EL MONTE — Free home energy reviews are available to El Monte residents who want to better understand household energy use and potential savings. The program gives renters and homeowners personalized recommendations and information about rebates and assistance programs.
The City of El Monte is promoting the eSGV Residential Energy Assessment program for San Gabriel Valley households. The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments offers the service in partnership with the Southern California Regional Energy Network, or SoCalREN.
The assessment uses a “whole house” approach rather than focusing on one appliance or improvement. Staff examine factors throughout a residence that contribute to energy use and efficiency.
A Personalized Look At Energy Use
During an assessment, eSGV staff review a home and identify opportunities that could reduce energy consumption. Residents then receive a customized home energy action plan with immediate and long-term recommendations.
The plan can help households decide which changes make sense for their residence and budget. Recommendations depend on the home, its existing equipment and current energy use.
Residents also receive information about utility incentives, rebates, federal programs and rate-reduction assistance that may offset qualifying costs. The assessment itself comes at no charge.
The program does not promise a specific reduction in utility bills. Instead, free home energy reviews give residents information to evaluate possible improvements and identify assistance programs for which they may qualify.
Residents can learn more or schedule an assessment through the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments’ eSGV program.
Renters Can Participate In Reviews
The program is open to renters as well as homeowners, making the service accessible to households that do not own their property.
Tenants may not have authority to replace major equipment, windows or other building systems. An assessment can still identify smaller steps that may reduce energy consumption.
The eSGV program also offers resources designed specifically for renters. Those materials can help tenants understand efficiency options and programs aimed at reducing household energy costs.
Homeowners considering larger projects can use the assessment as a starting point. The review can identify areas where investments in energy efficiency may be beneficial before owners commit to upgrades.
Free Home Energy Reviews Connect Resources
The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments works with SoCalREN to connect residents, property owners, contractors and public agencies with regional energy-efficiency resources.
SoCalREN is administered by Los Angeles County and funded by California utility ratepayers under the oversight of the California Public Utilities Commission. Its residential programs provide information and resources intended to help households improve energy efficiency.
More information about regional residential programs is available through SoCalREN.
For El Monte households, the eSGV service provides a no-cost way to examine energy use before deciding whether to make improvements. Renters and homeowners can use the recommendations to compare options, explore financial assistance and make informed choices about their homes.
