We would like to provide an update on the SoCalREN Energy Upgrade California® Home Upgrade Program.
Upcoming Program Changes: Effective July 5, 2017, the following changes apply to all SoCalREN Home Upgrade program projects submitted on or after July 5, 2017. An updated Contractor Manual further detailing the following will be posted to the program website for download and use.
- The Reservation deadline is extended from 60 to 90 days.
- Language added to clarify the measure-specific supporting documents required for all projects.
- Projects will be deemed inactive if a response to a data/document request is not received within seven (7) days.
- Projects that become Inactive will now be immediately closed out within one (1) business day of becoming Inactive and will require to be resubmitted as a new project if the project is still viable.
- Declined or expired projects will need to be resubmitted to continue with the incentive application. Incentive funds will no longer be reserved for expired projects.
- Insurance requirements shall now be maintained by contractor per program agreements and contractor will provide copies upon request.
- Language added to clarify that homeowners may not receive incentives for the same measure twice within a five-year period. Exceptions may apply to houses with multiple HVAC systems with separate ducts and/or where the current efficiency standard is exceeded by the new system.
- Health and safety requirements must be met in order to receive incentive approval. Language added to clarify PACM, Knob and Tube surveys, and updated CO action levels to meet SoCalGas® requirements.
- QC mentoring will be tracked per BPI test-out individual performer instead of contractor company.
- Change orders received after the project was inspected will need to be inspected again. Exceptions apply on a case-by-case basis depending on the change order received and may incur a fee for re-inspection.
- Utility bills are now required when the application is submitted.
- The Incentive Calculator has been updated to match program requirements (removed one base measure requirement, changed high performance window U factor requirement from 0.32 to 0.30, and removed R30 attic insulation measure).
Name Update: SoCalREN is phasing out the The Energy Network name and brand and will promote all offerings under the Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN) name and brand. During this transition, program websites, documents and other materials will be updated to reflect this change.
Program documents such as the Wall Certificate and Invoice Template will remain the same in structure and content, but will be updated to be consistent with new contractor manual updates and SoCalREN name.
Statewide Branding Update: Energy Upgrade California has rolled out new branding. Local programs, such as SoCalREN Energy Upgrade California Home Upgrade, and participating contractors like you, can continue to use materials with the previous Home Upgrade brand until December 31, 2017. The program team will provide an update when the new brand becomes available for use by participating contractors.
Reminders:
- The Program is currently set to close on December 31, 2017, however may continue in 2018 subject to CPUC authorization not expected to be received till late 2017. More information will be communicated in Q4 2017 as to pending applications and projects.
- Contractor support is available to you as a participating contractor, so please continue to leverage our team for assistance.
- The SoCalREN program portals for project processing will remain unchanged throughout 2017. Please continue to process your SoCalREN projects through the Contractor Portal, and contact the team if you have any questions or issues.
