In Parts 1 through 3 of our Heat Tax series, we've explored how Fresno residents face a punishing financial burden just to stay comfortable during our intense summers. High electricity bills from PG&E, unfair wildfire cost-sharing, and utility structures have all compounded into a challenge that feels insurmountable. But while PG&E, the CPUC, and wildfire policy might seem beyond our immediate control, Fresno's residents, homeowners, investors, and city leaders have real, actionable steps we can take right now to push back.

In Part 4, we turn from frustration to empowerment—exploring how Fresno can organize locally, build smarter, design better, and harness the power of the sun.

Can We Organize Locally? Fresno's Path to Energy Independence

One powerful way communities are reclaiming control over energy costs is through local organizing and alternative utility structures, like Community Choice Aggregation (CCA).

With a CCA, cities or counties pool purchasing power, buying energy collectively at wholesale rates and passing savings directly to residents. California cities such as Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, and Los Angeles have successfully launched community-centric programs, significantly cutting costs compared to investor-owned utilities like PG&E.

Fresno County has already begun exploring a local CCA. This isn't about reinventing the wheel—it's about leveraging what works in other communities to serve Fresno better. Imagine reducing energy costs and investing locally generated revenues back into our community, building solar farms, battery storage projects, or funding home efficiency programs.

Action Step: Encourage local leaders to prioritize the CCA exploration. Call or email your city council member or county supervisor to express your support.

Can We Build Better? Why Newer Homes Have Lower Energy Costs

While older homes often boast charm, newer construction in Fresno and Clovis significantly reduces monthly energy costs due to modern building standards (Title 24), better insulation, dual-pane windows, and energy-efficient HVAC systems. A newly built home might cost more upfront but typically uses up to 62% less energy than older, code-exempt homes.

Today's new homes also come equipped with solar installations, turning your roof into a power plant and substantially cutting ongoing electricity expenses. In the long run, what initially seems pricier is actually far more affordable.

Action Step: If you're buying or investing, prioritize energy efficiency in your property search. Ask your All Elite Homes Realtor® about available new construction developments with energy-saving designs.

Can We Design Smarter? High-ROI Upgrades for Fresno Homes

Energy efficiency doesn’t have to be out of reach—especially for older homes in Fresno. If you're curious which upgrades deliver the biggest bang for your buck—like insulation, duct sealing, and smart thermostats—we’ve broken it all down in our earlier blog post: "PG&E: The 'S' Stands for Savings".

Many of those improvements qualify for PG&E rebates, state incentives, or federal tax credits, making them even more accessible.

Action Step: Schedule a PG&E Home Energy Checkup and head over to the full article to learn which upgrades offer the best ROI for Fresno homeowners. While PG&E does offer helpful programs and rebates, it's worth noting that many of these are funded by the very rate increases that have strained household budgets. It raises a fair question: if rates weren’t so high in the first place, would we even need these relief programs? The system might offer a rebate, but only after you’ve paid the price.

Can We Use the Sun to Our Advantage? Understanding Solar Under NEM 3.0

Solar remains one of Fresno's greatest energy assets. Even under the revised NEM 3.0 rules—where excess energy sold back to PG&E yields lower credits—solar still offers significant savings if approached strategically.

Under NEM 3.0, smart solar involves sizing your system appropriately, maximizing direct use, and potentially incorporating battery storage to store excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours. Owning your system (instead of leasing) remains crucial to securing the greatest financial advantage, especially as electricity rates continue to climb.

One standout option gaining traction is Project Solar. Unlike traditional providers with hefty commissions and fees, Project Solar offers transparent, competitive pricing, significantly reducing installation costs. Their streamlined approach means the same quality solar system at nearly half the price of some traditional installers.

Action Step: Get a quote from Project Solar to understand your solar potential. Visit Project Solar here to see how affordable solar ownership can be.

Quick Solar Tips:

• Own, don't lease: Gain tax credits, higher savings, and ease of property resale.

• Size wisely: Aim to meet your daytime usage without significantly overproducing.

• Consider battery storage: Maximize self-use and resilience.

Taking Control Together: Fresno's Energy Future

As we've explored throughout this series, Fresno doesn’t have to remain stuck paying an unfair "heat tax." Whether you're a renter advocating for local change, a homeowner making smart upgrades, an investor prioritizing energy-efficient properties, or a city leader exploring community solutions, every action counts.

The frustration you feel each summer when those hefty PG&E bills arrive can fuel meaningful change. And while PG&E does offer assistance programs and rebates, it’s often after raising rates that those options appear—leaving many to wonder if these relief programs would even be necessary under a fairer pricing model. In a sense, we’re being handed buckets after the flood.

The good news? As we've seen in this article, there are real options—ways to build smarter, retrofit effectively, and adopt solar solutions that provide long-term relief. And for those ready to take the leap into solar, options like Project Solar are making ownership more affordable than ever.

In Part 5, we’ll take this solar conversation even further. We'll explore the real costs, benefits, and misconceptions around solar energy in Fresno—from ROI under NEM 3.0 to the common traps buyers and sellers fall into. If you've ever been curious about making the switch or want to understand how solar fits into the broader battle against rising energy costs, you won’t want to miss it.

Until then, keep cool, stay informed, and remember: when it comes to Fresno's energy future, we have more control than it might seem.