The Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) Program is offering home improvements and new appliances to qualifying Southern California residents at no cost.
These upgrades are designed to be more energy efficient, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve indoor air quality. Participants will not only lower their home’s environmental impact but also help reduce their exposure to common indoor pollutants.
To be eligible, you must meet all the following criteria.
In addition, the household must meet the following income criteria.
What is a program–eligible neighborhood?
Some neighborhoods have high energy bills, more pollution, or are more at risk from wildfires or heat waves. These areas may qualify for free upgrades. If you’re not sure, fill out an Interest form and someone will help you check.
For single-family and mobile homes: your household income must be at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI), or you must be enrolled in an income-qualified assistance program.
For multifamily properties: at least two-thirds of units must be at or below 80% of the AMI.
Not sure if your home qualifies? Submit an interest form and a community-based organization will help you check eligibility.
Nothing! The program pays for the assessment, equipment, installation, permits, and labor.
The program is fully funded by California Climate Investments and the federal Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) Program.
Common upgrades include:
These upgrades are designed to improve efficiency, comfort, safety, and indoor air quality.
A heat pump is a machine that moves heat from one place to another. It can warm a room or cool it like an air conditioner. The same kind of technology is also used in some clothes dryers and water heaters. It runs on electricity instead of gas and uses energy very efficiently.
Every home is different, so your package will be designed specifically for your home.
After a home assessment, the program will recommend the best improvements for your household, such as a heat pump heating and cooling system, induction stove, and/or other comfort and efficiency upgrades.
Complete the Interest Form. A local community-based organization will contact you, help you determine if you are eligible, answer your questions, and help you sign up.
Once enrolled in the EBD program, you will be assigned a Program Advisor who will work with you side by side through each step of the EBD process. They will keep you informed throughout the process and be your trusted coordination contact.
Only carefully selected contractors do the work. They are licensed, insured, and trained to install energy-efficient equipment. The program manages these contractors to make sure the work meets high safety and quality standards.
Yes! Renters can also participate, but property owner approval will be needed before the home assessment can be performed and upgrades can be installed. Since the retrofit(s) involve installing permanent appliances and equipment, the property owner must provide consent, sign off, and supply documentation of home ownership. Renters will need to coordinate with their landlords. The program also includes tenant protections to help prevent displacement or unfair rent increases.
You can fill out the Interest Form and a local community-based organization will walk you through the process and work with the property owner.
These are neighborhoods or regions the EBD program has identified because free clean energy upgrades will help them the most. They may have high energy bills, more pollution, more wildfires, or fewer programs for energy efficiency or electrification. The program begins in these places to help Californians who need it most.
The program is currently focused on specific priority communities. Starting in 2026, communities outside the initial focus areas may be considered for future phases if they are located in under resourced or disadvantaged areas. Information on future expansion and how communities can express interest will be shared as it becomes available.
Yes, but it’s easy. Your contractor will show you how to keep things working well with basic maintenance tips.
You’ll enjoy a more comfortable home, lower energy use, and healthier indoor air — all at no cost to you. Plus, your upgrades help reduce pollution and build a cleaner energy future for your community.
Good question! Scammers are out there. Don’t give your financial info (bank account numbers or passwords, for example) to anyone offering to get rebates for you. If you think someone is trying to trick you, call the California Department of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-952-5210 for advice or to report them. Or talk to your local District Attorney’s Office.
You may contact the SoCal EBD program via-
Email: ContactUs@socalEBD.org
Phone: 1-424-285-6602 (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Learn more about the California Statewide program.
Language assistance is available, at no cost to you. Call 1-424-285-6602 for service in your language.
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No. Both homeowners and renters can qualify for the program. Property ownership will be verified during the application process, but program eligibility is based on the income of the household residents, not the property owner.
The program includes tenant protections. For market-rate rentals:
If you participate in this program and believe that your rent went up because of the improvements, please contact: ContactUs@socalEBD.org
The program may provide additional funding for remediation measures such as electrical upgrades, asbestos or mold removal, and ventilation work.
The program requires the installation of a heat pump for heating and cooling or heat pump water heater, at a minimum. In addition, at least two of the four end uses (space heating, water heating, cooking, and clothes drying) must be electric after the retrofit. Full electrification is encouraged but not mandatory if it meets program funding eligibility.
Participants will receive a High Performance Home Plan following their Home Energy Assessment. The High Performance Home Plan provides personalized packages for you to select from and agree to before any installation happens.
Every home project is unique, and the duration of construction depends on the appliances being installed and any additional work needed. For most homes, workers will be in the home for about two days. More involved projects may take several days to weeks, but the program is designed to minimize disruption and keep construction time as short as possible.
The contracted installers are responsible for obtaining all required permits and ensuring compliance with state and local codes. You will be responsible for allowing inspectors access to conduct site inspections.
You’ll receive guidance on how to use and maintain your new equipment, along with contact info for any questions.