A new Santa Barbara County program is helping low-income residents improve their home air quality and become more energy efficient by giving them free electric appliances.
It’s part of Santa Barbara County’s commitment to improve the climate. The idea is to help people replace appliances that use gas.
"We are trying to target people who typically don't have the means or ability to make substantial energy upgrades to their homes," said Garrett Wong, Santa Barbara County’s Sustainability Division Manager.
He added that qualifying households can receive up to $500 in plug-in appliances. "Households can choose either an air conditioning unit, portable or window-mounted, or smaller items like you'd use in kitchens, like an induction cooktop, an electric instant pot, or an electric kettle," said Wong.
Applications will be accepted for the program through August 22.
Santa Barbara County provided $75,000 in funding for the program as part of its climate action plan, but officials hope other jurisdictions will see its value and success in reducing pollution and also want to contribute.
You can find details of the program here.
