Martinez, CA
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Energy, Solar, Water
The City of Martinez is committed to being environmentally sustainable, and a big part of that commitment is to ensure we provide the resources our residents and businesses need in order to reduce their carbon footprint. Learn just how easy it is to be green, and pocket some energy cost savings in the process!
- Energy Efficiency Tips
- Water Conservation
- Backyard Composting
- Recycling and Composting Tips
- Explore the Alhambra Creek Watershed
Single Family Residents
Rebate/Incentive | Description |
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BayREN Single-Family Home Upgrades | BayREN offers home energy improvement rebates to single-family residents. The program provides free advising, access to rebates, and financing information. |
BayREN Green Labeling Program | Get to know your home’s energy efficiency before you make upgrades. BayREN offers rebates for home energy use assessments. This program is complementary to the BayREN Single-Family Home Upgrades program. |
Federal Tax Credits | Homeowners who complete energy efficiency upgrades or renewable energy installations may be eligible for Federal Tax Credits for 30% of the cost. |
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Programs (LIHEAP) | LIHEAP programs are designed to help low-income families with the burden of high energy bills. |
Weatherization Program | The Weatherization Program is a Federal and State funded program with the purpose of assisting those with low and/or fixed income in making their homes more energy efficient. |
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing | PACE is a financing mechanism that allows property owners to pay for upgrades over time (up to 20 or 25 years) through a line-item on their property tax bills. |
PG&E Energy Savings Assistance Program | Provides income-qualified customers with energy-saving improvements at no charge. |
PG&E Rebates | Rebates are available for various energy efficient appliances, including qualifying high-efficiency refrigerators, pool filtration pumps, and more. |
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency | DSIRE is a national database for all incentives & rebates available. |
Multi-Family Property Owners and Residents
Rebate/Incentive | Description |
---|---|
BayRen Multi-Family Building Enhancements | BayRen has a multi-family program that currently offers cash incentives for multi-family property improvements. The program provides free on-site consultations, rebates, and financing information. |
Federal Tax Credits | Homeowners who complete energy efficiency upgrades or renewable energy installations may be eligible for Federal Tax Credits for 30% of the cost. |
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Programs (LIHEAP) | The LIHEAP program is designed to help low-income families with the burden of high energy bills. |
Weatherization Program | The Weatherization Program is a Federal and State funded program with the purpose of assisting those with low and/or fixed income in making their homes more energy efficient. |
PG&E Rebates | Rebates are available for various energy efficient appliances, including $75/unit for a qualified high-efficiency refrigerator, $100/unit for a qualifying pool filtration pump, and more. |
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency | DSIRE is a national database for all incentives and rebates available. |
Business Owners
Rebate/Incentive | Description |
---|---|
BayREN Business Program | BayREN offers small and medium businesses a way to cut operating expenses up to 25% with equipment upgrades to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units, refrigeration, and lighting for no up-front cost. |
California Green Business Certification | A business that meet the standards can be recognized as a California Green Business, which distinguishes businesses that protect, preserve, and sustain the environment. The certification provides a great marketing tool. |
PG&E Business Rebates | Rebates are available to businesses for qualifying products such as new lighting systems, HVAC systems, power management software, ovens, and more. |
PG&E On-Bill Financing | Business and government agencies can receive on-bill financing through PG&E to replace old and worn-out equipment with energy-efficient models. Repayment terms are five years. |
Property Assessed Clean Energy Financing | PACE is a financing mechanism that allows commercial property owners to pay for upgrades over time (up to 20 or 25 years) through a line-item on their property tax bills. |
Business Energy Investment Tax Credit | Business owners can claim tax deductions on qualified installations of fuel cells, microturbines, and more. |
MCE Business Energy Assessments | Non-residential properties in MCE’s service area are eligible to receive no-cost energy assessments, rebates ranging between 40-100% of project costs, pre-negotiated contractor discounts, start-to-finish project management, post-project quality assurance, and low-cost loans and PACE financing. |
Database of State Incentives for Renewables &Efficiency | DSIRE is a national database for all incentives & rebates available. |
The City of Martinez has joined Contra Costa County and 12 other cities or towns in Contra Costa by voting to join MCE and support California’s renewable energy movement. MCE is a not-for-profit public electricity provider that offers 50% and 100% renewable electricity service options to its customers within the wider Bay Area.
In keeping with the statewide Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32), the City of Martinez adopted a Climate Action Plan (2009) setting goals for reducing harmful greenhouse gases, conserving energy and natural resources, and preparing the community for the expected effects of global warming. One way the City is meeting its goals is by providing customers with the option of reducing the emissions from their electricity service.
