A new “Energy Upgrade California” program now offers rebates to home owners who improve energy efficiency of their homes.  For basic improvements, the rebate is $1,000.  For more extensive improvements, the rebate can be as high as $4,000.  The program is funded by the “stimulus” money and by the utility rate-payers.  You can read more about it in this article “California Program Offers Rebates…” and at the program website “Energy Upgrade California.”