The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) voted in October 2011 to create the California Solar Initiative (CSI) Thermal Low-Income program for single and multifamily residential properties. The program offers rebates that are substantially higher than ones provided under the CSI-Thermal General Market Program.

The program is only available to customers who currently heat their water with natural gas in the service territories of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) . For single-family residences, customers must be participating or have previously participated in an Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESAP), and the property must remain low-income for at least 10 years. For multifamily housing property, at least 50% of all units in the structure must be occupied by ratepayers who have participated in an ESAP.  The residences must also meet the definition of low-income residential housing in California Public Utilities Code 2861(d). Additional requirements are outlined in the CSI Thermal Handbook.

Incentives will be determined based on the expected performance of the system using the SRCC rating and the specific orientation of the system. Incentives will step down over time in 4 steps as program participation levels are met. See the website above and the CSI Thermal Handbook for more information.

Interested customers should contact the appropriate program administrator: