What’s energy got to do with buying a new home? Turns out, a lot.
And we’re not just talking about energy efficiency.
It’s no secret that new-construction homes everywhere are becoming increasingly energy efficient. But nowhere is that more evident than in California, where the state’s Building Code and Energy Code have, since 2019, required that newconstruction homes be built with the potential to reach net-zero energy consumption.
In Northern California and the Bay Area in particular, new-construction homes are paving the way in sustainability, comfort and long-term cost savings. In fact, builders typically go beyond what’s expected.
For years, they’ve deliberately anticipated buyers’ needs and state energy code updates, frequently incorporating innovative, high-performance features into new-home plans well ahead of requirements.
New homes often include heat pump systems for water and air, multi-zone HVAC systems, smart thermostats and pre-wiring for EV chargers.
For buyers, this means investing in a home that isn’t just energy efficient but built for the way people want to live here in Northern California. But energy efficiency is only part of the equation. If you’re considering a newbuild home, another side to the energy story might play just as big a part in your decision.
A recent shift related to energy providers in California can improve how quickly your newconstruction home can be energized and ready to occupy. Senate Bill 410 (SB 410) — also known as the Powering Up Californians Act — took effect in September of 2023. The law now requires utilities to meet enforceable timelines for energizing new-construction projects.
Although the law was written to hold utilities accountable, it also empowers builders to offer buyers greater clarity and confidence throughout the building and home delivery process. With energization timelines in place, builders across the state can better coordinate construction schedules, final inspections and homeowner walkthroughs.
Historically in California, the time it took to connect new homes and communities to the electrical grid was among the greatest challenges faced by builders and prospective buyers. Even when construction was complete, in some cases a finished home couldn’t welcome its new owners until the utility company had energized the site.
Over the years, builders have regularly done everything possible to coordinate and communicate with utilities and buyers from start to finish. But until recently, they shouldered greater challenges around navigating infrastructure delays beyond their control.
Now that clear energization expectations are becoming normalized, builders are creating new tools to further streamline their home delivery.
Many builders are also strengthening their internal systems, tracking energization milestones, streamlining communication with utilities, and using buyer portals, apps and concierge services that keep their buyers informed at every step. For buyers, that means more certainty and fewer surprises or delays. Instead of wondering if move-in timelines might be extended, buyers can rely on timely constructionto-energization updates from their builders.
In regions like the Bay Area, Greater Sacramento and the San Joaquin Valley, where demand is higher and timeliness is a priority, these shifts present great opportunities for buyers considering new construction. Builders have already led the way in energy-efficient design and home planning. Now they double-down on transparency, efficiency and responsiveness in delivering homes that are not only well crafted but delivered with care and clarity.
That means fewer delays between the completion of your newly built home and your move-in date. It also means builders have more information from the start that they can share with buyers regarding what to expect and when. As a result, the homebuying experience becomes even more predictable, which is especially important in fast-moving places like the Bay Area and other parts of Northern California.
Next time you’re visiting a new-home community, ask about home occupancy timelines related to energization and how they engage with everyone involved.