Where do you live? Many disadvantaged communities in the Inland Empire have been selected for investment as a result of California’s cap and trade program. Check this map to see if your home is located in a red zone that may benefit from California Climate Investments Program, a $2 billion state program with goals everyone can appreciate. The expected outcome of this initiative is to improve public health, reduce greenhouse gas, and expand the clean energy economy.
Salvador Jimenez of Perris is one of the first GRID IE homeowners to benefit from the Program when we installed a solar system on his house in July. (Watch media coverage on NBC here!) Sal and his wife Alicia operate a small, home-based day care and believed solar power was beyond their reach financially. He commented, “Even though it makes sense to get free energy from the sun, we would not be able to install solar panels without financial support.” Sal was always looking for ways to cut expenses as increasing electric costs continued to eat his limited resources. He became increasingly anxious as he was concerned bills would begin to impact his business and ultimately his family.
Lucky for Sal, his home is located within the Program’s investment zone. He began to learn how GRID, as a community-based nonprofit organization, could help cut 50-75% off his electric bill without requiring high credit scores, bills, or home equity. He couldn’t believe the solar panels and labor to install were no cost to him. As the Program was explained in greater detail, Sal began to understand the work was volunteer-based, a concept he embraces in his own life. Sal volunteers for Lighthouse Community Church in Perris, helping out whenever he can.
Sal soon recognized the benefits GRID had to offer and agreed to install solar panels. Since his family was one of the first to take advantage of climate investments, state and local leaders gathered at his home to talk about the Program. “California’s climate policies are delivering results for communities right here in Riverside County,” said Assemblyman Jose Medina. “It’s vital that we continue to press forward on clean energy policies that save consumers money, combat climate change and create good jobs for Californians.”
The event was also attended by representatives from California Delivers, a large coalition of businesses and individuals focused on extending the benefits of Climate Investments in California. They show their support by promoting projects that reduce contributions to climate change, including affordable housing, transit subsidies and expansion, clean fuel buses, natural resources, tree planting and intercity rail.
As volunteers, neighbors, media, and other supporters left his house, Sal remarked, “We’re grateful for this Program, and the money we save on electric bills will really make a difference for our family.” His initial skepticism had been replaced by an urge to spread the word about GRID Alternatives. Sal said, “I will invite people to my house and show them my power bill. This is a great program and it helps people!”
Is YOUR home in the red zone? Complete this form or contact GRID today about qualifying for our low-income solar energy assistance program. You can reach us at 888-496-4743 or ieoutreach@gridalternatives.org. We will be using proceeds from the California Climate Investments Program to provide rooftop solar to more than 1,600 families. Don’t delay as this Program concludes in 2016!