UPDATE: Healdsburg Electric Customers Not Eligible for Winterizing Help From Sonoma Flex Program

NOTE: This story was updated on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012.

Kathy Goodacre, of the Regional Climate Protection Authority, offers this clarification about the Sonoma Flex Package program posted on Patch last week:

"Healdsburg Electric customers have access to a variety of energy efficiency incentive programs, including those offered by Energy Upgrade California-Sonoma County.

"However, the Sonoma Flex Package incentive is available to utility customers who have both electric and gas service provided by Pacific Gas & Electric. This is because the Flex Package program is a pilot project that is based on energy saving averages of homes utliizing data for both electric and gas.

"Healdsburg Electric Department, as a Publicly Owned Utility, provides energy efficiency programs and other incentives to Healdsburg Electric customers.

"To find out more about the specific programs and eligibility visit either of the following websites: www.energyupgradesonoma.com, or the Electric Department of the City of Healdsburg at www.cihealdsburg.ca.us"

Following is the original story that triggered questions about Healdsburg homeowners eligibility:

Incentives to reduce home energy use are now available from the Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority on a first-come, first-served basis.

The incentives are available through the Sonoma Flex Package, a new incentive program that enhances the current Energy Upgrade California™ program to help Sonoma County homeowners undertake affordable upgrades that improve the home’s comfort, health, and energy efficiency. 

 “There has never been a better or more affordable time for Sonoma County homeowners to upgrade their homes for comfort, health, and efficiency," said Sonoma County Supervisor Valerie Brown, Chair, Regional Climate Protection Authority.

"Energy Upgrade California in Sonoma County has some of the best programs in the state to help homeowners make their homes warm and comfortable this winter,” she adde

 Energy Upgrade California, a state energy savings program launched in 2010, helps property owners reduce their energy use, save money, and improve comfort.  The program provides homeowners with incentives, financing, and access to Participating Contractors who are trained experts in building performance and energy efficiency. 

Sonoma Flex Package is a pilot program of Energy Upgrade California, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Better Buildings Program and administered locally by the RCPA, which worked closely with local Building Performance contractors to design the program. 

 The purpose of the Sonoma Flex Package pilot is to provide homeowners a flexible option to participate and make energy upgrades to their home while working with a limited budget. This program provides $1,500 to $2,500 in rebates and a flexible menu of efficiency measures to help the contractor and homeowner choose the most sensible energy upgrades for the home. 

Flex Package rewards homeowners with greater incentives when they combine upgrades that optimize the home’s comfort, safety, efficiency, and energy savings. 

“Qualified Home Performance Contractors are enthusiastic about Sonoma Flex Package, a program that will afford homeowners the opportunity to make those needed energy improvements, especially with the seasonal change upon us,” Craig Lawson of CALCBS said.  

“This will allow us to make home improvements resulting in increased comfort, health and safety while reducing their energy bills,” he added.

 Using an innovative system, assigning a point value to upgrades based on energy savings potential, gives homeowners an opportunity to craft an efficiency project that fits their needs and budget. Eligible upgrades include such items as, insulation, heating/air conditioning system upgrades, air sealing, windows, hot water heaters, and lighting. 

 Complete program details, how to get started, and a list of local Energy Upgrade Participating Contractors qualified for the Sonoma Flex Package Program can be found at www.energyupgradesonoma.org/flex or by calling (707) 565-6470.