1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 3, 2010
For more information:
Adam Peck, 559.713.5200, apeck@tularewib.org
WIB Co-Sponsors Successful Energy Workshop at AgTAC
Edison, California Energy Commission partner to assist local contractors
Visalia, CA — The Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County (WIB) co-
hosted a day-long energy efficiency workshop Wednesday that introduced important
new state and federal programs. The Residential Retrofit Action Clinic attracted nearly
150 contractors from all over the Valley to the Edison AgTAC facility in Tulare.
“This was a crucial opportunity for Valley contractors to become introduced to
several new energy incentives for homeowners,” said Adam Peck, Executive Director of
the WIB. “With the teamwork of the WIB, Southern California Edison, and the California
Energy Commission, we were able to bring in experts from all over the state for this
event.”
The programs discussed at the forum included the federal Home Star program,
also known as “Cash for Caulkers,” which would provide tax credits for homeowners
who make energy efficiency upgrades to their homes, and the state Property Assessed
Clean Energy (PACE) program, which is an innovative way to finance solar installation
and other upgrades, through homeowners’ property taxes.
The Home Star program, passed by the U.S. House last month and currently
being debated in the Senate, would only make tax credits available to homeowners who
have the work done by contractors certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI),
a nationally recognized credentialing organization for energy efficiency contractors.
The PACE program was first implemented in the East Bay area, and was made
available statewide through the passage of AB 811 in 2008. Through the program, local
governments loan homeowners the funding to install, for example, solar panels, and the
loan is repaid through the homeowners’ property taxes.
Presentations from all the speakers are available to view on the WIB’s website,
www.tularewib.org. For more information call 713-5100, or info@tularewib.org.
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Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County ● 4025 West Noble, Suite A ● Visalia, CA 93277 ● T: (559) 713-5200 ● www.tularewib.org