Published on 06/11/2026
Santa Rosa, Calif., June 2, 2026 – Sonoma Clean Power (SCP), the public power provider serving Sonoma and Mendocino counties, is launching the first phase of its VPP-FLEX initiative by offering free smart thermostats and professional installation to eligible CARE and FERA customers. The rollout marks the start to SCP’s broader effort to improve access to smart energy technologies for income-qualified households and other underserved customers.
Households that qualify will receive a smart thermostat, professional installation at no cost, and ›automatic enrollment in SCP Rewards, which provides a $5 monthly bill credit. Customers who already have a compatible device can receive a $200 incentive for enrolling their thermostat in SCP Rewards, provided they meet eligibility requirements.
This program is funded by a $4.99 million grant from the California Energy Commission and $1 million from SCP as part of the four-year VPP-FLEX initiative. Announced in November 2025, the funding supports expanded access to smart energy technologies for renters, income-qualified households, and small businesses, and encourages shifting electricity use away from peak-demand hours.
“This grant is now making a real difference for our community,” said Geof Syphers, CEO of Sonoma Clean Power. “By removing cost barriers for both the thermostat and installation, we’re making it easier for families to participate in programs that can help to lower bills and improve comfort at home.”
SCP will begin with efforts to engage income-qualified customers, expanding to a wider audience later this spring. To ensure the program reaches those who need it most, the grant has invested $250,000 into partnerships with four vital community-based organizations — Latino Service Providers, Council on Aging Services for Seniors, North Coast Opportunities, and Nuestra Comunidad — who are helping to connect eligible households to the program, providing multilingual outreach and enrollment assistance, and supporting a feedback loop that will enable SCP to address program barriers in real-time.
By combining the equipment installation with long-term financial incentives, the VPP-FLEX program aims to create a sustainable and equitable model for managing distributed energy resources (DERs). Customers see lower upfront costs, streamlined enrollment, and rewards for reducing electricity use at peak times. The initiative also helps manage grid demand, cuts reliance on fossil fuels, and improves
access for households that have historically faced barriers to participation in utility programs. SCP projects the program will reduce four megawatts of peak demand by 2029, boosting grid reliability and delivering savings across the community.
“This grant initiative has been many years in the making,” said Felicia Smith, Director of Customer Energy Solutions at SCP. “We are excited to build upon the momentum of our existing SCP Rewards program and provide an offering to our customers with real benefits on both the household and state level.”
Participation is voluntary and customers remain in control of their devices. Eligible customers can learn more about the free thermostat offer and other SCP Rewards programs here. Additional information about eligibility, enrollment and timing will be shared as rollout continues.
About Sonoma Clean Power
Sonoma Clean Power (SCP) is the public power provider for Sonoma and Mendocino counties, serving about half a million people and investing in its communities through partnerships targeting climate solutions, education, and the fundamental needs of residents. Its EverGreen service is the only 100 percent locally generated energy option available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and customers also have the option to earn cash rewards through SCP’s award-winning demand response Rewards program. In downtown Santa Rosa, SCP operates its Customer Center, dedicated to helping customers cut their energy costs and improve energy efficiency in their homes. To learn more, visit sonomacleanpower.org or call 1 (855) 202-2139.
