🏠 Energy Burden by Income
Energy burden = % of household income spent on energy. Low-income households bear a disproportionate cost.
Avg Residential Rate (CA)
33.5¢/kWh
PG&E territory (Santa Cruz)
Avg Monthly Bill
$321/mo
CA residential average
Energy Burden (Low Income)
8-14%
vs. 3% for median income
CARE/FERA Eligible
~30%
Households qualifying for discounts
Sources: EnergySage, DOE LEAD Tool, CPUC CARE/FERA
Energy Burden by City
| City | Median Income | Est. Energy Burden (Median) | Est. Energy Burden (Low-Income) |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Santa Cruz | $111,427 | ~3.5% | ~12% |
| Watsonville | $74,785 | ~5.1% | ~14% |
| Portland, OR | $88,792 | ~2.5% | ~8% |
Portland benefits from cheaper hydropower (~12¢/kWh vs 33.5¢/kWh in CA), dramatically reducing energy burden.
🌱 Renewable Energy Share
CA Grid Renewable
51%
2025 (CEC)
OR Grid Renewable
~40%
Hydro-dominant
3CE Default (SC County)
100%
Carbon-free electricity
PGE Green Future (Portland)
100%
Optional clean energy
Sources: CA Energy Commission, 3 Clean Energy, PGE Green Future
☀️ Distributed Generation & Storage
Rooftop solar, battery storage, and Virtual Power Plant (VPP) participation create resilience AND revenue.
Santa Cruz Solar Potential
5.5 kWh/m²/day
Peak sun hours (annual avg)
Portland Solar Potential
4.2 kWh/m²/day
Lower than CA but still viable
VPP Revenue (CA)
$300-500/yr
PG&E ELRP program
Solar Payback (CA)
7-9 years
With current rates & incentives
Why Microgrids Matter for Energy Equity
Centralized grids create single points of failure and price vulnerability. Distributed energy (solar + storage + smart management) enables:
- Energy autonomy — Generate your own power, reduce utility dependence
- Resilience — Keep lights on during grid outages (wildfires, PSPS events)
- Revenue — Earn money through VPP programs ($300-500/yr in CA)
- Equity — Community solar and PCEF-type programs make clean energy accessible to renters and low-income households
- Grid stability — Distributed storage reduces peak demand and defers expensive grid upgrades
Design Your Microgrid
Explore solar, storage, and microgrid options for your home or community with our free AI-powered design tool.
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📋 Local Energy Programs & Resources
| Program | Location | What | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARE/FERA | CA (PG&E territory) | 30-35% electricity discount for low-income | PG&E CARE |
| 3CE Prime | Santa Cruz County | 100% renewable electricity option | 3CE |
| PCEF | Portland, OR | Clean energy grants for frontline communities | PCEF |
| PGE ELRP | CA (PG&E territory) | VPP demand response — $2/kWh events | PG&E DR |
| Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate | Oregon | 25% state tax credit + federal ITC | OR Energy |
| SOMAH | CA | Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing | SOMAH |