A Hero's Journey

Taking Charge of Your Energy Use.

When MBCP launched its Monterey Bay Electric Vehicle Incentive Program it was no surprise that Thomas was the first resident to turn in his application. With a work commute to San Jose State University and California State University Monterey Bay, this Salinas local was ready to replace his older Nissan Leaf with a higher range EV at significant savings.  

Thomas' income qualified him for a $4,500 incentive from Monterey Bay Community Power and applied it towards his down payment and with the dealership savings and rebates, he drove off the Santa Cruz Volkswagen lot with a leased e-Golf for just $9,000!

“If I could sum up what I want others to know about MBeVIP it would be this,” shared Thomas, “it’s a fantastic opportunity to get into a zero-emission, clean-energy powered vehicle that costs less to drive than a conventional car. The entire process of shopping and eventually leasing the vehicle (from VW of Santa Cruz) was seamless.”

As a caregiver for his mother Thomas was happy to demonstrate how her wheelchair and walker both fit in his new EV with ease.

Even with his lengthy commute, Thomas finds himself charging his new EV only twice a week with his Level 2 EV charger, electrified by solar panels that he received through GRID Alternatives' SASH program. Thomas quickly earned the nickname “Rebate King” when we learned that he also participated in the Save Our Water Turf Replacement Rebate, receiving $2,000 to transform his water and energy-dependent yard into a drought-tolerant oasis.

Programs like Save Our Water, SASH and MBeVIP allow our friends, family, and community to be energy stewards…. and they inspire us all to become a Clean Energy Hero.