On May 13, 2015 the City of Nevada City approved the Energy Action Plan (EAP) as the City’s roadmap for expanding energy-efficiency and renewable-energy, as well as the associated cost-savings from these efforts. To view the document, please click here.
Nevada City's Sustainability Team Goals - To view the Goal Matrix, please click here.
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 For example, replacing outdated and inefficient bulbs with highly efficient LEDs is just one simple change that can save you money each month.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 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 Savings Assistance Program 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.
Project Go Inc. Residential Program
Project Go Inc. administers the low-income home energy assistance and weatherization assistance programs in Nevada City.
Sierra Nevada Energy Watch (SNEW) Business Program
SNEW, administered by Sierra Business Council, delivers cost effective energy efficiency projects to businesses, non-profits, and governments in 11 counties across the Sierra Nevada region including Nevada County. Over 1700 PG&E customers have taken advantage of this program since 2010. The SNEW team provides free audits, facilitates the rebate and incentive process with PG&E and provides guidance in selecting contractors at no charge. Additionally the SNEW team can facilitate PG&E’s 0% on-bill financing program for qualifying energy-efficiency projects. To schedule an audit or discuss your options, call Sierra Business Council at 530-582-4800. For more information, please visit the SNEW Landing Page.
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.
PACE Programs
Special financing may be available to you if you are considering energy/water efficiency infrastructure improvements to your property. Financing known as P.A.C.E. (Property Assessed Clean Energy) help home and business owners pay the initial cost of improvements, such as solar panel installation and allows them to pay that cost back over an agreed upon term and rate through their property tax bill. The City Council has adopted three programs, all of which serve both residential and commercial properties, allowing them to operate within the City limits. Please contact the program administrators below to determine your eligibility.
HERO
mPower Placer Business Program, Residential Program
Nevada City has partnered with this Placer County administered program that provides fixed-rate, no money down financing to residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural and multifamily property owners who want to install energy efficiency, water conservation retrofits and renewable energy systems repaid on their property tax bill.
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 the Nevada City community by creating jobs and generating energy from alternative sources that are abundant and widely available.
City of Nevada City 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 Nevada City. 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.
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 5th year of drought, reducing water waste helps us conserve the limited water we have, as well as save the energy needed to deliver it.
Nevada Irrigation District
Nevada City’s water is supplied by the NID, which offers resources on water efficiency, seminars and workshops, and conservation/ drought information.
Nevada City WaterWise
Nevada City WaterWise will not only help save residential water customers money but will help foster sustainability, provide conservation education, take pressure off of aging water treatment and delivery infrastructure, and ensure environmental preservation of our beloved watersheds and waterways.
For more information on how you can conserve water and energy in your home or business, visit WaterSense Indoors and Outdoors. You can also find information about the California Drought Rebate Program here.
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
Sierra College Sustainable Energy Programs
PG&E Solar Education and Workshops
Additional Resources
Cool California Funding Wizard
Energy Upgrade California
Energy Star
Save Our Water