Modern electric appliances installed in qualified homes at no cost to you

Menlo Park homeowners may be eligible to receive brand-new, modern electric appliances—fully installed at no cost.

This is a limited, locally funded program from WestLight Energy (WestLight Energy) and the City of Menlo Park. Upgrades are already happening across the city.

Many homes still rely on older gas appliances that are expensive to run, harder on indoor air quality, and costly to replace.

WestLight Energy and the City of Menlo Park created this program to remove the biggest barrier—upfront cost—so more residents can benefit from safer, cleaner, more efficient homes.

By covering the cost of assessments, appliances, and installation for qualifying households, the program helps:

• Improve health and comfort at home
• Reduce long-term energy costs
• Support Menlo Park’s clean energy goals
• Ensure access to modern upgrades isn’t limited by income

This is a community investment—designed to help residents today while building a healthier future for the city.

Yes, really.
If you qualify, your appliances, installation, and any required electrical upgrades are covered—at no cost to you.

This program is offered by WestLight Energy, your community-owned, not-for-profit energy provider, in partnership with the City of Menlo Park.

Because WestLight Energy is not-for-profit, program funds are reinvested locally into lower energy costs and programs like this one that directly benefit residents.

To participate in the program, your project must include at least one core electrification upgrade:

• Heat pump water heater
  -or-
• Heat pump heating and cooling (HVAC) system

In addition, the program may also cover installation of:

• Electric induction cooktops or ranges (when replacing an existing gas cooktop or range)
• Electric dryer (when replacing a gas dryer)
• Electric infrastructure upgrades, such as an electrical panel upgrade (if needed to support electrification)
• An electric vehicle charging outlet

All appliances and installation are included.

All work is completed by WestLight Energy’s vetted Home Upgrade Crew—trusted local professionals.

Simple. Supportive. No-cost from start to finish.

1. Check qualifications
   Review the income guidelines to see if you may qualify.
2. Schedule your free home assessment
   We confirm eligibility and evaluate your home.
3. Choose your upgrades
   Our team walks you through the options available for your home.
4. We install everything
   Professional installation at no cost to you.

You’re supported every step of the way.

To receive no-cost upgrades, you must:

• Live in Menlo Park
• Meet the income requirements
• Have a gas water heater or HVAC system to replace
• Property must be a single-family home, up to a fourplex
• Applicant must be the property owner (rental properties are eligible to participate if owner applies)

Free Home Upgrade Services in Menlo Park may not be a fit for all customers. If your home requires a particularly custom or complex installation or you have an interest or need for specific equipment not offered by the program, you are encouraged to use the WestLight Energy Self Service and Personalized Support offerings to help you, as Free Home Upgrade Services in Menlo Park cannot support these types of projects at this time.

Income can be verified in one of two ways:

• Categorical eligibility
  Participation in certain public assistance programs may qualify you automatically.
  
• Income documentation
  You may submit your most recent federal tax return or other proof of income if tax returns are not available.

For income-qualified households, installation is completely free.

Eligibility is based on gross household income and household size. If you qualify, the cost of appliances, labor, and eligible electrical upgrades is fully covered.

In most cases, no.

Electric appliances are typically more energy-efficient than gas appliances. For example, heat pumps can be up to three times more efficient than gas furnaces, which can help lower monthly energy costs over time.

Also, making sure you are on the right electricity rate (such as the “EV2A” rate) will help you maximize your savings. WestLight Energy will assist you in switching to a more beneficial rate.

Because they improve your home in meaningful ways:

• Healthier indoor air
• Lower long-term energy costs
• More energy efficient than gas
• Safer for families
• More comfortable year-round

And right now, qualifying households can access these benefits at no cost.

Home assessments will be scheduled within about a week of your application approval. From there, projects will normally be completed in about 2 months.

The exact timeline can vary depending on your home, the upgrades selected, and contractor scheduling.

The program includes necessary electrical work to support electrification, such as:

• New electrical circuits
• Electrical outlets for electric vehicle charging
• Subpanel or main panel replacements, if needed

Any required electrical upgrades are identified during your in-home assessment and included at no cost.

In most cases, no.

This program focuses on replacing appliances and upgrading electrical components, which generally do not increase property taxes. Property taxes typically change when major structural improvements are made, such as adding square footage or altering the foundation.

For specific questions, homeowners can contact the San Mateo County Assessor’s Office.

For most homes, this will not be an issue.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) compliance is typically triggered only if improvements exceed 50% of the home’s value within five years. The average scope of work for this program is well below that threshold.

To ensure a smooth and consistent experience, all participants must use a WestLight Energy partner contractor.

These contractors are vetted and experienced with the Home Upgrade program, helping projects stay coordinated and on schedule.

The city of Menlo Park is opening this program to renters and rental properties, as well as homeowners.

Yes.

WestLight Energy or City staff may follow up for up to five years after installation to confirm that upgrades remain installed and operational.

Funding is limited and offered on a rolling basis.

If you’re interested, we recommend checking eligibility and scheduling your assessment as soon as possible.

Check your eligibility or schedule your free home assessment:

Call: (866) 966-0110
Email: [email protected]

Apply for your free home assessment