CHOC Energy: Free Decarbonization Services for Low-Income Residents
by José Tomás Díaz
CHOC Energy offers free weatherization services through the PG&E Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA) in Alameda, Contra Costa, Napa, Sacramento, Solano, and Yolo counties, and is planning to incorporate electrification into it’s offerings soon as well. Through CHOC, low-income residents can lower their utility bills by saving energy and water, while simultaneously contributing to California’s goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2045.
CHOC weatherization services include energy education, minor home repairs, weather stripping, attic insulation, caulking, installation of fluorescent lights and smart thermostats, and replacement of doors, and refrigerators. In addition, CHOC Energy is rolling out a new program that aims to contribute further to the decarbonization of low-income communities through the electrification of living spaces. Upcoming electrification services will include the installation of heat pump water heaters, and solar panels.
James Mowdy, Director of Corporate Communications, suggested those interested in learning more about CHOC could have a look at their new blog, as well as the recently launched CHOC Energy Instagram, with new posts launched last week.
Vice President Fabiola Ortiz explains a bit about what’s currently happening at CHOC Energy on the website: “The operation here at CHOC Energy is focused on upskilling our workforce. Our current staff has years of experience weatherizing homes, including: energy education, minor home repairs, door replacements, showerheads, thermostats, attic insulation, and more. This foundation serves us well, to build upon. For this reason, I’ve placed a select group of technicians in training to obtain their EPA Certification. We also have another team currently receiving HVAC training on heat pump technologies. The technicians are very excited about these new training opportunities, and I hope to create new and innovative growth opportunities for them. It’s absolutely created new energy and buzz within our division, which is wonderful. Our ultimate goal is to create several trained and certified crews to perform new electrification installations as the State of California moves towards greener technologies, as well as create new and varied employment opportunities within our division.”
Find out if you qualify for free energy services from CHOC
For a family of 4, gross yearly income must not exceed $69,375. See the full income chart at the CHOC website. Your home cannot have been treated under the program unless prior to 2017.
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More about CHOC Energy
More information about CHOC’s Energy Savings Assistance Program can be found on their website. You can also follow them on their Instagram @chocenergyca for updates on their services.
José Tomás Díaz Casanueva is a volunteer with the Cool Davis Household Engagement Planning Team currently working on planning sustainability and resilience programs for multi-family housing. José studied at Pontificia Universidad Católica in Chile and at UC Berkeley and is an environmental engineer practicing in Davis.
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