Navigating NorCal EV Rebates: Unlock Significant Savings for Your Multifamily and Workplace Properties
For property owners and managers in Northern California, the transition to electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is a significant opportunity. With a growing number of community choice aggregators (CCAs) offering substantial rebates and incentives, you can install EV chargers at a steep discount, attract and retain tenants, and boost your property’s value.
What are CCAs and how do I know if I’m eligible?
A CCA is a program that allows local governments, such as cities and counties, to procure electricity on behalf of their residents, businesses and municipal accounts. This model provides an alternative to the traditional investor-owned utility (IOU) for sourcing energy. Under this framework, the CCA takes on the responsibility of purchasing and sometimes developing power generation sources, however the IOU continues to own and maintain the electricity grid and remains responsible for billing, customer service and outage response.
CCAs offer several advantages to the communities they serve, including increased renewable energy, competitive rates and innovative customer programs that promote energy efficiency, electric vehicle adoption and energy storage.
To be eligible to participate in their programs, residents and businesses must be enrolled in their local CCA. Customers are automatically enrolled when a CCA is established in their area, but there are ways to opt out if they prefer. To check your eligibility, refer to the first page of your utility bill. If you see charges from one of the CCAs listed below, then you are enrolled and eligible for their customer incentive programs.
What incentive programs are currently available?
The landscape of these incentives can be complex, with varying amounts and eligibility requirements across different programs. The key is knowing how to maximize these rebates and navigate the application process. That’s where a partner like SWTCH can help.
Here’s a high-level look at some of the incentives available for Level 2 EV charging stations in the NorCal region:
| CCA/Utility |
Service Area |
Incentive for Level 2 Chargers |
Eligible Properties |
| MCE | Contra Costa, Napa, Solano Counties | Up to $3,500 per port, with an additional $500 for using 100% renewable energy | Up to $5,500 per port for existing buildings (up to 75-100% of project costs). Additional state incentives may provide up to $8,500 per port. |
| PCE | San Mateo County, Los Banos | Up to $4,500 per port for existing multifamily (up to 75% of project cost). Up to $5,500 per port for existing affordable housing (up to 100% of project cost). | Up to $5,500 per port for existing buildings (up to 75-100% of project costs). Additional state incentives may provide up to $8,500 per port. |
| SVCE | Santa Clara County (various cities and unincorporated areas) | Up to $5,500 per port for existing buildings (up to 75-100% of project costs). Additional state incentives may provide up to $8,500 per port. | Up to $5,500 per port for existing buildings (up to 75-100% of project costs). Additional state incentives may provide up to $8,500 per port. |
| SJCE | San Jose | Up to $5,000 per port | Up to $5,500 per port for existing buildings (up to 75-100% of project costs). Additional state incentives may provide up to $8,500 per port. |
| 3CE | Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Counties | Up to $3,000 per charger (75% of equipment costs). This can increase to $8,000 to $10,000+ toward the total project cost when combined with EV readiness. | Up to $5,500 per port for existing buildings (up to 75-100% of project costs). Additional state incentives may provide up to $8,500 per port. |
Incentive amounts may vary based on project specifics and are subject to change.
The SWTCH Advantage: Maximizing Your Rebates
While the numbers above demonstrate the significant financial opportunity, they don’t tell the whole story. Incentive programs often have specific technical, application, and timeline requirements. For instance, some programs, like those from SVCE, require you to reserve your incentives before purchasing or installing equipment.
This is where a partner like SWTCH becomes invaluable. We help you navigate the complexities of these programs, from initial application to final reimbursement. Our expertise ensures you:
- Identify all eligible incentives: We’ll help you find every available rebate to maximize your savings.
- Meet all program requirements: We ensure your project adheres to the specific criteria of each program, preventing costly delays or disqualifications.
- Handle the paperwork: We manage the often-complex documentation and application process, so you don’t have to.
Don’t leave money on the table. By partnering with SWTCH, you can unlock the full potential of these incentives, making EV charging a profitable, hassle-free addition to your portfolio.
