THOUSANDS of pensioners are expected to receive £130 worth of vouchers tomorrow to help with the cost of living.

For those who need a little bit of help this time of year, the Household Support Fund offers some assistance to low-income households.

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Those eligible for the payouts will receive the cash slips automatically, according to Wakefield Council.

These also won’t affect any other benefits entitlements.

How much will I receive?

The Household Support Fund is worth £421million and aims to help with gas, electricity, and food during the winter months.

It’ll be split across local authorities that will individually decide who is eligible.

Pensioners who no longer receive the Winter Fuel Allowance (Pension Credit) will bag £130 worth of vouchers.

Those still on Pension Credit will be entitled to £80 of supermarket goodies.

They can expect to have these in their accounts between 6 and 15 November.

All other households in receipt of Council Tax Support will be offered £80 and can expect to receive their payment next month.

Who can apply?

Wakefield Council have recently released the conditions of their eligibility scheme.

To qualify for the voucher from this council you must live in Wakefield, be over the age of 16 and not living with family or friends, be responsible for the rent, receive a low income, and have no access to other public funds.

Recipients should expect vouchers to arrive within seven days.

Full instructions on how redeem the voucher will be included in the letter.

Once the voucher has been redeemed, it doesn’t have to be spent all at once and can be used several times until the entire amount has been spent.

What if I don’t live in Wakefield?

The Household Support Fund will be accessible all around the country.

The £421million fund budget will be spread across each council but each authority will decide its own eligibility.

Not all councils have published what they plan to do with the Household Support Fund budget yet.

If you’re keen to find out what support is available to you, you can contact your local council and ask if there is any help on offer.

For those unsure which council they should contact, you can find your council area by using the Government’s council locator tool via gov.uk.

The Sun recently shared a guide and interactive map to help you find out what you may be able to claim.

Other help on offer

You might be able to get some support from your energy firm if you haven’t received a Household Support Fund voucher.

For example, British Gas is handing out up to £1,700 worth of grants to UK households.

This is through the company’s Individual and Families Fund and is accessible to people living in England, Scotland, and Wales – even if you’re not a British Gas customer.

To be eligible to get this support you must have been given help from a money advice agency in the last six months.

You’ll also need to have not received a grant from British Gas Energy in the last six months.

Other energy companies have their own support network for customers.

These include OVO, Boost, E.On, E.On Next, EDF, Scottish Power, Octopus, Shell Energy, SSE and Utilita.

The Household Support Fund was first launched in October 2021 to help Brits pay their way through winter amid the cost of living crisis.

How has the Household Support Fund evolved?

Councils up and down the country got a slice of the £421million funding available to dish out to Brits in need.

It was then extended in the 2022 Spring Budget and for a second time in October 2022 to help those on the lowest incomes with the rising cost of living.

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The DWP then confirmed a third extension of the scheme through to March 31, 2024.

Former chancellor Jeremy Hunt extended the HSF for the fourth time while delivering his Spring Budget on March 6, 2024.

In September 2024, the Government announced a fifth extension.

Pharrell Williams on the True American Dream: “It’s About Doing What You Love”

Grammy-winning artist and philanthropist Pharrell Williams is urging Americans to redefine what they see as the “American Dream.” In a powerful speech at the Web Summit in Lisbon, he challenged society’s obsession with wealth and encouraged a shift towards career fulfillment, claiming that the dream isn’t about amassing wealth but about finding joy in one’s work.

The American Dream: Beyond Wealth and Status

Williams, a Virginia native, touched on the generational perspective that success is measured by financial prosperity. “In my country, we are raised to think about how to make the most money because our parents thought that way,” Williams explained. “They had this false sense of what the American Dream is or should be.”

With recent surveys showing that 47% of Americans believe the dream is either out of reach or simply a myth, Williams’ perspective reflects a growing sentiment that fulfillment, not finances, is the true measure of success. “The American Dream is not about making the most money,” Williams argued. “It should be about spending the most time doing something that you love.”

