Residential Electrification
Palo Alto is making it easier for the community to act locally to have a global impact, and this web portal provides resources to make residential electrification improvements.
Resources to Go Electric
Finance Your Project
GoGreen Home Energy Financing
Administered by the State of California, the GoGreen Home Energy Financing program allows you to layer financing with rebates and incentives, cover leftover costs, and finance the cost of additional required upgrades such as electrical panels.
Explore Finance Options
Further Financial Assistance
If you are on a limited income, experiencing financial hardship or have medical needs that increase your utility usage, you may be eligible for help on your utility bill costs.
Utilities Assistance
Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 empowers Americans to make homes and buildings more energy-efficient by providing federal tax credits and deductions that will help reduce energy costs and demand, as we transition to cleaner energy sources. Take advantage of tax credits while they're available.
Learn More about Federal Tax Credits
Guide to Battery Storage
Battery storage allows for storing excess energy for use at a later time, such as during the evening hours when residents tend to use the most electricity, or provide resiliency during a power outage.
Residential ESS Permit Guidelines(PDF, 1MB)
Find a Contractor
Finding the right contractor for home upgrades can be challenging. Use these tips to pick a contractor for your project:
- Get referrals from friends, neighbors, coworkers. Here’s a courtesy contractor list to reference.*
- Get written estimates from several licensed contractors. Ask if they are familiar with the Palo Alto permitting process. When comparing estimates, make sure you’re looking at the same factors, like materials and equipment sizing.
- Thoroughly review all estimates, project timeline and payment plan before making a commitment.
*This is a list of contractors who have completed 5 permitted heat pump water heaters (HPWH) or heat pump heating ventilation and cooling systems (HP HVAC) installations in Palo Alto and is intended to help residents find contractors who have experience with home electric upgrades in Palo Alto.
Other Resources
For some homes, upgrading the electric panel may be necessary. Learn about whether you need to make an upgrade and ways to maximize use of the current system without upgrading.
If your home is fully electric, you can remove your home’s access to gas. Get started today.
Find a map of publicly available charging stations in the City.
Electric induction cooktops are sleek, clean, and safer than gas. Learn about their benefits and federal rebates to switch.