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Press Release: Money for Energy Efficiency

Wednesday July 07, 2010 - 03:29:00 PM

Starting today, Berkeley residents and building owners can apply online for cash rebates through the Money for Energy Efficiency (ME2) Program. ME2 is a federally funded program that provides rebates, incentives and direct installation of energy upgrades such as attic, wall and floor insulation and draft and duct sealing for Berkeley homes and businesses. The program covers Berkeley residential units at all income levels as well as commercial, industrial, and multifamily buildings. 

ME2 for Berkeley is designed to:
• substantially lower the cost of energy efficiency improvements;
• help Berkeley residents and businesses save money on their energy costs;
• improve building comfort, safety, and durability; and
• reduce our community’s carbon footprint. 

Money for Energy Efficiency is funded through a million dollar federal stimulus grant awarded to the City of Berkeley by the U.S. Department of Energy. 

The City of Berkeley is providing rebates of up to $5,000 for single-family/duplex units (for a total of $8,500 including PG&E rebate) and mini-grants of up to $30,000 for multifamily buildings and commercial properties. These cash incentives are available for deep energy retrofits that result in at least a 20 percent energy improvement. Comprehensive energy audits are required before and after the energy upgrade. Funding is available for more than 400 residential and multifamily units for energy-saving projects. 

The ME2 program is an important component of the City’s Climate Action Plan and is designed to help the community achieve a 33 percent reduction in GHG emissions by 2020. Through the program, the City of Berkeley expects that residents and business owners will save more than $100 million dollars in net energy savings by 2020 and create 19 local green jobs this year alone.  

"The Money for Energy Efficiency program demonstrates how protecting the environment can create jobs and help businesses and property owners save money," said Neal DeSnoo, Energy Officer for the City of Berkeley.  

Find out which ME2 program is right for you (based on property type, income level and geographic location). Learn more and apply at: www.cityofberkeley.info/me2/ (Note that you may not apply before 8 AM, July 6. In order for your reservation to be considered, you must print, sign and return the Application for Money for Energy Efficiency (ME2) within 14 days of filing your application.) 


Contact: Neal DeSnoo, Office of Energy and Sustainability, (510) 981-7439