A 2021 YouGov survey revealed that American teens are increasingly interested in careers driven by passion, such as becoming a vlogger, YouTuber, or professional streamer. This shift, Williams noted, is at odds with previous generations’ ambitions, which often leaned towards traditional high-paying jobs like doctors and lawyers. Williams acknowledged the pressure many young people face to meet these expectations but urged them to follow their own passions, even if it means changing paths.

A Shift in Career Aspirations

Williams drew attention to the disconnect between parents’ career expectations for their children and young people’s evolving dreams. “Your parents told you they wanted you to be a doctor or a lawyer,” he said, recognizing that some individuals may find happiness in these roles. However, many discover that traditional career paths don’t align with their passions and ultimately decide to change direction.

Reflecting on the common pursuit of financially stable careers that may not bring happiness, Williams added, “The vast majority, they go after it and they don’t get it. And then they end up working somewhere they hate because it’s the next best thing financially.” He explained that prioritizing financial gain often results in unfulfilling work, which is why he believes it’s essential to focus on work that truly resonates with one’s interests.

Pharrell encourages young people to consider whether they would pursue a particular field if money were no object. “If you think about something that you love so much, that if you could snap your fingers right now and you’d never make any money but all your bills were paid—would you do it?” he asked the audience. His message is clear: the American Dream should be about achieving personal happiness and purpose, rather than strictly financial success.

The Role of Charity and Creating Opportunities

Williams’ advocacy for fulfillment over wealth isn’t just theoretical; he actively works to create opportunities for others through his charitable foundations, Yellow and Black Ambition. Yellow is focused on improving educational equity, and Black Ambition is dedicated to reducing the wealth inequality gap by supporting entrepreneurship. His charitable work reflects his philosophy on success—one that values equal opportunity and personal growth over traditional metrics of wealth.

Williams emphasized that the key to a fulfilling career doesn’t necessarily lie in achieving a “dream job” in the conventional sense but finding a way to engage with something one loves, even if it’s a supporting role. “If a person’s ideal job was to be a professional footballer but they weren’t suited to it, they could still find fulfillment as a coach, cameraman, or even a team coach driver,” he suggested. By aligning a career with one’s passion, Williams argues that people will find greater happiness and motivation in their work. “If you can find a vocation around something that you love, you now have a dream job. You will be the first one there and you’ll be the last one to leave.”

Redefining Success for Future Generations

In closing, Williams shared his belief that parents and society should encourage children to pursue work they love, rather than pushing them towards lucrative but potentially unfulfilling careers. “To me, that is what we should be telling our children—that is the way that we should be leading society—for people to do what they love.”

By focusing on fulfillment, Williams believes the next generation can redefine the American Dream to be one that values personal happiness and meaningful work. His call to action is clear: the true dream isn’t about wealth; it’s about living a life that brings joy and purpose. As Americans navigate shifting societal expectations and economic challenges, Williams’ perspective serves as a reminder that the essence of success lies not in money, but in the satisfaction of doing what one loves.

THE country’s swankiest jacket potato is being given away completely free of charge this month.

Topped with saffron butter-infused lobster tail and premium caviar, the dish is anything but simple.

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The not-so-humble spud even comes doused in fresh truffle shaving, grated Gruyére cheese and edible gold leaf.

The dish would usually set you back a whopping £50.

Despite its hefty price tag however, the baked potato can be enjoyed completely free of charge this month if you head down to Hull bingo hall.

The limited edition dish is available at Mecca Bingo on Clough Road between midday and 2pm on Wednesday, 20 November.

Ben Newman who goes by the name Spudman, and who has more than 5 million followers on social media, is the culinary wizard behind the spud.

Diners’ fury as posh London restaurant sells scrambled eggs on toast for £58

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Diner were left fuming after discovering a posh London restaurant selling scrambled eggs on toast for £58.

HIDE in Mayfair is a Michelin-star restaurant which has caused a stir recently for its breakfast menu prices.

The customers were appalled to learn that the cost of scrambled eggs on toast might set them back a whopping £58.

The breakfast dish costs £36 a serving but the price rises even further to £58 if adding white truffle.

White truffles are known to be an extravagant food with one of the highest price tags.

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The expensive fungi are difficult to grow and take years to cultivate, making them scarce and valuable.

