The Yolo County Sustainability Division announced it would launch a new initiative called the Yolo Energy Partnership (YEP), which will aim to help residents in unincorporated Yolo County reduce utility costs, improve home comfort and access free energy efficiency resources.

According to a press release from the county. this program is part of the county’s commitment to achieving carbon negativity by 2030, with a focus on equity and community resilience.

Through YEP, eligible households will be able to advantage of several free energy-saving opportunities. One resource the program provides are professional Home Energy Score (HES) assessments, detailed evaluations of home energy efficiency along with recommendations for improvements.

Additionally, residents can receive free weatherization kits containing LED bulbs, weather-stripping and insulation materials to improve home energy efficiency. Valley Clean Energy’s (VCE) Electric Advisors Program is also available, offering free expert guidance on electrification rebates and energy-efficient home upgrades to VCE customers.

For those needing major home energy efficiency repairs, the Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation (OOHR) Program provides low-interest loans to support low- and moderate-income homeowners.

YEP services are available to households in unincorporated Yolo County who meet specific income requirements, with the exception of the Electric Advisors Program, which is open to all VCE customers. Priority for the Home Energy Score and Weatherization Programs will be given to low-income households, agricultural workers, seniors (65+), households with children, and individuals with disabilities.

This new initiative came to fruition through partnerships with Earth Advantage, Archon Energy Solutions, and Valley Clean Energy, along with community outreach partners, De Colores Resource Center and Cool Davis.

For more information about the Yolo Energy Partnership, including eligibility criteria and applications, please visit www.YoloCounty.gov/YoloEnergyPartnership. Stay connected by emailing Sustainability@YoloCounty.gov and signing up for their E-Newsletter at Yolo County Sustainability Newsletter.