Beginning in April 2018, MCE became the default electricity provider in Martinez. PG&E continues to transmit and distribute the electricity, maintain power lines, and handle all billing. Residents currently have the following options for electricity generation:
- MCE's "Light Green" power supply, which is made up of 50-percent renewable power, is the default for Martinez customers.
- Customers can choose to "opt-up" to MCE's "Deep Green" 100-percent renewable option or MCE's "Local Sol" 100-percent local solar option by clicking on the link below.
- Customers who wish to return to PG&E service can chose that long-time power provider, whose energy is sourced from about 30-percent renewables. To do so, you need to "opt-out" of MCE service, and can do so by clicking on the link below.
Contact MCE for any questions about their service:
Email: info@mceCleanEnergy.org
Phone: 1 (888) 632-3674 (Mon-Fri 7a.m. – 7p.m.)
La página web de MCE está disponible en español aquí.
How It Works
Cost
MCE's goal is to have rates that are competitive with PG&E. Rates are approved by MCE's Board of Directors, made up of an elected official from each participating City and County. Check MCE's and PG&E's websites for the most up-to-date rates. MCE's website has a residential and commercial sample cost comparison.
Discount Customers
Customers enrolled in MCE still receive their full CARE/FERA and Medical Baseline discounts. There’s no need to reapply, and no change in the discounted rates. Contact PG&E and MCE for more information about how overall rates compare.
Solar
Customers with rooftop solar, or who are interested in going solar, can learn more about MCE's Solar Net Energy Metering Policy, rates, and incentives. For detailed questions about solar rates or Time of Use rates, please call MCE's call center at 1 (888) 632-3674.
Billing
PG&E will still send your monthly bill, but instead of one fee that combines both your electric delivery fees and electric generation fees, your bill will show separate charges – one for PG&E electric delivery and one for MCE electric generation. MCE’s generation rates will simply replace PG&E’s generation rates; they are not an added fee.
Enrollment
All eligible electricity customers in Martinez received four mailers from February to June 2018 notifying them of the transition to MCE service. Martinez residents also received additional information in their water bills during the February/March 2018 bill runs. Residents and businesses who did not choose to opt-up to MCE’s 100-percent renewable service or to remain with PG&E’s service were automatically enrolled in MCE's "Light Green" power supply, which is made up of 50-percent renewable power. The MCE enrollment period ended with the close of the June billing period.
For more information on the enrollment process and MCE's outreach efforts, view the Enrollment Timeline under “Resources and More Information” below.
Reading Your Bill
Find out how to read your utility bill.
Resources and More Information
- FAQ
- Enrollment Timeline
- Martinez Climate Action Plan
- International Panel on Climate Change
- Greenhouse Gases and their Impact on Climate
- Community Choice Energy Information and FAQ (MCE resources)
- State Greenhouse Gas Mandates (AB 32)
Resource | Description |
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DSIRE | A national database for all incentives and rebates available. Also provides information on new renewable energy legislation. |
Energy Efficient Mortgages | New homebuyers may be eligible for low-rate mortgages and tax incentives. Visit the website for more information. |
Energy Saver - U.S. Department of Energy | Find energy saving tips, DIY project guides, rebate information, and more. |
ENERGY STAR Commercial Food Service Equipment for Businesses | Upgrade commercial food service equipment and save on utility bills. |
ENERGY STAR Office Equipment Savings | Find out the savings potential from upgrading to ENERGY STAR qualified office equipment. |
ENERGY STAR Refrigerators Energy Savings Calculator | Learn how much you can save by upgrading to an energy efficient refrigerator. |
Greener Cars | A comprehensive guide to green vehicles from the American Council of Energy-Efficient Economy. |
HomeCalc | Calculate the benefits of investing in ENERGY STAR certified home appliances. |
NREL - Saving Energy in Commercial Buildings Checklist | A comprehensive checklist for small to large businesses. |
PG&E Energy-Use Audit Services | Assess your businesses' energy use to help you figure out how to save on your bill. |
Smarter House - Home Efficiency Guide | A comprehensive guide to an energy efficient home from the American Council of Energy-Efficient Economy. |
Solar Calculators | Calculate costs, paybacks, and electricity productions for solar energy systems to help you make a decision about going solar. |
Utah Clean Energy - Energy Efficiency at Home | Provides simple solutions for saving energy, money, and reducing your carbon footprint. |
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