He told Hull Live: “It’s been amazing to see so many people share in the love of a great jack pot, and now, thanks to Mecca Bingo, it’s a chance for everyone to enjoy a taste of something decadent and jackpot worthy – on the house!”

Hull will be his first stop on a national tour before the chef heads to Stevenage and Blackpool.

Tom Sharpe, manager of culinary innovation at Mecca Bingo added: “As the OG of amazing jackpots, at Mecca Bingo, all our players are always in with the chance of hitting the jackpot, and the ‘Jackpot Jack Pot’, takes that excitement one step further.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Spudman on this luxurious new recipe that combines the ultimate comfort food with the excitement of a jackpot win!’’

This comes as 70 per cent of Brits said they consider potatoes to be one of their favourite foods in winter.

More than half of those polled also said they often seek more “elevated” versions of the baked potato, according to research by Mecca Bingo.

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The Man Behind the Confession: What Happened to Dr. Jerome Oziel, the Menendez Brothers’ Therapist?

In the annals of American crime, few cases have captivated the public as deeply as the Menendez murders. Lyle and Erik Menendez’s brutal killing of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, shocked the nation and turned into one of the most highly publicized criminal trials of the early 1990s. Now, with Netflix’s latest release, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, the chilling details of this family tragedy are once again under scrutiny. Beyond the brothers and their victims, there was another key figure who played a dramatic role in shaping the Menendez narrative: Dr. Jerome Oziel, Erik’s therapist. Oziel’s presence in the case, from the confessions to the courtroom, remains an essential—if controversial—part of this story. Here’s a closer look at Oziel’s relationship with the Menendez brothers, his impact on the case, and what has become of him today.

Jerome Oziel

The Confession: Did Erik Menendez Admit the Murder to Oziel?

Dr. Jerome Oziel’s association with the Menendez brothers began in 1988, when the family turned to him after Lyle and Erik were caught burglarizing homes in Calabasas, California. Jose and Kitty Menendez sought help for their troubled sons, hoping Oziel could address what they viewed as signs of delinquency. For a time, Erik saw Oziel as his therapist, confiding in him. But the relationship took a dark and pivotal turn after the murder of the Menendez parents in August 1989.

On Halloween of that year, Erik, who was clearly struggling with the weight of his actions, reached out to Oziel with an urgent request for a session. According to court records, they met at Oziel’s Bedford Drive office in Beverly Hills. The session extended beyond the confines of the office, spilling into the surrounding streets as they took a walk in a nearby park. There, Erik confessed to the murders, describing the planning, the execution, and the fabricated alibi he and his brother had constructed.

Oziel documented the confession meticulously, detailing how Erik recounted the crime and the reasons behind it. In dictated notes from this session, Oziel later described how Erik had revealed “in detail the planning and execution of the crime, including (the brothers’) fabricated alibi defense.” This confession would become central to the case against the brothers. Not long after, on November 2, both Lyle and Erik met with Oziel to discuss the motive behind the murder of their parents, diving into the psychological and emotional factors that led them to such a horrific act.

One critical decision Oziel made was to record a December 11 session with the brothers, creating an audio record of their discussions. This tape would prove both invaluable and controversial, and it became the subject of a prolonged legal dispute over its admissibility in court. Oziel’s recordings and notes would play a decisive role in the brothers’ prosecution, as well as in the public’s understanding of the gruesome crime.

The Tapes: How Oziel’s Recordings Influenced the Case

The recordings Oziel made of the Menendez brothers’ confessions became a flashpoint in the legal proceedings. In March 1990, a dramatic turn of events took place when Judalon Smyth, a former patient of Oziel and a woman with whom he was having an affair, approached the authorities and disclosed the existence of these tapes. This bombshell revelation led to the tapes being seized by law enforcement, and shortly thereafter, the Menendez brothers were arrested.

The legal battle that followed centered on whether the recordings were admissible in court, with the defense arguing that they were protected under therapist-patient confidentiality. The question reached the California Supreme Court, which ultimately ruled in August 1992 that two out of four tapes were indeed admissible. This decision was instrumental in the trial, providing evidence that supported the prosecution’s case and giving insight into the brothers’ motives and mindset at the time of the killings.

