SAN FRANCISCO - (INT) - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the California Energy Commission have joined California industry leaders to launch a New Residential Zero Net Energy Action Plan designed to establish a robust and self-sustaining market so that all new homes are zero net energy (ZNE) beginning in 2020.

ZNE homes are high performing, very efficient houses that have renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, so that over a year, the home produces as much energy as it uses.

Houses represent 32 percent of all energy consumed in California and energy constitutes a substantial expense for many homeowners, on average $1,500 annually and much more in hotter and colder climates.

Moving toward ZNE will help homeowners better manage energy costs and become more energy independent, and at the same time help the state take a big bite out of overall energy consumption.

Story Date: June 11, 2015