the program to target those most affected by the floods that occurred in December 2023 and January 2024, particularly within communities identified as vulnerable.
To qualify for the rebate, applicants must meet specific income requirements. Households must earn less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). For example, a family of four must have an annual income of less than $132,400, while a single-person household should not exceed $92,700. The program is open to both homeowners and tenants, and those who receive approval in the first phase will be prioritized.
Future phases of the HEART program may broaden eligibility by including households earning less than 120% of the AMI. For a family of four, this threshold increases to $156,950, and for an individual, it adjusts to $109,850.
Residents interested in applying must start by filling out a pre-screening application. Upon approval, applicants will need to gather necessary documentation, which includes proof of income and other relevant details. Once all requirements are satisfied, successful applicants will receive a rebate reservation.
Participants in the program can select contractors from the city’s Approved Contractors Directory for the installation of their new appliances. These contractors will conduct home visits and provide estimates for installation work. Following installation, residents must submit receipts and verification documents to finalize their rebates.
The city will publish a list of eligible, pre-approved appliances qualifying for the rebate program. Residents are advised to refrain from purchasing any appliances until they have received approval from the city to ensure they select items that meet the program criteria.
For those needing assistance and further information about the HEART program, a free webinar is scheduled for Thursday, July 10, at 10:30 a.m. This online session will outline the rebate program in detail and answer any questions about the application process. Additionally, contractors interested in offering rebates can apply for pre-qualification, with an online training session planned for Tuesday, July 15, at 10:30 a.m.
Comprehensive details regarding eligibility, application processes, and additional information about the HEART program can be accessed on the city’s website at sandiego.gov/heart. This initiative marks an essential step for San Diego in assisting its community members recover from the recent flooding while promoting energy efficiency in homes.
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