25665.3. The commission shall establish the direct install program consistent with all of the following:
(a) Participation in the direct install program shall be at minimal or no cost for low-to-moderate income residents, with preference given where the building meets one or more of the following criteria:
(1) The building is located in a under-resourced community.
(2) The building is owned or managed by a California Native American tribe or a California tribal organization.
(3) The building is owned by a member of a California Native American tribe.
(b) The commission may administer the direct install program through regional direct install third-party implementers selected through a competitive solicitation process. In selecting third-party implementers, the commission shall prioritize applications from entities that include at least one community-based organization in order to ensure for the provision of culturally-appropriate outreach, education, and support to households participating in the direct install program, and from entities that employ workers from local communities.
(c) The direct install program shall reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases, and shall encourage, where feasible, resiliency to extreme heat, indoor air quality improvements, energy affordability, and grid reliability support.
(d) Projects eligible to be funded through the direct install program include installation of energy efficient electric appliances, energy efficiency measures, demand flexibility measures, wiring and panel upgrades, building infrastructure upgrades, efficient air conditioning systems, ceiling fans, and other measures to protect against extreme heat, where appropriate, and remediation and safety measures to facilitate the installation of new technologies.
(e) The direct install program may include tenant protections for participating rental properties. These protections may include requiring the consent of tenants impacted by the work, tenant education provided by community-based organizations, protections against short-term and long-term displacement, and limits on increases in rent after completion of a project funded pursuant to the direct install program.
(f) Projects funded pursuant the direct install program shall be performed by workers paid prevailing wage where possible and when applicable.
(g) The commission may establish project and eligibility guidelines for purposes of the direct install program.
(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 251, Sec. 12. (AB 209) Effective September 6, 2022.)