Sen. Wiener announces new clean energy legislation
On Jan. 29, 2026, Senator Scott Wiener (D–San Francisco) announced the Clean Homes and Energy Affordability Package (CHEAP), consisting of two bills designed to help Californians lower household energy expenses by improving access to cost-effective clean energy technologies. CHEAP comprises SB 222, the Heat Pump Access Act, and SB 868, the Plug-and-Play Solar Act.
SB 222 aims to simplify and accelerate permitting for heat pump HVAC and water heater installations, while SB 868 streamlines approvals for plug-in solar systems, a new category of small, portable solar technology with the potential to significantly reduce energy costs for California renters, apartment residents, and homeowners.
