County Supervisors OK Agreement For Home Decarbonization Plan

SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego County supervisors voted 4-0 Wednesday in favor of an agreement with Los Angeles County on a program that features the voluntary use of energy-efficient home appliances in unincorporated communities.

Voting on consent, the board approved a memorandum of understanding with L.A. County, which the state Energy Commission in August 2024 selected as the administrator of its "Equitable Building Decarbonization Program Direct Install."

According to information on the Board of Supervisors' agenda, the purpose of the EBD Program is to update homes "through the voluntary installation of energy-efficient appliances, measures and related upgrades directly to low-income households in under-resourced communities."

The EBD Program will involve spending between $25 million and $30 million to support the decarbonization of eligible homes in the San Diego region, according to the county.

San Diego County will contribute $500,000 toward the EBD program that will benefit eligible communities such as North El Cajon, North Lemon Grove, Spring Valley and Sweetwater.

Along with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2045, San Diego County's Climate Action Plan calls for greater access "to programs and services that will increase energy efficiency, resiliency and electrification in the unincorporated area," according to the agenda.

"These services help residents by reducing utility bills through reduced energy usage, improving public health through indoor air quality improvements, and increasing resiliency to climate impacts through home weatherization upgrades," county officials added.

Supervisor Jim Desmond said while the county is making a good investment in the decarbonization program, he also was concerned about how more usage of electric appliances might impact the overall power grid.

Along with grid protection, Desmond also suggested other alternative power options, including the possible use of spent nuclear fuel.

An official with the San Diego chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers told supervisors the EBD program "is a great opportunity for San Diego County residents."

Cristina Marquez, an environmental organizer with IBEW 569, said the program not only offers work opportunities, but also gives homeowners a chance to buy appliances they may not be able to afford otherwise.

Board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer was absent from the Wednesday meeting due to illness, the board clerk said.

— City News Service