Through the LIFT pilot program, MCE aims to expand the reach of their carbon-reducing energy programs to low-income customers so they can benefit even more from lower bills and improved quality of life. Everyone has the right to affordable, clean, renewable energy service and programs, and MCE and the City of Richmond will continue to work to ensure that income level will not be a barrier to access. This program layers an extra $1,200 per unit on the Multifamily Energy Savings Program rebate for energy and water savings measures for income-qualified properties. $1,200 per unit is available to fund energy efficiency improvements and appliances in 1,400 multifamily units for items such as pipe insulation, more efficient lighting, Energy Star refrigerators, and air conditioners.
The LIFT program builds upon the success of MCE’s Multifamily Energy Efficiency program, which has already distributed $433,424 in rebates for 1,785 units in affordable properties. In 2017, MCE committed another $107,240 in rebates for affordable properties. Property owners that utilize both the LIFT program and MCE’s existing Multifamily Energy Savings program can have up to 80 percent of the total project costs covered through the combined rebates.
To participate in the program, residents are required to be at or below the 200 percent Federal Poverty Guidelines. This income qualification was determined by the California State Legislature and is the same as CARE eligibility requirements, allowing CARE customers, who receive a minimum 20 percent discount on gas and electric rates, to automatically qualify for LIFT.
