Upgrade your home. Save energy. Let it happen automatically.
Valley Clean Energy (VCE) is excited to launch the Coordinated Home Automation via Real-Time Grid Economics Study (CHARGE) Pilot Program, along with partners UC Davis and Panasonic, a new opportunity for VCE customers to get the latest in home energy technology at little or no cost.
Through CHARGE, eligible customers can receive a customized set of electric upgrades that make homes more comfortable, energy-efficient, and ready for a cleaner power grid. These technologies work quietly in the background to help to lower energy bills while supporting reliable electricity for our community.
What is the CHARGE Program?
The CHARGE Program connects VCE customers with advanced electric equipment for their homes, which could include:
- High-efficiency heat pump water heaters
- Heat pump heating and cooling systems
- Home battery storage
Not every home will receive all three upgrades. The right mix for your home depends on your existing equipment, your energy needs, and the results of a simple home evaluation.
CHARGE is designed to be easy and customer-friendly:
- Qualified upgrades are installed by professional contractors.
- New devices can communicate with the electric grid and adjust automatically when energy is cleanest and most affordable through dynamic electricity rates
- You’re always in control—settings can be adjusted for comfort, you can override the system any time.
How Does It Work?
1. Apply online
Fill out a short interest form and schedule a free home evaluation. Interest form can be found here:
2. Home evaluation
UC Davis will work with you and will determine if your home is a good fit for the available upgrades.
3. Choose your upgrades
Based on your needs and eligibility, you’ll be provided with options for the upgrades you can receive.
4. Installation and support
Professional installation is included, and extensive support is available throughout the process.
5. Smart savings
Once installed, your new devices can automatically use more energy when it’s cleaner and less expensive—helping you save money while supporting a cleaner grid. You’ll be placed on a dynamic electricity pilot rate (sometimes called “real-time” rates) that is cheaper or more expensive based on electric grid conditions. You will never pay more on the pilot rate than your existing rate, and if you save money on the dynamic pilot rate, you will receive a credit for the difference.
Program Partners
The CHARGE Program is a collaboration between Valley Clean Energy, UC Davis, and Panasonic, bringing together local leadership, research expertise, and advanced clean energy technology.
CHARGE Program: Frequently Asked Questions
What upgrades are available?
Depending on your home, you may qualify for a high-efficiency heat pump water heater, a heat pump heating/cooling system, and/or a home battery. Not every home will be eligible for all three—our team will help you understand your options.
Will I get all three upgrades?
Not necessarily. Every home is different, and the mix of upgrades depends on what you already have, what your home needs, and current program funding. Our team will explain what you qualify for.
How much does it cost?
For most customers, upgrades are provided at little or no cost, thanks to special program funding from our partners. Details will be explained before you commit.
How do these devices save me money?
Your new equipment can automatically use energy when it’s less expensive and cleaner—without you lifting a finger. The devices are programmed to receive the dynamic rate price signals and adjust for maximum savings. You can always easily adjust the settings or override the system for your comfort.
Will the system control my home without my input?
The CHARGE system is designed to work automatically for savings, but you remain in control. If you ever want to adjust the temperature or settings, you can do so at any time.
Who are the program partners?
CHARGE is offered by Valley Clean Energy, UC Davis, and Panasonic. The pilot builds on the work of a similar, successful pilot from UC Davis, Panasonic, and the Sacramento Municipal Utilities District (SMUD).
What if my home isn’t eligible for all the upgrades?
You can still participate and receive whatever upgrades you qualify for. Our team will explain all your options.
How do I apply?
Complete this interest form. If your home is selected for the home visit stage of this study, then a staff member from the UC Davis California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) will make an appointment with you to visit your home.