California Regional Energy Networks (RENs)
Free, localized support for energy efficiency, education, and incentives.
RENs play a vital role by providing energy efficiency programs tailored to their regions, addressing gaps left by large investor-owned utility (IOU) programs. What sets them apart is their holistic approach, leveraging extra funding to enhance energy initiatives and bring added value to communities. Their localized focus allows them to understand and meet specific needs while ensuring transparency and affordability for their communities.
RENs not only reduce energy use but also lower electricity bills, reduce demand, and create local jobs. As energy demand grows from sectors like transportation and data centers, RENs play a key role in managing load, developing a skilled workforce, and keeping energy affordable. Ultimately, RENs deliver broad economic benefits, improving public health and supporting all Californians.
Northern Rural Energy Network (NREN)
Serves: 17 Northern California counties | Contact: https://northernren.org/contact/ | info@NorthernREN.org
Commercial Energy Upgrades – Incentives and technical support for business equipment upgrades (heat pumps, LED lighting, HVAC)
Public Agency Energy Services – Free benchmarking, assessments, and grant writing for schools, tribes, and public agencies
Energy Careers Education & Training – Workforce training in energy efficiency and electrification for contractors and professionals
Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN)
Serves: 9 Bay Area counties | Contact: https://www.bayren.org/local-government-resources/your-county-lead | (415) 646-3800
BayREN Refrigerant Replacement (BRRR) program aims to replace environmentally harmful refrigerants with eco-friendlier options at low-to-no cost to food service sector businesses.
Integrated Energy Services (IES) program provides comprehensive technical assistance and engineering support to help local government and special district staff plan and implement energy efficiency, electrification, and resilience upgrades for their public buildings.
Targeted Decarbonization Services (TDS) program provides technical expertise, financial support, training, and project guidance to help local governments plan and implement building decarbonization projects.
Central California Rural Regional Energy Network (CCR REN)
Serves: Central Coast, Eastern Sierra, San Joaquin Valley | Contact: https://www.ccrren.org/contact | info@ccrren.org | (833) 227-7360
Commercial Programs – Free technical support, incentives, direct installation of energy-efficient upgrades for small businesses
Public Agency Services – Support for local governments, schools, and tribes
Workforce Development – Training for local clean energy jobs and careers
Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3C-REN)
Serves: San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura counties | Contact: https://www.3c-ren.org/connect | info@3C-REN.org
Commercial Energy – Small and medium business energy improvements
Energy Code Connect – Technical training for contractors and builders, code compliance support
Building Performance Training – Professional development in building science and advanced techniques
Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN)
Serves: 13 Southern California counties | Contact: https://socalren.org/about/contact | contact@socalren.org | (877) 785-2237
Public Agencies – Programs for schools, water/wastewater projects, special districts
Commercial & Agriculture – Business energy advisor, agricultural energy solutions, hard-to-reach commercial direct install
Workforce & Training – ACES program, Green Path Careers, E-Contractor program
Inland Regional Energy Network (I-REN)
Serves: Riverside and San Bernardino counties | Contact: https://iren.gov/35/Contact-Us | info@iren.gov
Public Sector Programs – Resilience planning, facility audits, energy assessments, and funding support for local governments, schools, and tribal communities
Workforce Development – Energy fellows program, multilingual Title 24 code training, $3M workforce partnership with county development boards
Energy Efficiency Services – Technical assistance for municipalities, municipal facility upgrades, renewable energy and battery storage planning
San Diego Regional Energy Network (SDREN)
Serves: San Diego County | Contact: https://sdren.org/contact-us
Public Sector Energy Upgrade – Support for local governments, schools, and tribal communities
Refresh Refrigeration – Commercial refrigeration equipment upgrades
Workforce Development – "Spark Your Career" training, energy code coaching, education programs
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