Courtesy photo.
SANTA BARBARA — On Monday, August 12, 2024, Congressman Salud Carbajal joined Leah Stokes from Rewiring America, Rincon Plumbing, Community Environmental Council (CEC), and Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3C-REN) to celebrate the clean electric upgrades at the home of Santa Barbara residents Tal and Lisa Avitzur made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
The event celebrated the Avitzurs’ commitment to home electrification and marked the second anniversary of the IRA, a landmark federal law that has played a pivotal role in making energy-efficiency and electrification upgrades affordable to Americans nationwide.
Congressman Carbajal applauded the IRA for enabling nearly 400,000 Californians to invest in high-efficiency electric appliances and/or rooftop solar. Avitzur credited the legislation’s electrification tax credit for making it possible for him to install high efficiency heat pump HVAC and water heater systems, lowering his monthly energy bills and increasing the comfort of his home.
Local climate advocates and energy specialists urged residents to learn more about how they can take advantage of the tax credits and other local incentives to upgrade their own homes and lower their energy bills.
“The central thesis of the Inflation Reduction Act is this: we want to help families save money,” said California Representative Salud Carbajal. “That’s why my colleagues and I included massive savings for Americans’ health care bills, like expanded ACA tax credits and a cap on health care and prescription drug costs for our seniors. But we also included new incentives to save Central Coast families thousands of dollars on energy efficiency upgrades, and in turn save them hundreds more on their utility bills every single month. This is our win-win. We tackle the climate crisis, and we do it while cutting the financial burden of climate change for our middle class. I hope Tal’s story today will inspire others to take a similar look at the credits available to other Central Coast families.”
“The Inflation Reduction Act is a turning point in our nation’s commitment to an energy-efficient future,” said Rewiring America Sr. Policy Counsel, Leah Stokes. “By making clean electric solutions like heat pumps and solar panels more affordable, we’re not just reducing emissions—we’re lowering utility bills for the long term and empowering families like the Avitzurs to take control of their energy needs. Today’s event is a testament to what’s possible when we combine bold legislation with local action. Together, we’re building a sustainable future, one home at a time.”
“Living in Santa Barbara for over 40 years, I’ve seen firsthand how our summers have gotten warmer,” said California Homeowner, Tal Avitzur. “That’s why I know that switching our homes to energy-efficient technology like heat pumps is a step in the right direction. My wife and I feel great about electrifying our home, and eliminating our reliance on gas for cooking, heating, and cooling. The Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credits, along with other available rebates, made this project possible on our tight budget. I’m thrilled with the results, and I hope that by doing our part, we can help ensure a better quality of life for future generations.”
“As a contractor, I’ve seen that these incentives have made it easier and more affordable for homeowners like the Avitzurs to switch to all-electric systems,” said Rincon Plumbing Contractor, Zev Marmorstein. “By combining local, state, and federal support, we’re helping families upgrade their homes for the better. It’s rewarding to see families benefit from these improvements, both in comfort and in cost savings.”
“The Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3C-REN) has supported 1,165 households in energy efficiency and electrification improvements in the last two years—providing incentives that benefit both single-family and multifamily residents, including the Avitzur household,” said Energy Program Specialist with Tri-County Regional Energy Network, Lori La Riva. “These projects have been further supported by the IRA’s tax credits, which save customers thousands of dollars. It is the combined investment of local, state and federal programs that is driving the shift toward electrification.”
“The Inflation Reduction Act has made it easier for Central Coast residents to make the switch to electric,” saidClimate Programs Associate with Community Environmental Council, Juan Lares. “By activating rebates provided through regional programs like 3C-REN and the Inflation Reduction Act, we have a real chance at transitioning to 100% clean electricity. We at CEC are committed to expanding the accessibility and affordability of electrification so that together, we can continue to move the needle on climate change.
“The incentives created through the Inflation Reduction Act have helped catalyze an unprecedented move towards all-electric homes and adoption of solar and electric vehicles,” said Jefferson Litten Energy and Climate Manager. “At the City of Santa Barbara, we have developed additional incentives through Santa Barbara Clean Energy, the City’s self-run electricity provider, which, stacked with the IRA and 3C-REN incentives, make this transition even more affordable and accessible for City residents.”
To find out what federal incentives they might qualify for, California residents can visit Rewiring America’s Savings Calculator. Residents will only need to input a few details about their households to immediately see all federal electrification and energy-efficiency incentives they qualify for.
The Front Porch Ribbon Cutting series, spearheaded by Rewiring America and Citizens’ Climate Lobby, is a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about the benefits of energy-efficient solutions and the financial incentives available through the Inflation Reduction Act.
About Rewiring America — Rewiring America is the leading electrification nonprofit, focused on electrifying our homes, businesses, and communities. We develop accessible, actionable data and tools. Rewiring America helps Americans save money, tackle nationwide emissions goals, improve health, and build the next generation of the clean energy workforce. We believe in an abundant, flourishing, climate-safe future, and know that, together, we can realize one.
About Community Environmental Council (CEC) — CEC advances rapid and equitable solutions to the climate crisis — including ambitious zero carbon goals, drawdown of excess carbon, and protection against the impacts of climate change. CEC has worked since 1970 to incubate and innovate real life environmental solutions that directly affect the California Central Coast. Our programs lead to clean vehicles, solar energy, resilient food systems and reduction of single-use plastic.
ABOUT 3C-REN — 3C-REN (The Tri-County Regional Energy Network) is a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. 3C-REN takes a holistic approach to improve energy efficiency and develop workforce in the tri-county region. These efforts reduce energy use, strengthen local job markets, and support climate goals.