The California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority (CAEATFA), working with the California Public Utilities Commission, Investor‐Owned Utilities (IOUs) and others, developed energy efficiency financing programs. These programs help eliminate upfront costs, which for many Californians interested in undertaking energy efficiency projects, initial costs can be a barrier. Additionally, the programs were designed to meet the needs of customers that may not wish to, or be able to, participate in more traditional loan programs.