Energy-saving projects for public agencies in San Diego County
No-cost support for smarter energy use, stronger agencies and resilient communities
About Public Sector Energy Upgrade
We help public agencies save energy and reduce costs through project incentives, technical support, education and capacity building.
What You Get
- Energy analysis to help you plan and prioritize improvements, and quantify potential energy savings
- Low- to no-cost installation of energy equipment
- Start-to-finish energy project management, including critical steps like procurement and construction
- Matched with available funding and financing
- Education and peer-to-peer learning
How It Works
Request support
Plan your energy project
Analyze your energy use and prioritize sites for energy upgrades.
Save energy and money
Learn along the way
Join workshops, webinars and trainings to boost your energy know-how.
Who It's For
We support public agency projects in San Diego County for:
- Cities
- School districts
- Water/wastewater districts
- Tribal governments
- Special districts
We offer stipends and support to help educators and students participate. Priority is given to schools designated as Title I.
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my public agency eligible to participate?
We serve public agencies located in San Diego County.
How much does it cost?
All services are provided at no cost. Agencies are responsible only for construction costs if not fully covered by direct install incentives. We work with you to explore your options and cost before projects begin.
How do I get started?
Join our interest list and a program representative will contact you for a one-on-one introductory conversation.
What types of projects can my agency complete?
Program engineers conduct comprehensive audits to identify energy efficiency and electrification upgrades. If your agency is interested in assessing demand-side management strategies, such as demand response, on-site generation or battery storage, our engineers can analyze these opportunities as well. We work with you to identify which projects may be most beneficial to your agency.
What types of educational activities are available?
We offer virtual and in-person opportunities, including webinars, training, working group meetings and networking events. Stay informed through our newsletter and your dedicated project manager once your agency is enrolled.
What kinds of funding and financing assistance do you offer?
We help you identify and apply for program incentives and other funding and financing opportunities for your project. Our team stays updated on available funding and financing resources that can be stacked with our incentives to reduce out-of-pocket costs and maximize your project’s financial outlook. We handle any preinstallation and final paperwork, including submission, needed to receive any such incentive or financing.
What is the direct install offering?
Our direct install pathway provides turnkey support for installing your choice of a preselected menu of energy efficiency upgrades. When you’re ready to move forward, your project manager helps you complete the project application and schedule installation. Once the project is complete, incentives are paid directly to the contractor, covering up to 100% of gross project costs for facilities located in historically underserved communities.
What types of projects are eligible for the direct install offering?
Our direct install pathway is available for a preselected menu of energy efficiency upgrades, including:
- Heat Pump Water Heaters
- Replace a natural gas storage tank water heater or tankless water heater with a storage heat pump water heater.
- Variable Speed Drive (VSD) for HVAC Fan Controls
- Install a variable speed drive VSD on an existing constant-speed fan within a built-up variable air volume (VAV) HVAC system. The VSD allows the fan speed to self-adjust in response to the actual load being served, reducing consumption during periods of partial load.
- HVAC Occupancy Sensor for Classrooms
- Replace an existing thermostat with an occupancy-sensing thermostat for a packaged HVAC unit serving a classroom. Occupancy sensors reduce energy consumption by automatically shifting the system to unoccupied temperatures when no presence is detected in the HVAC zone.
- Economizer Controls
- Optimize an existing economizer by adjusting the changeover set point. By letting the system use cool outdoor air for cooling at a slightly warmer temperature before turning on mechanical cooling, the building uses less energy.
- Economizer Repair
- Restore the functionality of an existing economizer through repairs. Energy savings are achieved by restoring economizer functionality, thus allowing the HVAC unit to utilize cool outside air prior to mechanical cooling below the high limit set point, as well as reducing unnecessary conditioning of outside air above the high limit set point.
- Supply Fan Controls
- Program an existing thermostat to reduce the supply fan’s runtime during unoccupied periods. Energy savings are achieved because the unoccupied supply fan runtime is reduced unless zone conditions call for cooling or heating.
- UL Type B LED Mogul Base Lamp HID Retrofits for Outdoor Area/Pole and Decorative Fixtures
- Retrofit mogul-based screw-in lamps with equivalent DLC-listed UL type B LED mogul-based screw-in lamps. Interior lighting is not eligible.
- Hot Water Pipe Insulation
- Add insulation to pipes and pipe fittings that transport hot liquid. Insulation reduces heat loss, thereby reducing the water heater or steam boiler’s energy load.
- VFDs for Unitary HVAC Systems
- Add a variable-frequency drive (VFD) to an existing packaged single-zone direct-expansion (DX) HVAC unit with an outdoor air economizer to provide cooling when conditions permit. Typically, VFDs in packaged units are programmed to operate at distinct speeds based on the unit’s various operating modes. Energy savings occur when the VFD reduces fan speeds during the lower cooling, heating or ventilation modes.
