Bay Area drivers: power up with MCE's EV Instant Rebate. For Immediate Release August 17, 2026 Press Contact: Jackie Nuñez Senior Communications Manager (925) 695-2124 Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano residents can receive up to $3,500 off an EV. SAN RAFAEL and CONCORD, Calif. - MCE is relaunching its EV Instant Rebate, making it easier than ever for eligible Bay Area residents to get behind the wheel of a zero-emissions vehicle. Eligible MCE customers can receive up to $3,500 off a plug-in electric vehicle instantly - no waiting for a rebate check in the mail. "Many of the communities we serve are already among the nation's leaders in EV adoption. With transportation remaining California's largest source of polluting greenhouse gas emissions, we're working to make our communities the easiest places in the country to own and drive an electric vehicle." Shanelle Scales-Preston, MCE's Board Chair and Contra Costa County Supervisor Income-qualified MCE customers can save instantly, with $3,500 off a new electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid or $2,000 off a pre-owned model. Unlike traditional rebates that require people to submit paperwork and wait weeks or months for reimbursement, MCE's EV Instant Rebate, developed in partnership with Energy Solutions, is applied at the point of sale through an expansive network of participating dealerships. The rebate can be combined with other incentives, depending on eligibility. "In the beginning, there wasn't a lot of information or trust around zero-emission vehicles. MCE's EV Instant Rebate made these vehicles more attractive to potential buyers and gave them that extra incentive to take a chance. Once they experienced the benefits of driving an EV themselves, many became believers and came back for another one." Ali Saad, President, EZ Auto Sales in Daly City To date, MCE has invested more than $13 million in local transportation electrification initiatives. This funding reduces emissions, lowers energy costs, and expands access to EVs and charging infrastructure throughout Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano counties. As a result, MCE's member communities are helping lead the nation in EV adoption, with EVs accounting for nearly 25% of all new vehicle sales across its four-county service area. MCE's clean transportation investments since launch include: * More than $8.2 million in EV rebates that have helped over 2,700 drivers go electric. * $6.9 million in EV charging incentives representing more than 2,300 charging ports in workplaces, multifamily properties and other community-serving locations, expanding access to convenient charging where people live, work and connect with their communities. * Developing MCE Sync, a smart charging program that rewards EV drivers for charging when renewable energy is abundant, and grid demand is lower. Nearly 5,000 participating drivers have successfully shifted 94% of their charging load to off-peak hours. About MCE: MCE is a not-for-profit public agency and the preferred electricity provider for more than 600,000 customer accounts and 1.8 million residents and businesses across Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano counties. Setting the standard for clean energy in California since 2010, MCE leads with 60-100% renewable power at stable rates, serving a 1400 MW peak load, significantly reducing greenhouse emissions, and reinvesting millions in local programs. For more information about MCE, visit mcecleanenergy.org, or follow Mcecleanenergy on your preferred social platform @mceCleanEnergy. Stay in the loop.

BayREN is preparing the workforce to install heat pump water heaters. How BayREN heat water at home may soon start to change. Bay Area Air District Rule 9-6 will phase out the sale and installation of nitrogen oxide (NOx)-emitting water heaters as soon as January 2027, although the Air District will be considering exemptions and a delayed start date this fall. The rule was adopted to improve air quality and reduce harmful pollution exposure in its communities and will affect approximately 120,000 small water heater replacements each year. As the Bay Area transitions to cleaner equipment, contractors will play a critical role in helping residents navigate the change. BayREN is helping contractors develop the knowledge and skills they needed for this transition. Earlier this year, BayREN hosted six in-person trainings on heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) across the Bay Area, providing contractors with guidance on Rule 9-6, best practices for HPWH installation, and opportunities to connect with manufacturers. Contractors who attended the trainings highlighted their value. One participant shared, "This training was very useful for any contractors new to HPWH and regulations." Another added, "This training is essential in knowing how to help close deals and knowing what to install." To reach more contractors, BayREN is organizing additional trainings in the second half of 2026 in partnership with MCE. "Contractors will be trusted messengers and implementation partners to help make our communities healthier," said Elizabeth Harris, from the Office of Sustainability and Resilience in the County of Santa Clara. With Emerald Cities Collaborative, BayREN also recently launched a Contractor Heat Pump Mentorship Program and is now accepting applications for its first cohort. The program will match plumbers new to HPWHs with seasoned installers through a dedicated training cohort and hands-on learning opportunities. To learn more about BayREN's efforts to help contractors prepare for HPWH installations, visit: https://www.bayren.org/hpwh-trainings.To apply as a mentor or mentee to BayREN's Contractor Heat Pump Mentorship Program, visit: www.bayren.org/hpwh-mentorship