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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

23 Jun

BayREN TDS Training: Public Sector Energy Financing 101 for Finance Staff – Part 2

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

This training builds on the foundational financing concepts introduced in Part 1 by shifting the focus to real-world application. Participants will explore practical case studies from across California that demonstrate how a range of financing mechanisms are being used to implement successful public sector energy projects. The training highlights lessons learned, common challenges, and strategies that help jurisdictions move from planning to implementation.

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01 Jul

Introduction to Passive House Retrofits: The EnerPHit Standard

9:00 am - 11:30 am

Part 5 of 9  Achieving the Passive House Standard in refurbishments of existing buildings is not always a realistic goal, and the Passive House Institute has developed the EnerPHit standard for certified energy retrofits with Passive House Components. In this webinar, trainers from the Passive House Network will discuss how the EnerPHit standard can accommodate the realities of existing old buildings, where foundations, party lines, historic preservation, cost, and other factors make a typical Passive House certification impossible. Learn how

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02 Jul

I-REN C&S Training: 2025 California Energy Code & Passive House

9:00 am - 11:00 am

This course will provide an overview of how the 2025 California Title 24, Part 6 code addresses Passive House concepts. We will examine the basic principles, methodology, and performance targets of Passive House, focusing on electrification goals and their relationship to the updated California codes. The class will illustrate the goals, strategies, and results with regional case studies. Credits: 2 AIA LU | ICC CEUs: 0.15 Instructor: The Passive House Network Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am

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07 Jul

What a Load Calculation is and Why One Is So Important

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Event Description Learn what a heating and cooling load calculation on a building actually is. Discover what the main goal of a load calculation is. Explore what the heating and cooling loads on a building are and why a load calculation is unique to every building. Understand why it is important to perform a load calculation prior to specifying heating and cooling equipment. Learning Objectives Be able to define what a heating and cooling load calculation is. Learn what the

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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).

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.