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We Support Clean Energy Contractors

about efficiency first california

Who We Are

And Why It Matters

Efficiency First California (EFCA) is a non-profit trade organization that represents and promotes clean energy contractors in California. For over 20 years, we have helped contractors like you succeed. 

EFCA is directly involved in state policy discussions. One of our core responsibilities, as a trade organization, is to help contractors be aware and involved in state energy policy. 

Policymakers on the local, state, and federal levels often reach out to us directly to better understand the contractor’s perspective. The contractor’s perspective is crucial in policy discussions. We listen to and advocate for you, the contractor.  

We partner with industry stakeholders who share our common goals. Working collaboratively, we have been able to influence policy on a large scale.

We want to help you grow your business. Our monthly blog and advocacy update help you make well-informed decisions about the future of your business. We represent your best interests for sustainable, fair, and unbiased business models. We have an extensive list of industry contacts. If you need help, reach out and we can likely help you with whatever issues you’re experiencing.

training & events for clean energy & energy efficiency

22 Oct

E-CONTRACTOR ACADEMY – Bay Area Fall 2024

October 22 - November 12

E-Contractor Academy is a FREE weekly workshop series building technical, financial, and operational capacity with small minority/BIPOC, women, veteran-owned and/or disadvantaged (MWVDBE construction businesses to successfully do business in climate-critical decarbonization fields such as building electrification, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. Emerald Cities Collaborative’s E-Contractor Academy is a FREE weekly workshop series that builds technical, financial, and operational capacity with small minority/BIPOC, women, veteran-owned and/or disadvantaged (MWVDBE) construction businesses to successfully do business in climate-critical decarbonization fields such as building

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05 Nov

Residential HVAC System Performance & Electrification

November 5 - November 7

Learn to apply ASHRAE 221-compliant testing to heat pump systems and qualify for Enhanced TECH Incentives. This National Comfort Institute training package includes a two-day advanced certification in Residential System Performance and a special half-day training focused on applying your knowledge and skills to residential HVAC electrification. This training program provides the keys to delivering true system performance with real-world lessons and hands-on training. Open to contractors and technicians in the state of California who are enrolled in TECH Clean

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07 Nov

Heat Pump Water Heaters for Building Departments

9:30 am - 10:30 am

Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) are an increasingly popular technology that are a highly efficient means of providing hot water to houses. This training will describe HPWHs, code requirements for HPWHs, resources for permitting and compliance, and best practices for enforcement. Topics Covered: Overview of water heater technologies and trends, identifying HPWHs in the field, Energy Code requirements for HPWH installations and replacements, Energy Code compliance forms, and requirements specific to HPWHs.

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12 Nov

Practical Efficient Hot Water Delivery: Structured Plumbing Applied in Retrofit and New Construction

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

On the average Californians consume less water than the residents of other states. Even so there is a need for us to conserve even more water. The construction community has an opportunity to further reduce residential water use in ways that do not feel like conservation to our customers. In this class, Dan Perunko of Balance Point Home Performance looks at changing the way hot water is stored and delivered to the tap in residential buildings. The theory behind our

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California Contractor Advocacy

Building a clean energy future for all

Efficiency First California is actively engaged in California policy. We monitor communications from the California Energy Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission. When needed, we provide feedback to ensure regulations and policies consider the contractor’s role and the implications proposed regulations may have on contractors. 

Your feedback as a contractor is critical for our efforts. We encourage your participation in policy discussions. We feel it is our role to represent your perspectives.

Monthly Newsletter

Sign up to get the information you need

Every month you can get details regarding important news and updates on clean energy, energy efficiency, trade shows, and the latest policy developments.  

Check out our blog where you can get the information that matters to you and your business.

Resources

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Calculators

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Industry-Specific Education

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Industry Acronyms

our projects

Clean Energy Connection

Free leads for contractors. Free referrals for homeowners.

EFCA’s Clean Energy Connection contractor directory helps homeowners connect with local, vetted contractors with proven expertise on clean energy and electrification projects. 

We built the Clean Energy Connection to provide free leads to contractors and promote the growth of the industry as a whole.

It’s reliable, free, and it helps to grow and support our state’s clean energy workforce.

our commitments

Program Administrator for Sacramento Municipal Utility District

EFCA leads the way in rebate program management

We have been a key player in providing utility support services to different entities like TECH, SGIP, and PG&E, particularly as a program implementer for Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) incentive programs.

Our success has made EFCA a valuable resource for rebate program designers and implementers. We openly share our processes with others so they can also create successful programs, with the ultimate goal of making things easier for contractors (and homeowners).

We Support Building Decarbonization Coalition

The Switch Is On Directory

EFCA, in partnership with the BDC, has played an important role in supporting the Switch is On campaign in California since 2019. We’ve supplied our white-label directory to improve the rebate program, making it more efficient and contributing to contractors’ success.

Our Partners

sponsorship opportunities

Become a sponsor for EFCA’s upcoming events and open doors to connect, engage, and inspire both Clean Energy Connection (CEC) & Efficiency First California (EFCA) members.

For inquiries and more information, please reach out to our sponsorship team by clicking here.