Alternative energy incentives are in danger. The coming months may be the time to act.

Erik Chalhoub here, trying to remain cautious of my spending, especially in today’s volatile economy. As expensive as everything is now, things will never be as “cheap” as they are on this day, especially when our livelihoods are all at the mercy of one man’s whims in Washington, D.C.

It’s got me thinking about what I need to purchase now that I won’t be able to afford later, such as a vehicle. I do not need a new one now—mine is still relatively new, as I took advantage of the unusual auto market early on in the pandemic. Today, the average price of a new vehicle is flirting with an eye-watering $50,000, but what about in the next five or so years, when I will likely be in the market? The way prices are rising now, I shudder to think of what costs will be in the next decade.

Republicans in the federal government want to remove the $7,500 incentive for new electric vehicles and $4,000 for used, under the so-called One, Big, Beautiful Bill, which squeaked by in the House of Representatives and now is in the hands of the Senate.

Also in danger are federal incentives for other alternative energy upgrades, such as electric water heaters and home batteries.

Central Coast Community Energy (3CE), which sources energy for customers across the Central Coast, is urging people who are on the fence about electrifying their homes or transportation: The time is now.

The agency offers rebates that can be paired with the endangered federal incentives, including up to $4,000 for a new electric vehicle (depending on income), $750 for a home charger, $500 for a home battery and thousands more for other home electrical upgrades.

Das Williams, senior advisor of policy and legislative affairs for 3CE, says the bill is “unfortunately a recipe for dirtier air,” and would stunt the growth of alternative energy sources not just in California, but across the country.

An analysis by the Solar Energy Industries Association found that the bill, in addition to threatening nearly 300,000 American jobs in the solar industry, will raise utility bills, as the decline in solar investments would result in an energy shortage by 2030.

But Williams says the bill may have the opposite effect: Large numbers of people wanting to beat the deadline for the incentives could rush out and electrify their homes and vehicles in the coming months, dramatically increasing the adoption rate.

“We could totally frustrate the president’s dirty energy goals and manage to do far more clean air work than anybody expected,” he says.

Williams says 3CE has given out $11 million in rebates over the past year, and recently, the agency has seen a broadening of different income levels applying. Forty percent of applicants in the past year qualified for the increased rebates, according to Williams.

3CE customers can check out the available rebates and apply at 3cenergy.org/rebates-incentives.

Have you taken advantage of these energy incentives? I’m curious to hear your experience.