Abstract:

Building electrification is critical to reducing emissions, but many low-income households face cost, complexity, and administrative barriers that limit participation. This report evaluates the 2025 Community Contractor Pilot in Los Angeles County’s Gateway Cities, which integrates early home assessments and case management into Southern California Edison’s Charge Ready Home program.

Using program data, documentation, and stakeholder interviews, the study examines how this model affects participation and program efficiency. Findings show that early contractor involvement, dedicated case management, and streamlined processes improved application rates, increased follow-through, and reduced timelines and customer burden.

These results underscore the need for approaches that build trust, simplify processes, and assess feasibility upfront. The report calls for expanding case management models, developing a universal home assessment, and better aligning programs to reduce barriers and accelerate equitable electrification.