Home Energy Score Program Expands Statewide
The Home Energy Score California program supports homeowners and building professionals by providing a consistent, statewide approach to understanding home energy performance. Developed by the US Department of Energy and the National Labs, the program’s scoring tool provides homeowners, homebuyers and renters with comparable, credible information about a home's energy use and potential upgrades. It measures how efficiently a home uses energy — from its structure to its heating, cooling, and hot-water systems — and rates it on a 1-10 scale. A score of one, for instance, represents a home that uses more energy than most homes and could benefit from efficiency upgrades while a home that scores ten represents a residence that uses less energy than 90% of homes.
To participate, a homeowner contacts a certified assessor who then schedules a home inspection. During this approximately one-hour session, the assessor collects more than 50 data points about the home’s construction, size, appliances, and more. They will inspect any attics, basements, crawlspaces and exterior during the session as well as the size of the home, and more. While the basic inspection does not include diagnostic testing (e.g., blower door test or duct blasting), these can often be added for an additional fee.
The occupant then receives a report showing the inspection results as well as actions that can be taken to improve the home’s energy performance. The program is currently voluntary (except in the cities of Berkeley and Piedmont where a score is required at the time a home is listed for sale), and a $250 rebate is available to help cover the cost of the score. Of course, rebates may also be available for the cost of any recommended upgrades, depending on programs available through the relevant jurisdiction or utility.
In its 2024-2027 Business Plan, the CPUC approved the statewide expansion of the program from its current Bay Area focus. Administered by the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) and funded by customers of the four major IOUs (Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas & Electric, and SoCalGas), the statewide expansion launched in January 2026. At this time, it is available to customers of these IOUs.
The program is actively seeking regional partners and recruiting certified assessors. The statewide program website offers information on how individuals can become certified assessors and the program will be conducting in person recruitment events, beginning with an initial event scheduled in May with the City of San Luis Obispo.
For more information, visit Home Energy Score California. To discuss assessor recruitment activities or other specific aspects, email the program lead, Emily Alvarez of StopWaste.