Many households across Los Angeles are struggling with the high cost of energy. With ever-rising electricity costs, saving on power is a hot topic for many families, and this is where the Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) program comes in. The ESA program is designed to aid eligible customers in conserving energy and reducing their monthly electricity bills. This program is particularly beneficial for income-qualified customers, providing them with energy-efficient appliances at zero or minimal charges, inclusive of installation.

The application process for the ESA program is simple and entirely online, ensuring a seamless and confidential process. Once you apply, your eligibility is determined, and if you meet the program’s requirements, you are referred to an authorized contractor within your locality.

Understanding how the ESA Program Works

The ESA program operates in three distinct stages, all delivered by SCE (Southern California Edison) approved contractors:

1. Qualification and Assessment: To qualify for the program, you must meet specific household income guidelines. After determining your income eligibility, an authorized contractor conducts a home assessment to gather the necessary information. This data aids SCE in deciding whether installation of one or more appliances or services is viable.
2. Service Delivery: SCE-approved contractors handle the installation of appliances and services, such as weatherization, at your residence.
3. Inspection: The final stage involves an inspection to ensure the installed appliances or services meet SCE’s quality standards. If any issues are detected, corrections are made free of charge.

Eligibility for the ESA Program

To be eligible for the ESA program, you must meet the following qualifications:

• You must be a homeowner or a renter with electric services through a residential meter.
• Residing in a single-family home or a mobile home is necessary. Note that residences with four or fewer units are considered single-family homes.
• An active SCE service account is required.
• You should meet appliance replacement/installation requirements for each service.
• In addition to these, you need to meet either Option 1 (Public Assistance Programs) or Option 2 (Household Income).

Offered Appliances and Services

Once qualified, SCE customers may be eligible for a variety of energy-efficient appliances and energy-saving services. These offerings are divided into two categories: Basic and Basic Plus offerings. The exact appliances and services you qualify for are determined by the information collected during the home assessment.

While Basic offerings cover essential upgrades such as lighting, refrigerator replacement, smart thermostat installation, and weatherization services, the Basic Plus offerings take it a step further, incorporating AC replacement and installation, among others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people have questions about the ESA program. We address some of these common queries below:

• Can I participate if I rent my home? Yes, the ESA program is open to homeowners and renters alike. For renters, the property owner’s permission may be required.
• Do I need to pay to participate? Participation is free for homeowners and renters. However, a co-payment from the landlord may be necessary in some situations.
• Can I do the work myself and get reimbursed? No, all work must be carried out by SCE-approved contractors trained for the ESA program.
• Does an appliance come with a warranty? Yes, a two-year warranty is offered on parts and labor, while a one-year warranty is given on installation.

Additional Resources

The ESA program provides resources to enhance your knowledge on energy conservation and cost-effectiveness. The Energy Education Guide offers tips on improving your home comfort and reducing your energy bill. Additionally, if you live in a disadvantaged community and are considering solar, you may qualify for a free solar system from our partner, GRID Alternatives.

Lastly, if you do not qualify for the ESA program, you may still take advantage of one of SCE’s other energy efficiency programs. For more information on this and other programs, call 1-800-736-4777.

The ESA program is a golden opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and services and save on energy costs. It is funded by California utility ratepayers and administered by Southern California Edison under the California Public Utilities Commission’s guidance. It is a first-come, first-served program, and services are delivered until funding is expended or the program is discontinued.

For more information on the ESA program and how you can apply, visit the program’s official website. Be part of the energy-saving revolution and start saving today!