Homeowner looking for a Contractor? Check out the Clean Energy Connection

the resource for 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

15 May

High-Performance HVAC Design and Redesign for Electrification

May 15 - May 17

In this three-day educational experience, TECH Clean CA-approved contractors will learn to accurately complete four stages of system design using NCI principles and Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manuals J, S, D, and T using Elite RHVAC Software package for new and existing homes. This class is for engineers, sales professionals, and in-house designers who own or plan to purchase Elite RHVAC software.  Open to contractors and technicians in the state of California who are enrolled in TECH Clean

Find out more
22 May

Installing Individual Heat Pump Water Heaters

9:00 am - 11:00 am

Course Overview There are several design considerations for individual heat pump water heaters. In addition, heat pump water heaters can be an effective strategy to reduce grid peak loads. This course will provide an overview of heat pump water heaters and associated code requirements. The course will take a deep dive into design considerations discussing sizing, venting configurations, load shifting, and installation best practices. This course draws from experience of working through hundreds of heat pump water heater retrofits with

Find out more
22 May

Combi Heat Pump Webinar

10:00 am - 11:00 am

This webinar will delve into combination space and water heating systems, also known as combi systems. While these systems seem promising, they present a level of complexity that raises questions about their practicality. The current market boasts standalone heat pump water heaters and space conditioning heat pump systems. This webinar will explore whether it is possible to merge them into a singular device and not sacrifice efficiency and cost. Field research is underway, examining various configurations of space and water

Find out more
23 May

California Green Building Conference

All day

Welcome back to the California Green Building Conference (previously known as MyGBCE--and, my, how we’ve grown!) Presented by the U.S. Green Building Council - Los Angeles As the largest and longest-running gathering of green building advocates in California, this event has evolved into a statewide sustainability experience! This year, we are extending our reach to cover the entirety of California, bringing together advocates and companies from across the state. Join us in uniting the entire region for a thorough exploration

Find out more

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

Book graphic

Industry-Specific Education

Reading graphic

Industry Acronyms

House calculations graphic

Air Leakage Calculator

our projects

Clean Energy Connection

Free leads for contractors. Free referrals for homeowners.

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

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

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.