The California Public Utilities Commission has introduced a new initiative aimed at helping residents rebuild stronger and cleaner homes after devastating natural disasters.
Announced on March 9, the Rebuilding Incentives for Sustainable Electric (RISE) Homes program is a $50 million effort designed to support homeowners who choose to rebuild fully electric homes following destruction caused by wildfires and other disasters.
The program aligns with California’s broader decarbonization goals and is available to customers served by the state’s six major investor-owned utilities.
Financial Support for Disaster-Affected Homeowners
Eligible homeowners—those whose properties were destroyed on or after January 1, 2017, and who have not yet received a certificate of occupancy—can begin applying for assistance starting April 6, 2026.
Participants who opt for all-electric rebuilding will be able to access financial incentives tailored to their project type. Additional support will be available for applicants in disadvantaged communities, reinforcing the program’s focus on equity and accessibility.
“The RISE Homes program is a way to help those who have lost their homes in a recent natural disaster,” said John Reynolds. “Through the program, they can receive financial support to rebuild a fully electric home, one with cleaner indoor air and greater energy efficiency.”
Program coordinators will also assist homeowners throughout the application process and guide them through the complexities of rebuilding.
Advancing Clean Energy and Resilient Communities
The RISE Homes initiative reflects a growing push to transition residential construction toward electrification, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while improving indoor air quality and energy performance.
Participating utilities include Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas & Electric, along with Bear Valley Electric Service, Liberty Utilities and PacifiCorp.
To ensure effective rollout and oversight, ICF Resources LLC has been selected as the program implementer, while Verdant Associates LLC will serve as the independent evaluator.
Programs like RISE Homes are becoming increasingly important as climate-driven disasters—particularly wildfires—continue to impact communities across California. By incentivizing all-electric construction, the initiative not only helps residents recover but also future-proofs homes against evolving environmental and regulatory standards.
All-electric homes eliminate the need for natural gas, relying instead on electric appliances such as heat pumps, induction stoves and electric water heaters. This shift can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower long-term utility costs and improve safety.
The program also complements California’s broader policy direction, which increasingly encourages electrification in both new construction and rebuilding efforts as part of statewide climate targets.
Key Takeaway
The CPUC’s RISE Homes program provides a dual benefit—helping disaster-impacted homeowners rebuild while accelerating California’s transition toward cleaner, more energy-efficient housing.
Originally reported by California Public Utilities Commision.
