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Renter Energy Efficiency Program

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Renter Energy Efficiency Program

Overview
Application
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Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) is bringing cooling and heating comfort directly to renters – with no landlord approval, no wiring changes, and no cost to you.

That’s a savings of approximately $1,500!

Using portable electric equipment will:

 

Help improve your indoor air quality

 

Increase energy efficiency in your home

 

Reduce your environmental impact

 

Support a healthier Orange County
You’re a good candidate for this program if you:

 

Are an active OCPA residential customer.

 

Have access to a window for venting the portable HVAC unit.

 

Have an outlet on a lightly loaded circuit (i.e., not shared with other high-power appliances) for the portable HVAC unit to reduce the risk of tripped breakers.

 

Plan to operate the portable HVAC unit in a single room to reduce or eliminate use of your central A/C for some period of time.
What’s included
  • Portable air conditioning heat pump for room-by-room cooling and heating
  • Portable battery to help manage energy use and keep essential devices powered during a power outage
All equipment is plug-and-play and delivered directly to you.
Renter Overview Image
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Program Timeline
Application window: March 12 – April 5, 2026
Supplies are limited. Eligible applicants will be added to a pool and selected on a lottery basis, with priority given to CARE/FERA and Medical Baseline customers. Applicants not selected will be added to a waitlist for the next round of funding.
Who Should Apply

You may be a good fit if you:

  • Rent your home (apartment or house)
  • Want better comfort in specific rooms
  • Have inconsistent heating and cooling across rooms
  • Want more efficient room heating and cooling
  • Have experienced power outages
During the application, you’ll receive guidance on the most appropriate uses for the equipment to support comfort and lower energy bills
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Renter's page cloud image

Before submitting your reservation, please review the Program Handbook to ensure a smooth application process.

To review the Program Handbook in 中文, 한국어, español, Tiếng Việt, فارسی , Tagalog, 日本語, click here.

Applicant Acknowledgment

By submitting this application, I acknowledge:

Intended Use and Bill Impacts

The portable HVAC unit is intended to reduce or eliminate central air conditioner use. Running both systems at the same time may increase electricity use and costs.

Electrical Capacity

The portable HVAC unit must be plugged into an outlet on a lightly loaded circuit and not shared with high-power appliances (to reduce risk of tripped breakers).

Window Venting and Safety

The portable HVAC unit requires venting through a window, which may make some customers unfit for the program or present safety or security risks for some.

Frequently Asked Questions
Renter Energy Efficiency Program

About the Program

  • What is the Renter Energy Efficiency Program?

    This program provides eligible renters with no-cost, portable energy-efficient equipment, specifically a portable air conditioner for heating and cooling (HVAC or heat pump) and a portable battery. These items are intended to improve comfort, manage energy use, and support reliability without requiring landlord approval or home modifications.

  • Who is administering and implementing the program?

    The program is administered by Orange County Power Authority, with implementation support from The Energy Coalition and third-party delivery partners.

  • How much does the equipment cost?

    There is no cost to participating customers. All equipment is provided at no charge through the program – a savings of approximately $1,600!

  • Will this program affect my utility bill?

    Both devices are designed to support more efficient energy use compared to older or less efficient equipment. OCPA and its partners do not guarantee specific bill savings, and individual results may vary depending on how the equipment is used.

    The portable HVAC/heat pump is intended for room-by-room heating and cooling, which may reduce the need to run larger central systems. It may also replace or reduce the use of less efficient equipment such as electric space heaters, window air conditioners, or older portable air conditioners, which are typically more expensive to operate.

    The portable battery allows electricity to be stored and used later. For example, it can be charged during lower-cost hours and used during higher-cost peak periods, typically between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., to support the HVAC/heat pump or power select devices. Actual bill impacts will depend on household usage patterns, room size, temperature settings, and overall electricity consumption.

    Intended use of the equipment is charging the battery during low-peak energy times, and using it to power the HVAC/heat pump during high-peak times to save energy and energy costs.

    For additional questions, contact programs@ocpower.org.

  • Do I need to complete surveys to participate?

    No, the pre-and post- surveys are not mandatory. Program participants will be invited to complete pre- and post-delivery surveys to help OCPA evaluate program impact.  A $25 gift card is provided for completing each of the two surveys.

  • Will my utility data be used?

