California Utility Energy Efficiency

• Energy efficiency for low-income customers (generally called the Low-Income Energy Efficiency Program or LIEE) became a statutory requirement in 1990 with the passage of SB 845, (now Pub. Util. Code 2790) which was amended by AB 1393, effective January 1, 2000. These statutes direct the public utility commission to require gas and electric corporations to perform home weatherization services for low-income households, and define those services to include the following "Big Six" measures: (1) attic insulation; (2)caulking; (3) weather stripping; (4) low-flow showerheads; (5) water heater blankets and (6) door and building envelope repairs which reduce infiltration, and direct the utilities to provide as many of these Big Six measures as feasible for each eligible low- income dwelling unit. Weatherization services may also include other building conservation measures, energy efficiency appliances and energy education programs determined by the regulatory commission to be feasible.
  
  In October 2005, LIEE income eligibility level was expanded to 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines. See electric utility restructuring legislation.

Note: Leveraging reports do not always give a complete statewide picture. Some resources are not reported through leveraging or are under reported.

LEVERAGING

2006: $40.4 million
2005: $34.3 million
2004: $32 million
2003: $30.8 million
2002: $23.3 million
2001: $10.8 million

LEGISLATIVE CODE

California Public Utilities Code, sec. 2790

Page Last Updated: March 22, 2007