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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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
