family

Free Energy-Saving Upgrades

For Eligible Households in Central California

Make your home healthier and more energy-efficient— at no cost. This state-sponsored program provides free home energy assessments and energy-saving upgrades to help income-qualified households in Central California live more comfortably and affordably.

Do You Qualify?

Click “Do You Qualify” to access the eligibility calculator on the Get a Free Homecheck page.

family

Free Energy-Saving Upgrades

For Eligible Households in Central California

Make your home healthier and more energy-efficient — at no cost. This state-sponsored program provides free home energy assessments and energy-saving upgrades to help income-qualified households in Central California live more comfortably and affordably.

Do You Qualify?

Click “Do You Qualify” to access the eligibility calculator on the Get a Free Homecheck page.

happily family kitchen

Program Overview

Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) Program

  • Created by the California Legislature with administrative oversight by the California Energy Commission.
  • Primary goals: Help people save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Purpose: Provides and installs energy-efficient appliances and upgrades at no cost for qualifying households in underresourced communities.

You May Qualify Now if You …

Live in Bakersfield, Fresno, Los Banos, or Modesto.1
Meet income-eligibility requirements (Use the income eligibility calculator).
Own or live in a home built before 2020.2

1 Program plans to expand to other areas of Central California in the future.

2 Includes single-family homes, multifamily buildings, and mobile/manufactured homes.

Why Electric Upgrades Are Better for Your Home

  • Reduce your energy use.
  • Improve indoor air quality by removing gas appliances.
  • Make your home more comfortable.

couple home renovation

Available Upgrades Include:

  • Heating and cooling
  • Insulation and air sealing
  • Appliances and water heating
  • Lighting and air quality
  • Electrical wiring

Actual measures offered to participants may vary based on standard packages of measures—tailored to factors such as building type, climate zone, and other regional considerations—as well as the results of the home assessment.

Easy Steps to a Safer, More Efficient Home

How the Program Works

This process is designed to be straightforward with support from start to finish.

1

Complete your application

Establish your income eligibility and that you live in a qualifying community. Once we confirm you’re eligible for service, you’ll schedule a complimentary in-home assessment with Franklin Energy.

2

Get a free home energy assessment

An energy assessor will visit your home to evaluate your energy usage and create a customized plan for your home upgrades.

3

Review your upgrade options

We’ll explain which upgrades you qualify for and assist with the necessary paperwork.

4

Sign your participation agreement and prepare for installation

After you review and approve your upgrade plan, you’ll sign the participation agreement. A pre-qualified contractor will then contact you, apply for any required permits, and provide an estimated installation timeline.

5

Get your upgrades installed

Your contractor will complete the approved upgrades according to the plan and timeline.

6

Enjoy your no-cost energy upgrades!

Your home will be more energy efficient and comfortable — at no-cost to you.

See if You Qualify

Verify your household’s eligibility with the Income Eligibility Calculator by entering your address and ZIP code.

Who Qualifies for No-Cost Home Upgrades?

Determining Household Eligibility

Single-family homes are eligible if the household income is less than 80% of the area median income (AMI).
Multifamily buildings are eligible if at least 66% of households earn less than 80% of AMI, or if rent for at least 66% of units is affordable to such households.
Another option to qualify is to provide proof of enrollment in an eligible income-qualified assistance program.
What You Can Expect

The Program Promise

Simple, Supportive, and Fully Covered

The EBD Direct Install Program focuses on home energy upgrades and is designed to be straightforward and supportive, ensuring you have trusted local advisors from start to finish. Under the program, state and federal funds are used to cover ALL upgrades, appliances, labor, and installation costs.

No hidden fees or unexpected bills — just quality home improvements designed to help you save energy and enjoy a healthier home.

the program promise

image girl playing house

Funded to Serve

Program Funding

Backed by State and Federal Climate Initiatives

The Equitable Building Decarbonization Program is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Invest, formerly known as Cap-and-Trade, dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.

Partial funding is provided by the Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) Program overseen by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Enroll Today

Protect Yourself from Scams

Please beware of fraud! Only submit financial information through the application linked on this website. Do not provide your financial information to any other person or business claiming to offer. If you are concerned that you were lied to or scammed, we encourage you to contact the California Department of Consumer Affairs or call 1-800-952-5210, California's Office of the Attorney General, the Better Business Bureau, or your county’s District Attorney’s Office.

If you have questions, you may contact CSE who is the program administrator contracted with the State of California at ContactEBD@energycenter.org. You may also contact the state agency directly by reaching out to the California Energy Commission at equitablebuildingdecarb@energy.ca.gov.

Contact Us

Stay Informed

Sign up to get email updates on program launch dates, helpful tips on saving energy, and news on other free home appliances.