Starting on October 13, 2021, residents in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties can save money while improving the air quality in their homes and neighborhoods by changing out old, wood burning home heating devices with cleaner alternatives through the Wood Stove Change-Out Program (WSCOP).

The WSCOP provides an incentive to replace old wood stoves, fireplace inserts, or open-hearth fireplaces with a lower emitting natural gas, propane, or electric stove/insert, dual or mini split heat pump or low-emitting EPA certified wood stove or fireplace insert. To be eligible for the program, a homeowner or renter must currently use an uncertified wood stove or wood insert as a primary source of heat.

The incentive amount is $1,000 or $1,500, depending on the replacement device selected, with an additional $2,000 incentive available for applicants who have been income qualified by Central Coast Energy Services under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The incentives will be distributed to qualifying applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are depleted.

The Monterey Bay Air Resources District is committed to reducing emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment, particularly in disadvantaged communities, through emission reduction programs such as the Wood Stove Change-Out Program.

If you have questions about the program or to verify eligibility, call (831) 647-9411 or email:  woodstove@mbard.org.

For further details about the program check the Grants link at www.mbard.org.

Richard A. Stedman, Air Pollution Control Officer

Print in English/Imprimir en Español