California Choice Energy Authority (CalChoice) is proud to introduce the Equity-Based Decarbonization Direct (EBD) Install program, a community-based initiative designed to extend clean energy benefits to more families across Southern California. Initially, four CalChoice Member agencies are participating in the program: Apple Valley Choice Energy, Pico Rivera Innovative Municipal Energy, Lancaster Energy and San Jacinto Power. The five-year program will offer expansion opportunities to include more community participation in future years, and CalChoice intends to expand this program offering to all of its member agencies.
The program is launching in more than 40 target neighborhoods, including Paramount, Compton, Santa Ana, Riverside, San Bernardino and Chula Vista. These initial focus areas were selected so that residents of traditionally underserved communities can access free energy-efficient upgrades that lower costs and improve quality of life.
“Fundamentally, the EBD Program is about cooperation, equity and trust, said Interim CEO Rob Johnson. “By working hand-in-hand with neighborhood community partners, we’re making sure the program reflects the unique character and needs of the neighborhoods it aims to reach.
At the heart of the program is community-based outreach. Through partnerships with local, well-established organizations, EBD ensures its outreach is culturally tailored and accessible, making participants far more likely to participate as the message comes from a familiar source.
Participating households will receive a free home energy assessment, a personalized upgrade plan, no-cost installation of energy-saving improvements and one-on-one support from a program advisor throughout the process. The program advisor position is embedded within partner agencies, serving as the first point of contact, guiding families step-by-step from the initial energy audit to final installation. The program also invests in its community partners, offering training, tools and resources to strengthen local capacity.
“The EBD Direct Install Program is not just a technical fix. It is a partnership with CalChoice, their community partners and the families they serve,” continued Rob “Through a focus on equity and cultural responsiveness, the program makes the transition to clean energy inclusive and effective.”
CalChoice and its partners, together, are saving families money, upgrading their homes and helping build a cleaner, more resilient California. To learn more about the EBD program, visit the CalChoice website.
About CalChoice
CalChoice is a California Joint Powers Authority (“JPA”) that provides Community Choice Aggregation (“CCA”) support services, which include energy portfolio management, power procurement and trading, settlements and invoice validations, regulatory compliance, regulatory advocacy, financial and accounting, and rate-setting support functions. Current operational CalChoice members include Lancaster Choice Energy, Apple Valley Choice Energy, Pico Rivera Innovative Municipal Energy, San Jacinto Power, the Rancho Mirage Energy Authority, Pomona Choice Energy, Santa Barbara Clean Energy and Energy for Palmdale’s Independent Choice. By joining together, CalChoice members are able to cut costs through economies of scale. Learn More at californiachoiceenergyauthority.com
