Energy Conservation Resources

The County of Orange supports residents and businesses in their efforts to conserve energy, protect the environment and save money. Below are some state, regional or local programs, tips, and information to help you reach your energy reduction goals.

Energy Efficiency Websites:

California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) – Home Energy Efficiency: CSD's energy efficiency and weatherization programs provide home energy efficiency upgrades and health and safety improvements to qualifying low-income households. Visit the website to find out more regarding their programs listed below.

Southern California Edison (SCE) – Energy Conservation: SCE has voluntary energy conservation tips and programs for home and business. See the links below for home and business information.

Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) – Energy-Efficient Contracted Programs: The SoCalGas Company supports third-party programs that offer eligible customers rebates, incentives, and training to help use energy more efficiently.

ENERGY Star: ENERGY STAR is administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The ENERGY Star symbol indicates certified products to help you save energy. Check out the website for information on:

Certified Products such as refrigerators and washers, etc.
Efficient Home Upgrades Tax Credits & Rebates
Rebate Finder (just enter your Zip Code at Energy Star site)
Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency
Energy Star Home Upgrade

County of Orange Building Codes:

Building Code – California Building Code 2022 Edition, California Residential Code 2022 Edition, Energy Code- California Energy Code 2022 Edition and California Green Building Standards Code 2022 Edition, California Historical Building Code 2022 Edition, California existing Building Code 2022 Edition, adopted and amended by Ordinance No. 22-004 on December 6, 2022
Permitting Procedures for Small Residential Solar Energy Systems: Ordinance No. 15-012

Energy Efficiency Tips from your Local Provider:

Southern California Edison (SCE):

If you’re looking for even more ways to help save energy, here are some simple yet powerful SCE tips. They can help you save money and can further help us achieve our goal of creating a clean energy California.

Residential customers can help conserve and maintain power during extreme heat waves by following a few simple tips during the day:

Cook with your grill or microwave to keep your home cooler.
Shut off your oven for the final seven minutes of cooking; the trapped heat will finish the job.
Unplug unused electronics. Standby power can account for 10% of your annual electricity use.
Wash laundry in cold water. It saves energy and is gentler on clothes. Turn down the brightness on your TV.
Replace your incandescent light bulbs with more efficient LEDs.
Most viewing occurs at night anyway, so turning down your TV’s brightness will greatly reduce its energy output.
Set your thermostat to 78°degrees when you are home and to 85 degrees or “off” when you are away.
Pre-cool your home by lowering your air conditioning thermostats before 4 p.m.
When possible, give your air conditioner a rest and cool your home with open windows and fans.
Close drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight during high-temperature times of the day.
Avoid using evaporative coolers or humidifiers when the air conditioner is running.
Set your pool pump to run in the early morning or late at night.
Keep inside air in and outside air out. Insulate, weatherstrip, and caulk cracks and holes.