AB 354: Energy efficient appliance rebate program.

The existing Warren-Alquist State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Act establishes the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission and requires the commission to prescribe, by regulation, standards for minimum levels of operating efficiency to promote the use of energy- and water-efficient appliances whose use requires a significant amount of energy or water on a statewide basis. Existing law requires that the minimum levels of operating efficiency be based on feasible and attainable efficiencies or feasible improved efficiencies that will reduce the energy or water consumption growth rates. Existing law prohibits a new appliance manufactured on or after the effective date of the standards to be sold or offered for sale in the state unless it is certified by the manufacturer thereof to be in compliance with the standards. Existing law requires the commission to administer various programs to improve energy efficiency.

This bill would require the commission, by July 1, 2022, to create a 3-year appliance rebate program to provide eligible residential customers of an electric utility or gas utility with monetary incentives to purchase new appliances that meet energy star or similar energy efficiency standards approved by the commission. The bill would limit eligibility for the program to those customers with annual household incomes that are no greater than 200% of the federal poverty guideline levels. The bill would limit rebates to appliances purchased for an eligible customers primary residence and limit a customer to no more than 3 rebates during the term of the program. The requirements of the bill would become operative upon the appropriation of sufficient funds in the Budget Act to implement the bills requirements.