Oziel’s role in the trial was complicated and contentious. During the first trial, he testified as a key witness for the prosecution, describing Erik’s confession in vivid detail. However, Oziel’s credibility was subjected to a grueling cross-examination that focused largely on his personal life, including his affair with Smyth. This affair cast a shadow over his testimony, with the defense attempting to depict him as an unreliable and compromised witness whose own conduct undermined his professional ethics.

By the time of the second trial, Oziel’s direct involvement had waned—he did not testify. However, the tape recordings he had made were still played in court, cementing his influence in the case even in his absence. The recordings, along with the complex web of personal and professional conflicts that surrounded Oziel, left an indelible mark on the Menendez case, turning him into one of its most controversial figures.

Life After the Trial: Oziel’s Fall from Grace and New Beginnings

The fallout from the Menendez trial took a heavy toll on Dr. Oziel’s professional life. In 1997, the California Board of Psychology moved to revoke his license, citing several ethical violations, including breaches of patient confidentiality and allegations of inappropriate relationships with female patients. Oziel denied the accusations, maintaining that the revocation of his license was not related to any wrongdoing. In a statement given in 2017, he claimed, “I did not surrender my license due to the accusation, which implies I gave up my practice because I did things alleged in the original accusation. … No agency ever found I did a thing that was improper or wrong.”

Oziel suggested that his decision to step away from clinical psychology was motivated by a new career opportunity. He relocated to another state and focused on a business venture that he described as “highly lucrative,” eventually leaving behind the world of therapy in which he had once thrived. This shift marked a significant departure from his earlier life in Beverly Hills, where he had been a recognized figure in psychological circles, specializing in phobias and sex-related disorders, and had even taught at the University of Southern California.

Today, Oziel resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he has reinvented himself as a marital mediator, going by the name Jerry Oziel. He now works at the Marital Mediation Center, where he applies his expertise in psychology to help couples resolve conflicts in their marriages without resorting to divorce. The center’s mission focuses on conflict resolution as an alternative to separation, offering couples a chance to repair their relationships through structured dialogue and mediation.

Despite his changed life and new career path, the shadow of the Menendez case continues to follow Oziel. The Netflix documentary on the Menendez brothers, released in October 2024, revisits his role in the case. Although he declined to participate in the documentary, his impact on the story remains undeniable. His involvement as the therapist who first heard Erik Menendez’s confession transformed him into a central—and polarizing—figure in the Menendez saga.

Where Is Dr. Jerome Oziel Now?

Though Dr. Jerome Oziel no longer holds a license to practice psychology, he has continued to leverage his background in human behavior. Now known as Jerry Oziel, he has focused on helping couples navigate marital issues. In Albuquerque, he lives a quieter life, removed from the high-profile cases that defined his earlier career.

Oziel’s academic journey began at Arizona State University, where he received his doctorate in clinical psychology in 1972. Following stints in South Carolina and eventually California, he established himself as a psychologist in Beverly Hills, becoming known for his work on phobias and sex-related disorders. His career was on a successful trajectory until the Menendez case thrust him into a maelstrom of media attention, ethical scrutiny, and ultimately, professional ruin.

The Menendez case remains one of the most haunting and complex trials in American criminal history, and Oziel’s role in it has ensured that his name remains intertwined with the story. As new audiences revisit the case, Oziel’s contributions—and controversies—continue to provoke questions about the limits of confidentiality, the ethics of therapy, and the personal toll of high-profile legal battles. In this way, Dr. Jerome Oziel remains a specter in the saga of the Menendez family, his influence etched into the legacy of a case that has gripped the American public for decades.

AS soon as the Christmas advert season began, all eyes were on John Lewis to see what it had in store.

But it seems another retailer has stolen viewers’ hearts this year.

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As the Christmas ads start rolling, most of us begin to start getting into the festive spirit – and we also tend to shed a tear or two.

John Lewis has become well-known for its emotional and heartwarming Christmas adverts.

But the real tear-jerker this year isn’t the usual suspect, with some people saying Tesco‘s three minute advert is far better than the John Lewis Campaign.

The ad follows a man called Gary who is trying to navigate Christmas while mourning the loss of his grandmother.

