Regional rebates, pilots and concierge services aim to cut heat‑pump costs for Goleta residents

Regional partners on the webinar described a package of incentives, technical assistance and pilots meant to reduce the upfront costs and installation risk of electrification projects for Goleta residents.

"We offer rebates between $500 and $3,500 for the purchase of a qualifying battery electric vehicle," said Spencer Brandt, community relations manager for Central Coast Community Energy (3CE). Brandt outlined 3CE programs that include EV purchase rebates, a $3,000 rebate for EV charger equipment and installation, an EV-readiness rebate for pre-wiring, and the Electrify Your Home program that covers four equipment categories: heat-pump water heaters, heat-pump HVAC systems, induction cooktops and ranges, and portable heat-pump space conditioners for renters. 3CE also provides up to $100,000 per multifamily project and ADU incentives of $5,000 per unit (up to $10,000 per project). Brandt reminded attendees that rebates generally require customers to be 3CE customers and that permits must be finalized before application.

Naomi Newman of the Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3C REN) described additional incentive design and services. 3C REN calculates incentives based on expected energy savings; typical single-family incentives range from about $750 to $5,000 depending on the measure. Newman highlighted an equity eligibility pathway that raises incentive amounts for qualifying households and a concierge service (English/Spanish) to help applicants stack incentives, connect with enrolled contractors, and navigate applications. She also described 3C REN’s 3C Beach pilot, which monitors indoor and outdoor air quality before and after upgrades and provides participating households free upgrades plus $500 and dedicated staff support.

On program stacking, Newman and Brandt emphasized that most regional and local incentives can be combined but cautioned that the state Golden State rebates (a statewide program) are not stackable with some regional incentives that use the same CPUC-funded revenue stream. Attendees were directed to 3ce.org and 3c-ren.org for program details and to contractor directories (SwitchesOn and 3C REN’s enrolled-contractor list). Brandt said 3CE’s residential solar rebate is not active at this time; a residential battery rebate was fully subscribed and the board may consider program changes later in the summer.

During Q&A, panelists reiterated that costs vary by system type and site conditions — a ductless mini-split unit commonly ranges from approximately $500 to $1,800 per unit while ducted systems locally can cost roughly $4,200 to $7,600 — and that stacking incentives can substantially lower out-of-pocket costs. Presenters offered to follow up individually for complex multifamily projects and said they would email slides and resource links to attendees.

Next steps: residents seeking estimates were encouraged to use the concierge service, get multiple contractor bids, and consult the contractor directories to identify enrolled installers prior to applying for stacked rebates.