Pinole’s new PEER Program improves energy efficiency

The Pinole Energy Enhancement Rebate (PEER) program is a new, small-scale energy efficiency pilot program for residents to upgrade their homes using innovative solutions. 

While California residents are increasingly finding opportunities to upgrade their homes for energy efficiency and electrification, high upfront costs continue to be one of the biggest barriers to home improvements.

Launched in January 2024, the PEER Program was designed to layer incentives on top of existing energy efficiency and electrification measures offered by BayREN’s former Home+ Program, BayREN’s Bay Area Multifamily Building Enhancements (BAMBE) Program, MCE’s Multifamily Energy Savings Program, and Contra Costa County’s Weatherization Program. To address gaps in these existing programs, the PEER Program introduced two key incentives: 

• Electrical panel upgrades, supporting the installation of HVAC systems and EV chargers, and 

• Cost coverage for roof repairs and replacements for multifamily and county weatherization program-eligible homes, filling a gap left by other programs. 

Guided by community and program manager feedback, these key incentives in the PEER Program help residents adopt energy-efficient upgrades that were previously out of reach due to high costs. 

Finding Success as a Pilot Program 

The PEER Program first ran from January to June 2024, with 19 single-family homes participating and receiving over $101,000 in rebates. By layering PEER rebates with BayREN’s former Home+ Program and TECH Clean California incentives, homeowners were able to maximize their savings. The most common upgrades included heat pump HVAC systems and water heaters.  

Upgrades Made in 19 single-family homes: 

• 12 heat pump HVAC systems  

• 10 heat pump water heaters 

• 2 duct replacements  

• 2 attic insulation projects  

• 1 wall insulation project  

• 1 induction range  

• 1 heat pump clothes dryer  

Leveraging Local Government Collaboration  

In 2022, the City of Pinole partnered with Contra Costa County’s Department of Conservation and Development to design the PEER Program. The County’s collaboration with BayREN provided valuable expertise, streamlining the program’s design and eliminating the need for a new rebate system, making PEER a standout example of local government partnership. As a result, Pinole saw a record number of residents participating in the former Home+ Program in 2024, offering critical insights into the actual costs of energy upgrades for local families. 

Aligned with the goals of Pinole’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, the PEER Program was designed to directly support the City’s energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction targets.

“The collaboration between the City of Pinole and Contra Costa County has proven invaluable in creating the PEER Program, a model that goes beyond what either entity could achieve alone,” Pinole Mayor Maureen Toms said. “By uniting resources and expertise, we’ve expanded access to energy efficiency upgrades, reducing financial barriers and delivering meaningful benefits for our community. This partnership has not only improved indoor air quality and reduced energy costs for residents but also set a precedent for how local governments can work together to meet shared sustainability and climate goals." 

Future Program Expansion  

The PEER Program’s initial success has laid the groundwork for expansion. Now reopened from October 2024 through June 2025 (or until funds are depleted), the PEER Program continues to support single-family and multifamily homes. Residents can combine PEER incentives with rebates from programs like BayREN’s BAMBE Program, MCE’s Multifamily Energy Savings Program and the TECH Clean California Program.

By streamlining processes, optimizing resources, and prioritizing collaboration, Pinole’s PEER Program exemplifies how local governments can work together to benefit both the environment and their residents. 

For Pinole Residents 

The PEER Program is open to single-family and multifamily residences in Pinole. Homeowners and property owners can layer PEER rebates with existing incentives for additional savings on energy efficiency and electrification projects. Visit the PEER Program page for more information on how to apply and maximize rebates.  

For information on additional rebate programs, please visit The Switch is On.