The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has introduced a new pilot program aimed at fully electrifying selected mobilehome parks throughout the state. The initiative, approved during the CPUC’s November 20 voting meeting, will involve investor-owned utilities collaborating with the California Energy Commission’s Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) program.
The EBD program is designed to provide and install energy efficiency measures and electric appliances in participating mobilehome parks. It also covers necessary upgrades to support these improvements, typically at little or no cost to residents. In addition, participants will be included in the CPUC’s Mobilehome Park Utility Conversion Program, which converts submetered electrical systems into direct-metered, utility-owned systems.
According to the CPUC, this pilot aims to help the commission better understand technical, legal, and policy issues associated with electrifying mobilehome parks. Insights from this initiative are expected to inform possible updates to the existing Mobilehome Park Utility Conversion Program.
The original Mobilehome Park Pilot Program was launched in 2014 to encourage conversions from master-metered natural gas and electric systems to direct utility service. Following positive evaluations of that effort, the CPUC established a 10-year Mobilehome Park Utility Conversion Program running from 2021 through 2030.
The new electrification pilot is part of California’s broader strategy for decarbonization and promoting equity across communities.
“The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services,” according to information provided by the commission. More details about their programs can be found on their official website at www.cpuc.ca.gov.
