Energy Conservation & Renewables

Energy transparent Are you looking for ways to reduce energy waste and save money? Below are some regional programs, tips, and information to help lower your utility bill and increase clean local energy.



Energy Efficiency Upgrades and Weatherization 

Did you know that approximately 80% of the houses in La Mesa were built before insulation and other energy saving measures were required? This means higher energy bills and more heating and cooling needs. But with a few simple upgrades, you can reduce energy waste, drive down emissions, and save money.

Renewable Energy

Are you interested in going solar, but not sure where to look or what to ask? Here are a few resources to get you started.Solar on residence 4

  • Take a free class with the Center for Sustainable Energy. They’ll cover the fundamentals of solar electricity and solar water heating for residential customers. You’ll learn how to reduce or eliminate your electric and gas bill with clean power and find credible solar contractors in your area.
  • Explore online resources from SDG&E. Learn about Net Energy Metering, tax credits, and more!

Did you know the City offers expedited permitting for solar projects? Check eligibility and other requirements.

Renewable Energy + Battery Storage

If you’re already exploring solar, this is also the time to consider pairing your solar system with a large battery. Solar plus energy storage allows you to capture the excess energy produced by your solar panels during the day, so you can use that energy at night. 

  • California offers incentives through the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) to offset the installation costs of clean, efficient technologies that are designed to meet all or a portion of a customer’s electric energy needs. Learn more today.
  • When paired with federal tax credits, energy storage projects for your home and businesses can be very cost effective. 

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)

Property owners in La Mesa are eligible to participate in Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs. PACE programs allow the financing of renewable energy, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, energy efficiency or water conservation projects, and more through a voluntary assessment on your tax bill. Multiple PACE provides are available for both residential and commercial/industrial property owners (complete list). Learn more.

City Efforts

As part of the Climate Action Plan in the Energy category, the City is committed to reducing energy consumption from municipal operations by 248,000 kWh and 2,550 therms by 2035, to identify opportunities to install renewable energy and battery storage, and expand EV charging infrastructure.  The CAP is currently being amended and will be completed in 2023, as committed to be updated five years after the adoption of the CAP in 2018.  The City continues to implement energy efficiency projects such as changing streetlights from HPSV and IND cobrahead fixtures to LED fixtures as replacement is needed. 

On March 13, 2023, the City released a request for qualifications (RFQ) from professional companies experienced and qualified to perform and construct an energy savings performance contracting service for City facilities for the City of La Mesa.  The qualified partner will implement a comprehensive energy program that will include projects for energy efficiency, onsite renewable energy and battery storage, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure at City facilities.  Interested and qualified companies who have demonstrated their ability at providing comparable services are invited to submit proposals through PlanetBids.  

Regional Collaborations

The City of La Mesa is a member of the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative and participates in regional meetings and working groups, including Advisory Board meetings, Quarterly Network meetings, and the Regional Energy Resilience Working Group.