#United States #South Coast AQMD #Diamond Bar #Zero-Emission #GO ZERO

South Coast AQMD Launches GO ZERO Program

On September 3, 2025, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) unveiled its groundbreaking GO ZERO Pilot Incentive Program with a budget of $21 million. This initiative primarily targets residents and businesses aiming to transition towards cleaner, zero-emission space and water heating technologies. The GO ZERO program is set to revolutionize the way heating is approached in the region, showcasing efficiency that far surpasses conventional gas systems.

Aiming for Efficiency and Affordability

Essentially, the technologies promoted under this program can achieve efficiency rates that are three to four times higher than traditional gas systems, leading to significant reductions in energy consumption and lower utility bills for users. The incentives available through the GO ZERO program are designed to facilitate this transition, making it easier and more cost-effective for households and small businesses to upgrade their heating systems.

What Does GO ZERO Offer?

The GO ZERO program provides several key incentives, including:

• - Rebates for Heat Pumps: Eligible participants can receive rebates for installing heat pump devices intended for space and water heating. This offer is applicable to single-family homes, multifamily buildings, and small businesses.
• - Incentives for Technology Replacement: Participants can replace traditional gas furnaces and central HVAC systems or conventional gas or propane water heaters with new heat pump technologies.
• - Workforce Training: The program includes plans for installer training to cultivate a robust clean energy workforce for future demands.
• - Application Assistance: Additional support is provided to help applicants navigate the incentive process, maximizing their savings through available programs.

Limited Funding and First-Come, First-Served

Importantly, funding for the GO ZERO program is limited, with incentives processed on a first-come, first-served basis while resources are available. Rebates are typically between $1,000 and $2,000 per heat pump. However, special provisions exist for those in overburdened communities, with potential rebates reaching up to $3,000 for homes, and $4,000 for small businesses.

To qualify for these rebates, the newly installed heating unit must be a heat pump that replaces a gas or propane unit, such as a conventional furnace or water heater.

Focus on Overburdened Communities

A notable aspect of the GO ZERO initiative is its commitment to social equity. Approximately 75% of the program's funding is specifically designated to benefit overburdened communities, ensuring that those who are most in need have access to these vital heating solutions.

Keeping Up to Date

For those interested in learning more about the GO ZERO incentive program, ongoing updates are provided through the South Coast AQMD eNewsletter. To stay informed, interested individuals can sign up by visiting the South Coast AQMD website and checking the relevant box for GO ZERO initiatives.

More detailed information regarding the program can also be found at www.aqmd.gov/gozero.

About South Coast AQMD

The South Coast AQMD serves as the regulatory body dedicated to enhancing air quality across vast portions of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley. As part of its mission, the agency consistently implements initiatives aimed at improving the environment and promoting public health. For further information, news updates, and air quality alerts, individuals can visit their official website, access their award-winning app, or follow them on social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.