Active ProgramLast verified: 2026-07-19

Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) — Free Electrification for Low-Income

Save up to

Free (100% covered for qualifying households)

Provider

California Energy Commission (CEC)

The Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) Direct Install Program provides completely FREE electrification upgrades — replacing gas appliances with efficient electric alternatives — for low-income, disadvantaged, and tribal communities. This CEC-funded program covers heat pump HVAC, heat pump water heaters, induction cooktops, and weatherization improvements at no cost to qualifying households. The program is actively operating in initial community focus areas including Yolo, Solano, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus counties — key NorCal Repairs service areas.

✓Must be in a low-income, disadvantaged, or tribal community
✓Prioritized based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 scores (pollution burden + population vulnerability)
✓Program covers Yolo, Solano, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus counties (among others)
✓Free for qualifying households — no income verification separate from community designation
✓Both homeowners and renters may qualify (with landlord permission for permanent installations)
✓Outreach in initial community focus areas began Winter 2025-2026

How to Apply

1Check if your community is in an initial focus area at energy.ca.gov/ebd
2Program administrators conduct outreach in eligible communities
3If contacted, schedule a free home energy assessment
4All qualifying upgrades are performed at NO COST to you
5If not yet in your area, register interest at the CEC website for future phases
6Meanwhile, PG&E ESA program offers similar free upgrades for income-qualified customers

Qualifying Equipment & Services

●Gas furnace replacement with electric heat pump
●Gas water heater replacement with heat pump water heater
●Gas stove/range replacement with induction cooktop
●Weatherization (insulation, air sealing, duct repair)
●Electrical panel upgrades needed to support electrification
●All equipment and labor provided free of charge

Related Services

Heat Pump Installation Water Heater Installation

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the EBD program available in my area?+

The program is in phased rollout. Initial focus areas include communities in Yolo, Solano, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus counties with high CalEnviroScreen scores. More areas will be added over time. Check energy.ca.gov/ebd for the latest coverage map.

How is EBD different from PG&E's ESA program?+

EBD focuses specifically on gas-to-electric conversions (electrification) in disadvantaged communities, while PG&E ESA provides efficiency upgrades (not necessarily electrification). EBD typically covers bigger-ticket items like heat pump HVAC and induction cooktops. Both are free for qualifying households.

Do I need to apply or will they contact me?+

Program administrators conduct proactive outreach in target communities. However, you can also register interest at the CEC website. If you're in a target community, you may receive a mailer or door-knock from program staff.

Can renters participate?+

Yes, renters can participate with landlord permission for permanent installations. The program handles landlord coordination. Renters in qualifying communities should express interest — the program is designed to reach them.