Amador County Energy Action Plan

On May 26, 2015 the Board of Supervisors adopted the Energy Action Plan (EAP) as the County's roadmap for expanding energy-efficiency and renewable-energy, as well as the associated cost-savings from these efforts. and renewable-energy, as well as the associated cost-savings from these efforts. 

*Here are several ways you can take advantage of this report:

Energy Efficiency

We use energy every day in our homes and businesses to power our lights, appliances, heating and cooling systems, and other electronic devices. Energy efficient practices allow us to enjoy the comfort and performance of these modern conveniences while keeping our energy use, and our utility bills, low. Upgrades can make a huge difference in your energy bills. For example, replacing outdated and inefficient bulbs with highly efficient LEDs is just one simple change that can save you money each month. Home weatherization improvements, like changing out single-paned windows with double or triple paned, offer better insulation and can also reduce the costs of heating or cooling your home.

Making your home or business more energy efficient is a straightforward process with a variety of rebate and incentive programs at your disposal. Click the following links to learn more about existing programs that can help increase your energy efficiency:

PG&E Home Money Saver  Residential Program

Access the latest rebate information, catalog, and buyers guide for your next energy efficient upgrade with this interactive home money saver tool.

Energy House Calls (presented by PG&E) Residential Program

Use PG&E’s Home Energy Checkup to find out where the energy in your home is being used, and find out more information about projects, rebates and programs that can help make your home more energy efficient and lower your monthly energy costs.

Energy Savings Assistance Program  Residential Program

The Energy Savings Assistance Program provides income‐qualified customers with energy‐saving improvements at no charge.

Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency (ATCAA) Residential Program

ATCAA administers low-income home energy assistance, home weatherization, and  water conservation programs in Amador County.

PG&E Rebates and Incentives for Businesses Business Program

PG&E offers non-residential customers rebates and incentives for a variety of energy efficient products for companies, including lighting, HVAC, boilers and water heating, refrigeration, business computing, and more.  A full list of current rebates can be found using the PG&E money back tool.

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is energy that comes from natural resources, such as sunlight, wind, water, biomass, and geothermal activity. Local renewable energy projects can benefit Amador County by creating jobs and generating energy from alternative sources that are abundant and widely available.

Amador County Solar Roadmap Business Program, Residential Program

The Solar Roadmap is used to understand what actionable steps will be the most cost-effective for the community as it transitions to renewable energy. Each goal is designed for easy implementation and is prioritized for Amador.  It provides resources for owners of businesses and residences to learn more about solar opportunities.

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit Residential Program

Homeowners may claim a tax credit of 30% of qualified energy efficient expenditures, such as labor costs for on-site preparation, assembly or original system installation, and piping or wiring to interconnect a system to the home.

Federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit Business Program

A taxpayer may claim a tax credit of 30% for solar, fuel cells, small wind systems or 10% for geothermal, microturbines and combined heat and power systems (CHP), aka cogeneration systems. Qualified expenditures covered include labor costs for on-site preparation, assembly or original system installation, and for piping or wiring to interconnect a system.

Tax Exemption for Farm Equipment and Machinery Business Program

This partial exemption from state sales and use tax applies to solar photovoltaic systems that are primarily used to power farm equipment and machinery. Qualifying systems can be connected to the local electricity grid and used to offset the farm's electricity use via a net metering agreement with the local utility. This tax exemption is also applicable to wind machines and could apply to other energy efficient farm equipment.

Visit the Department of Energy's Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency website (DSIRE) to explore more state and federal incentives and rebates at https://www.dsireusa.org/.

Follow these links to learn more about incentives and financing options for PG&E customers who are looking to upgrade to solar energy and save:

PG&E Solar and Renewables  

PG&E Solar Water Heating

PG&E Financing Options for Solar and Renewable Energy Systems

Water Energy Conservation

There is significant energy used in the transportation and treatment of water. As California approaches its 5^th year of drought, reducing water waste helps us conserve the limited water we have, as well as save the energy needed to deliver it.

 For more information on how you can conserve water and energy in your home or business, visit WaterSense Indoors and Outdoors. 

 Amador Water Agency (AWA)

AWA offers free water-conserving shower heads, faucet aerators and toilet conservation kits to AWA customers. They also provide a simple Home Water Audit that customers can complete to save water and money.

Energy Efficiency Job Training Opportunities

As counties, cities and towns across California take advantage of energy efficiency resources and adhere to new environmental regulations, new jobs and opportunities are popping up left and right. Take a look at these sites dedicated to creating jobs, training new workers and giving seasoned professionals the updated information they need.

• GRID Alternatives
•  Everblue green jobs training
• PG&E Solar Education and Workshops

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Energy Upgrade California
• Energy Star
• Save Our Water
• 2005 GHG Emissions Inventory - Final Report
• 2010 Greenhouse Gas Inventory - Final Report.pdf
• The Homeowners Guide to Solar Financing – http://www.letsgosolar.com/solar-panels/financing/
• Solar Tax Credits & Incentives – http://www.letsgosolar.com/solar-panels/financing/tax-credits/
•  Guide to Solar Energy Grants – http://www.letsgosolar.com/solar-panels/financing/grants/
• Reduce Energy and Saving Money mini-pamphlet
• PGE's 25 Money Saving Tips for Business Owners eBook
• How to Reduce Energy and Save Money Booklet
• Going Solar Packet

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