Good Afternoon Robert,
I’ve moved the others to BCC so we can focus on resolving these issues directly.
We understand these delays are impacting residents, and I want to make sure we get things moving as quickly as possible. Thank you so much for reaching out, and I also want to apologize for any frustration this has caused.
I want you to know that we are genuinely here to help both to support the process and to make sure the residents receive the upgrades they need. We’ve processed and issued many applications from Fuse and truly value the strong relationship we’ve built. From the start of the program, we worked together to clarify permit types and the application steps to avoid delays, and we’re dedicated to continuing that collaborative approach.
Before we work on improving the process further, could you please send me the specific addresses in question? I’ll review each application carefully and get back to you promptly. Once these applications are back on track, I would like to invite you and your team to meet with me either via Teams or in person at City Hall.
I look forward to hearing from you and partnering to make the improvements needed to keep this program running smoothly for the residents.
Thanks, MJ
[cid:CMP_Email_Logo_100dpi_05d92d5b-e8e3-498f-93a6-d0da509bd602111111111.png]
Mary Jane Salinas-Acker
Permit Manager
City Hall - 1st Floor
701 Laurel St.
tel 650-330-6718
menlopark.gov
From: Robert Esparza
Sent: Friday, January 30, 2026 1:46 PM
To: PermitTeam ; CHAndrews@menlopark.gov; communitydevelopment@menlopark.gov
Cc: citymanager@menlopark.gov; sustainability ; programs@peninsulacleanenergy.com; _CCIN
Subject: Urgent: Delays in Electrification Permits Affecting Low‑Income Residents
Dear City of Menlo Park.
I’m reaching out on behalf of Fuse Service, the contractor installing heat pump and electrification upgrades for the City of Menlo Park’s publicly advertised Home Electrification Program in partnership with Peninsula Clean Energy.
We are currently unable to move forward on several projects because permits submitted as far back as February 2025 remain unissued. In multiple cases, our applications have been repeatedly delayed due to requests for documentation that is not typically required for this scope of work, and which has not been requested on similar permits in the past.
There is also a significant inconsistency in review timelines. For example, permits for comparable work have been approved in as little as two weeks, while others have been pending for nearly a year. This inconsistency is creating real hardship for the residents who were approved for this program.
I want to emphasize that these are income‑qualified households who were selected by the City and PCE because they cannot afford these upgrades on their own. Several of them have told us they are ready to give up because nothing is moving forward. Some are entering the winter season without reliable heat, and their comfort and safety are effectively sitting in a queue with no clear path forward.
Menlo Park has publicly promoted this program — including signage displayed near public facilities — with the goal of helping residents transition to safer, more efficient systems. We fully support that mission, and we are ready to complete the installations. However, without timely permit review, the City’s own program cannot deliver on its commitments.
We respectfully request:
• A review of the outstanding permit applications associated with the Home Electrification Program
• Clarification on any requirements that differ from standard practice, so we can ensure full compliance
• A consistent and timely review process for these projects, given their public‑benefit nature
Our goal is to work collaboratively with the City to ensure these residents receive the upgrades they were promised and that the program continues to reflect the values Menlo Park has publicly committed to.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We are ready to assist in any way needed to move these permits forward.
Sincerely,
Robert Esparza
Project Manager
Cell: +1 669 800 8455
Office: +1 408 514 1566
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