The Wood Smoke Reduction Program (Program) is a statewide program that uses Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from older solid fuel (wood) burning heating stoves. The current program has been funded through the California Climate Investments program with a statewide appropriation of $5,000,000 (AB 1613). The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has developed Program Guidelines for the implementation of the Program which will be administered by the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) in coordination with local air districts. Shasta County has been allocated $125,000 for the current round of funding, from the start of Program through June 30, 2020. Final requests for payment must be submitted by December 31, 2019 to allow reimbursement to Grantees by June 30, 2020.
The Program is designed to help households replace an older, uncertified wood stove or insert used as the primary source of heat, with a cleaner burning and more efficient device by partially off-setting the costs of a new certified device. Increased incentives amounts are available for disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households. In addition to reducing GHG emissions, Program benefits include reduction in black carbon and fine particulate (PM2.5) emissions.
With authorization to participate, District staff will develop necessary documents and operate the Program based on the finalized state Program Guidelines. Here are key points to the State Program Guidelines:
1. Households are eligible to replace an existing non-certified woodstove or insert that is used as a primary source of heat. Open hearth fireplaces are eligible; however, the applicant must provide proof that it is used as a primary source of heat (via receipts from purchasing wood or energy bill).
2. The replacement device may be an EPA certified woodstove or insert, a natural gas burning stove or insert, or an electric home heating device.
3. The District will issue vouchers to cover the cost of purchasing, permitting, and installing the new device, up to $3,500, for households that qualify for the Low Income Qualified Voucher. Applicants are eligible for the Low Income Qualified Voucher if the home is located in a state-defined low income community, if they participate in one of several low-income assistance programs (WIC, CARE, etc.), or if they meet the state definition of a low-income household.
4. Vouchers in the amount of $1,000 will be issued to all other households replacing an eligible wood-burning device.
5. The District’s process for issuing and tracking Vouchers will be similar to the Districts existing Woodstove Change-out Program:
a. The applicant completes a voucher application. Voucher applications will be available through the District office and website and at participating retailers.
b. Staff will review the application for completeness, and if applicants request a low income qualified voucher, staff will confirm eligibility.
c. Vouchers will be issued in the order received, with an expiration date of 4 weeks from issuance.
d. Vouchers will be accepted by participating retailers at time of sale, and applied as a discount. Retailers will notify the District of a sale once the customer has signed a contract or entered into a binding purchase agreement. For low income qualified vouchers, retailers will provide the District a cost estimate for District approval prior to installation.
e. Installations must be completed by a licensed contractor.
f. Retailers will provide training to the applicant to ensure the new device is properly operated and maintained to maximize energy efficiency and achieve the lowest possible emission rates.
g. Retailers will be reimbursed by the District once the installation is complete, the replaced device is properly dismantled and recycled, and required documents are submitted to the District.
h. The District will submit the required documentation to CAPCOA to receive reimbursement for eligible administration costs.
i. The District will track vouchers issued, devices replaced and purchased, and emissions reductions according to the actual sales activity.
Other project activities include outreach, education, and quarterly progress reporting to CAPCOA/CARB.