It touches on how the festive period can cause conflicting emotions for many people who are missing a loved one.

The soundtrack for the ad is Melancholy Hill by Gorillaz, and it opens with Gary visiting his grandfather, then pans to a flashback of him visiting his late nan.

He gets up to leave, and at the door his grandfather hands him a packet of Tesco gingerbread men.

Taking a bite of one of the biscuits, Gary’s world transforms into a magical Christmas landscape where sugary treats burst out of every corner.

But when he thinks about the absence of his grandmother, his festive dreamland begins to crumble.

So, Gary decides to rekindle a Christmas tradition he had with his grandmother by sitting with his grandfather and building a gingerbread house.

The pair are seen to “rebuild” their lives after the loss, as the ad finishes with the entire family sitting down and having Christmas dinner together.

The table spread features glimpses of Tesco’s festive range including a turkey and pigs in blankets.

Becky Brock, group customer director at Tesco, said: “We want our Christmas campaign to connect people with the joy of moments that help feed our Christmas spirit and showcase how Tesco can help you do just that.

“We appreciate that even if you love Christmas, there can be
little things that eat away at your Christmas spirit as well as things that help to feed it.”

People went crazy for the short film on social media, celebrating its ability to connect with viewers.

One person wrote on X: “The Tesco Christmas ad is AMAZING!”

Another person said: “I’ve just watched the Tesco Christmas ad and it’s completely correct and has got the tone right.”

While someone commented: “Tesco Christmas ad is all about the spirit of Christmas. Normal people, normal lives.”

A fourth warned: “Check it out, it’s the best I’ve seen so far – but I dare you not to shed a tear.”

The usual tear-jerker on the block, John Lewis, has faced much less praise this winter season.

Another X user wrote: “@JohnLewisRetail That was a bad Christmas ad, I’m sorry but Tesco wins it this year.”

John Lewis is famous for pulling on the heart strings at Christmas time, previously spending as much as £7 million on a single campaign.

It spent almost that much this time round, and is classed as the biggest advertising event of the year.

In its two minute long advert for 2024, named The Gifting Hour, the story line follows a woman’s urgent hunt for a gift for her sister.

For the first time in 17 years, the John Lewis store actually features in the mini-film.

The ad, created by Saatchi & Saatchi, follows the woman, named Sally, rushing around the John Lewis shop floor.

Then she is transported down memory lane, and she tries to navigate childhood memories and pick up clues on what to buy her sister.

When she finds the perfect gift she reenters reality and find its already wrapped.

She then heads outside and shares a special moment with her sister, followed by the strap line: “The secret to the perfect gift? Knowing where to look.”

John Lewis purposefully leaves the contents of the gift a mystery to emphasise sentiment over material value.

However the heart-warming message fell short, with one person posting on X: “That’s it, Christmas is ruined. The John Lewis ad is quite comfortably the worst one yet.”

Another said: “Very disappointed, I wanted the John Lewis Christmas ad to make me cry and give me a sense of family and home.

“I have loved all previous ads because what sets them apart is they never actually focused on shopping, this year you have.”

Some viewers weren’t impressed by the song choice for this year’s ad.

One person wrote on X: “Where’s the slow emotional cover we usually get?”

Despite usually using a cover version of a famous song for its adverts, the campaign opts for The Sonnet by The Verve sung by the original band members.

It serves as a nod to the 90s, which has had a major resurgence this year.

It has also been left open to the audience as John Lewis searches for a coverstar on TikTok – and legendary lead singer of the band Richard Ashcroft will help pick the new star.

The winner will record and release their own track with BMG and a version of the advert with their rendition will be played on TV on Christmas Day. 

They will also win a £3,000 shopping spree and tickets to a Richard Ashcroft headline show in 2025. 

Proceeds from the single will be donated to the John Lewis Partnership’s Building Happier Futures programme, which helps care-experienced people. 

This year, the advert is the final instalment of a three-part series, to relaunch the chain’s Never Knowingly Undersold pledge.  

It will air first on John Lewis’ social media platforms at 8am tomorrow, but MyJohnLewis members can watch it from 8am on the John Lewis website. 

It will be broadcast on TV during the ad break for Coronation Street on ITV at  8.45pm on Friday November 15. 

