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First District Supervisor Das Williams — New Rebates Available for Home Batteries

by Community Contributor • July 25, 2024 • Comments Off

NEW: Financial Incentives for Battery and Solar

Over the past few years, you may have heard me talk about Central Coast Community Energy (3CE), our regional electricity provider, and our realistic plan to deliver 100% carbon-free energy by 2030.

There is an important way that we can all help meet that goal, and have more control over our energy costs and usage at home.

3CE just launched our Residential Battery Rebate Program, which can earn customers on-average $3,900 to purchase and install a home battery. That’s not to mention that over the lifetime of the battery, customers with solar are estimated to see $9,000 in savings on their bills.

Initially, the program is anticipated to allow for the deployment of 400 battery systems per fiscal year. The rebates will be available to residential 3CE customers, regardless of whether they have a solar system or not.

These batteries are so important because wind and solar power only produce energy when nature cooperates. Batteries can capture energy during the day when solar power is abundant, and release it at night when solar power goes offline, and demand for electricity is highest.

Learn more and apply for the Residential Battery Rebate Program by visiting 3CEnergy.org/rebates.

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Apache Fire Update

I know my Cuyama, Ventucopa and former (but never forgotten) constituents in Ojai are worried about the new fire along Lockwood Valley road in Ventura County. Currently, the Apache Fire is burning 1,500 acres easterly towards Frazier Park in Kern County. No Santa Barbara County Fire personnel are assigned, but plenty of our Ventura County colleagues have been, along with Forrest Service. While it seems unlikely to shift towards Cuyama and Santa Barbara County, I am urging vigilance.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuation orders for residences on Apache Canyon Road and an evacuation warning for residences in Corral Canyon, Round Springs Canyon and Castle Canyon. There are no containment numbers at this time.

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Be On The Lookout for Fire Ants

The County Agricultural Commissioner wants residents to be on the lookout for Red Imported Fire Ants, which were recently discovered in the Montecito area.

These fire ants are highly aggressive and capable of biting and stinging humans, pets, and livestock. They are native to South America but have established themselves in parts of Southern California.

There are native fire ants and argentine ants that are not hazardous and the quickest way to distinguish RIFA from other ants is their aggressive behavior, not color or size.

Community members who believe they may have found RIFA are encouraged to contact any of the Santa Barbara County Santa Barbara County Agricultural Commissioner’s Offices or bring in a sample. To find out more about RIFA click on this link.

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Back To School Fairs

Black Youth Leadership Summit

CommUnify and Gateway Educational Services will host The 2024 Black Youth Leadership Summit giving students who identify as Black/African American the opportunity to learn, gather, and form community with one another. The Black Youth Leadership Summit creates a welcoming space for all Black/African American-identifying youth and aims to unite students, parents, educators, and community members for a culturally immersive day. This year’s expanded event is on Saturday, August 17, 8:30am – 5:00pm at Santa Barbara City College West Campus, 721 Cliff Drive in Santa Barbara.

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Apply to Serve Our Community

Current vacancies on County District 1 Boards and Commissions: