Information for Builders

General Requirements and Eligibility.

The CAHP is funded under the auspices of the CPUC and funding, incentive levels and program requirements may be revised during the program cycle. Applicants must contact their utility representative prior to submitting an application (see Section 8 of the 2010-2012 CAHP Handbook for contacts).
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Program Requirements.

• Project must be submitted prior to drywall being installed in the enrolled units (detailed in Section 4.2, #3 of CAHP Handbook).
• Applicant agrees that they shall not accept duplicate funding from multiple utility-sponsored energy efficiency programs for the same measures.
• Participating projects must meet minimum program requirements for all homes within the same project, built after the date the Agreement is executed. To ensure compliance of all homes when submitting a project using cardinal orientation, all plan types must comply in all orientations.
• Incentive payments are available only to owners, builders or developers named on the Agreement.
• Funds are limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis to projects that meet the program requirements. No payments will be made for any changes made to the unit that may affect compliance without prior written approval from your utility representative.
• Contact your utility representative for additional program details and funding availability prior to submitting applications.
• The funding for this program will expire December 31, 2015 or sooner. The IOUs will not accept agreements after December 15, 2012. Agreement valid for 36 months from date of utility acceptance.

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Program Process Overview.

1. Applicant contracts with a Certified Energy Plans Examiner (CEPE) to prepare the Title 24 documentation and secures a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) rater. Once a HERS provider has been selected the project must stay in the designated registry for the duration of the contract.
2. Applicant contacts their utility representative to discuss the project viability.
3. Applicant submits application or letter of intent and required documents for plan check as listed on the project initiation checklist.
4. The Utility may provide design assistance within reason for viable projects. The Utility will not provide funding for Title 24 documentation authors to reconstruct models or plans in the event of needed corrections.
5. Upon completion of utility plan check, your utility representative will schedule a meeting to review the final written agreement and incentive payment process.

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Once you receive written approval from the utility:

During Construction.

1. If applicable, obtain a CF-6R Form provided by the HVAC contractor for every house.
2. If applicable, obtain the appropriate CF-4R HERS rating certificates for each home upon completion of field verification; certificates must be submitted for the tested house (at least 15% or 1 in 7; see CEC HERS testing protocol Chapter 7.4 Res ACM Manual) and for the non-tested homes in the same sampling group. Be aware that the HERS Rater will be inspecting to ensure that all program measures are installed. Projects with “failures” are subject to CEC re-testing procedures and related fees at applicant’s expense.
3. Notify your utility of any changes that will affect total energy use of the home, such as added or relocated windows, addition of “bonus” rooms or other areas not shown on the Title 24 submittal, changes in proposed HVAC or water heating equipment, and/or changes to building insulation.

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After The Homes Are Inspected.

Applicant shall provide the utility with the following:

1. Completed Request for Payment form. Obtain blank form from your utility.
2. If applicable, certificates from the HVAC contractor (CF-6R). The rating completion summary (CF-4R) will be verified by the utility to confirm that the home has met the program requirements.

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Verification by Utility.

Prior to paying incentives, the utility will review all inspection documents to ensure CAHP compliance. The utility retains final authority to determine CAHP compliance and eligibility for incentives. Mail all correspondence to your utility representative.

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General Building Requirements.

To qualify for the incentive payment, each home covered by the Agreement must be:

• A new construction project/home receiving electric distribution and/or natural gas distribution service from your local IOU.
• A single-family detached dwelling or two-dwelling building of any number of stories, R-3 occupancy, and on local IOU residential rates. Structures detached from the primary residence that are residential living areas (e.g., casitas) must also meet all CAHP criteria but are not eligible for a separate incentive. OR
• A residential individually metered multi-family low- or high-rise project. CAHP may accept master metered multi-family affordable housing projects pending future legislation. Please seek your utility representative’s guidance.
• The following facilities do not qualify: remodels, additions, manufactured housing, mobile homes, residential care facilities, and dormitories. (For information on other utility programs that may apply to these buildings contact your utility representative.)
• Permitted under the 2008 Energy Efficiency Standards for Low-Rise Residential Buildings (Title 24) effective January 1, 2010 and achieving compliance using a CEC approved computer method. The Prescriptive Compliance Method is not eligible. Project must meet, at a minimum, CEC and CAHP installation and field verification requirements, as documented by a certified HERS Rater. OR
• A high-rise residential multi-family building, Occupancy Group R, division 1 with four or more habitable stories. Built to exceed Title 24 standards by a minimum of 15% for the applicable CEC specified climate zone.

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How to Apply.

For complete program information including program participation and eligibility requirements please see refer to the 2010-2012 Participation Handbook and Program Agreement for Single-Family and Multi-Family New Construction projects. Please contact your utility representative prior to submitting the CAHP Agreement and prior to construction to ensure that you have the most current CAHP information available. You will be appointed a utility representative that will guide you through the entire process and to whom you will submit application materials. Programs and/or incentive levels may be changed or cancelled without notice.

Why It Pays To Exceed Building Standards.

Energy-efficient appliances, equipment and building materials help homeowners save on utility bills while enjoying a comfortable and healthier, energy-efficient home. New homes which qualify for the California Advanced Homes Program (CAHP) offer you an energy advantage over standard-built homes. The energy-saving components of CAHP homes work together to provide a comfortable living environment with superior energy efficiency and, ultimately, lower energy bills. Every new home which has passed the California Advanced Homes Program inspection process exceeds 2008 Title 24 Building Code standards for energy efficiency by at least 15%. These energy-efficient homes provide many benefits including:

Increased Comfort.

Ventilation and air conditioning systems in Advantage Homes are engineered for proper size and air distribution. The result is better humidity control, even temperatures and reduced hot and cold drafts.

Lower Utility Bills.

The energy-efficient features of California Advanced Homes Program qualified homes will give you low bills and save you money every month as compared to the average home.

Comfort and Quiet.

Your family will love the relaxing comfort of our homes. Tight construction, better windows, and improved insulation not only ensure consistent temperatures between and across rooms, but keep out excessive heat, cold, and noise.

Lower Maintenance.

Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a low-maintenance home. Tight construction and long-lasting, efficient equipment make our homes more durable, helping to minimize many of the maintenance problems found in typical homes.

Helps Protect the Environment.

Energy-efficiency not only saves you money, it helps the environment by reducing pollution and preserving our natural resources. Purchasing a California Advanced Homes Program qualified home is a decision you can be proud of. Our homes reduce our nation’s energy needs and prevent air pollution by consuming less energy.
 

Independent Verification.

Any builder can claim they build energy-efficient homes, but all California Advanced Homes Program qualified homes are verified by a third-party inspection and testing process to ensure that your home meets CAHP's strict guidelines for energy efficiency.

Higher Resale Value.

Purchasers of California Advanced Homes Program qualified homes receive a Certified Green Home Certificate. This certificate verifies a home was built to the exacting standards of the California Advanced Homes Program, which may prove valuable at resale time.

Your California Investor-Owned Utilities (PG&E, SCE, Southern California Gas Company and SDG&E) proudly support quality builders with their commitment to delivering more affordable, comfortable, and environmentally friendly homes to families throughout California.

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