Others weren’t impressed by the lack of men visible onscreen throughout the John Lewis advert.

An X user wrote: “No mention of men in the advert. According to John Lewis men don’t shop or have families.”

On GB News, Dr Renee Hoenderkamp complained: “There’s no men in it. There’s no brothers, no husbands, there’s no grandpas – it’s all women.

“Christmas is about family, which includes men and women.”

But other viewers saw it as celebrating women.

One X user said: “If you have just watched the John Lewis advert and have sisters you will totally get it – I sobbed.

“I am blessed to have the most amazing sisters and best friends”.

Another said: “The John Lewis Christmas ad is a celebration of women and it’s, quite frankly, brilliant!”

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

California Unveils New Energy Rebates to Help Homeowners Cut Energy Costs

Eligible Californians can now save thousands on home energy expenses thanks to a new rebate program targeting energy-efficient upgrades. Announced by Governor Gavin Newsom, the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEEHRA) provide financial incentives for homeowners to install eco-friendly heating and cooling systems, marking the beginning of two federal programs aimed at supporting efficient and climate-resilient homes. These rebates, a product of the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), are part of California’s commitment to reducing energy costs, improving air quality, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Substantial Savings on Energy-Efficient Heat Pumps

Starting November 12, 2024, eligible single-family homeowners in California can apply for HEEHRA rebates on the purchase and installation of heat pump HVAC systems, offering a sustainable solution that can replace traditional electric resistance heating systems. The rebates, managed by the California Energy Commission (CEC), provide significant financial assistance, potentially saving households hundreds annually in energy costs.

Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the dual benefits of these rebates, stating, “Thousands of dollars are now available for California homeowners to install heat pumps, making your home more energy-efficient and reducing your energy bills by hundreds of dollars each year. With these new rebates made possible by the Biden-Harris administration, Californians can save money and take real climate action.” Additional climate action programs are available at climateaction.ca.gov.

CEC Commissioner Andrew McAllister emphasized the efficiency of heat pumps, noting, “We’re excited to announce that owners of single-family homes may apply for HEEHRA rebates on the purchase and installation of an energy-efficient heat pump HVAC. These units make homes more comfortable and can reduce electricity use by up to 75% compared to electric resistance heating such as furnaces. They also work as air conditioners, which an increasing number of Californians now need due to the effects of climate change. HEEHRA helps put this dual-use clean technology within reach of more Californians.”

Eligibility and Rebate Amounts for California Homeowners

Californians can receive rebates ranging from $4,000 to $8,000, depending on household income relative to the area median income (AMI). Homeowners with incomes between 80% and 150% of the AMI may qualify for up to $4,000, while those with incomes under 80% AMI could be eligible for the maximum $8,000 rebate. Homeowners can check their AMI eligibility and begin the rebate application by visiting here.

The program also includes incentives for owners of multifamily buildings. The rebates for multifamily properties went live on October 8, 2024, expanding access to efficient appliances across a broader range of residents.

The CEC’s funding distribution for these rebates is a part of the TECH Clean California initiative, which aims to increase adoption of energy-efficient home appliances across the state. The rebates cover substantial costs for new heat pump systems and can be combined with additional incentives for further savings on electric appliances and equipment upgrades.

Expanding Energy Efficiency Statewide

The CEC’s proactive rollout of rebates reflects California’s leadership in environmental policy. The state has been an early adopter in providing energy efficiency rebates for multifamily buildings, and the expansion to single-family homeowners underscores its commitment to widespread climate resilience.

Keishaa Austin, Principal Deputy Director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs, commented on California’s leadership, stating, “California was an early mover in setting up and launching their Home Energy Rebates. Now, mere weeks after making the program available for multifamily buildings, they are expanding it to single-family homeowners. Starting today, thanks to the California Energy Commission’s continued commitment to the residents it serves, low- and middle-income Californian homeowners can apply to save thousands of dollars on energy-saving heat pump HVAC units.”

For more details on the available rebates and eligibility requirements, Californians can visit techcleanca.com/heehra for guidance on the application process and to learn more about other incentives that may increase potential savings on energy-efficient home upgrades.