    With your consent, OCPA may access your electric and gas usage data to evaluate program impacts. Data is used strictly for program evaluation and improvement, in accordance with privacy requirements. Please see Terms and Conditions Section 8. Data Privacy for more details.

Application Process

  • What information do I need to apply?

    You will need:

    • Your name and contact information
    • Your OCPA service address
    • Your electric service account number (available on your utility bill)
  • How are participants selected?

    After the application window closes, eligible applications will be put into an application pool and selected through a lottery, with participation priority given to OCPA customers enrolled in the CARE, FERA, and Medical Baseline programs. A waitlist will be created for the next round of funding, and applicants not selected will be added to the waitlist.

  • When will the equipment be delivered?

    Equipment delivery will occur after the application and selection process is complete. Delivery timelines will be communicated directly to selected participants.

Eligibility and Program Rules

Equipment

  • What equipment will I receive?

    Participants will receive one portable Midea MAP14HS1TBL HVAC/heat pump for room-by-room heating and cooling, and one portable battery (EcoFlow Delta 3 Max) that can store electricity and power select devices. Both devices are portable and plug-in, designed for use in rental residences.

    The portable HVAC unit requires venting through a window, which may make some customers unfit for the program or present safety or security risks for some.

  • What size room can the portable air conditioner serve?

    The portable HVAC/heat pump is designed to support medium to large rooms, approximately 300 to 550 square feet per manufacturer’s specification. Performance will vary based on factors such as room size, ceiling height, insulation, temperature settings, outdoor temperatures, and other factors. The unit is intended for room-by-room heating and cooling and is not designed to heat or cool an entire home at once. For best results, it should be used in a space where doors and windows can remain closed while operating.

  • Do these units require professional installation?

    No. Both the portable air conditioner and the portable battery are self-installable and do not require a contractor, wiring changes, or landlord approval. The air conditioner plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet and uses a window vent kit. The portable HVAC unit must be plugged into an outlet on a lightly loaded circuit and not shared with high-power appliances (to reduce risk of tripped breakers).

    The battery plugs into a standard outlet for charging.

    Delivery is limited to standard ground delivery, and in-home setup assistance is not provided.

  • How does the portable battery help?

    The portable battery stores electricity so it can be used later. This allows you to charge the battery when electricity costs less and use that stored energy when electricity costs more (usually between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM, M-F in the summer months). The battery can also power essential devices during outages and support everyday energy needs. It is not intended to power an entire home. Customers will receive guidance on the appropriate use of the battery.

  • Do these devices improve indoor air quality?

    The portable air conditioner uses electricity and does not burn fuel indoors, which helps avoid indoor air pollution from combustion-based heaters. It also includes basic filtration to help reduce dust while operating. The battery does not affect indoor air quality.

  • Do I need internet or a smartphone to use the equipment?

    No. Both devices can be operated using built-in controls. Some models may offer optional app features, but internet access or smartphones are not required.

  • Can I move the equipment between rooms?

    Yes. Both the air conditioner and battery are portable. The portable air conditioner weighs approximately 77 pounds and includes wheels so it can be rolled between rooms if the room has a suitable window and standard outlet available.

    Because of its weight and size, some individuals may need assistance when repositioning it. The portable battery weighs approximately 45 pounds. It does not have built-in wheels and may require two hands to lift or move safely.

    When moving either unit, please ensure it is turned off and disconnected from power before repositioning.

  • How loud is the portable HVAC?

    Like most portable heating and cooling units, the HVAC produces some sound (42db) while operating. It is designed for indoor residential use and is generally comparable to a typical portable air conditioner.

  • What if the equipment does not work properly?

    If the equipment arrives damaged or does not function properly, please contact the program support team using the information provided in your enrollment materials. The equipment includes a manufacturer warranty. The program team will provide guidance on next steps if an issue arises during the program period.

  • What are the dimensions of the portable air conditioner and heater?

    The portable HVAC/heat pump measures approximately 16.73 inches deep, 19.53 inches wide, and 32.48 inches high. It is roughly the size of a tall bedside table or small cabinet and is designed to fit in most bedrooms or living spaces. Because the unit requires a window vent connection and some clearance around it for airflow, applicants should ensure they have adequate space near a window before applying.

  • Who do I contact if I have questions?

    Please contact programs@ocpower.org