California Solar Initiative Low-Income Incentive Program Development

On January 12, 2006, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) committed to set aside 10% of the overall CSI funds for low-income customers and affordable housing projects.

On August 21, 2006, the Legislature directed the CPUC to provide incentives for "eligible solar energy systems", including existing low-income residential housing that accommodates the limited financial resources of low-income residents by January 1, 2008.

On February 5, 2007, the "Assigned Commissioner's Ruling Revising Schedule for Phase 2" directed half of the low-income incentive budget to be designated for the single-family, owner-occupied, low-income residential housing, and half the budget to be designated for multi-family, low-income residential housing.

On April 17, 2007, the CPUC Energy Division staff issued a proposal with a draft plan for the Low-Income Incentive Program for Single-Family Homes. On April 30, 2007 a workshop will be held to discuss the proposal. Following written comments, both formal and informal, the Commission drafted a proposed decision on the solar incentive program for low-income, single-family homes on October 17, 2007.

On July 16, 2007, proposal on the multifamily low-income incentive program was developed and jointly filed by the CSI Program Administrators: PG&E, SCE and California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE). A workshop was held on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 to discuss the multifamily proposal. Following written comments, the Commission will draft a proposed decision on the solar incentive program for low-income, multifamily residential housing.