Welcome to the first issue of The Energy Network News, a monthly update on the SoCalREN program and its milestones. The California Public Utilities Commission created SoCalREN, now known as The Energy Network, to help public agencies achieve unprecedented levels of energy savings.

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Energy Upgrade California

 

Influencing property owners to make energy efficiency upgrades in multifamily buildings is a tough challenge. But the pilot Energy Upgrade CaliforniaTM Multifamily Program shows that having the right tools in place can drive change. This rebate and incentive program originally targeted 560 units to achieve a minimum 10 percent energy savings, but due to high interest and big demand, the program was expanded to support the upgrade of 720 units. It produced a modeled energy savings ranging from 12 percent to 36 percent, which exceeded the initial goals.


The Multifamily Program used a multifaceted approach to help transform the market while informing and supporting building owners. Resources included an online portal with program information and incentives for upgrades that follow best-practice building science principles.

One Stop Energy Efficiency Solution for Public Agencies

 

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Through a "one stop shop," public agencies are taking action to save energy by upgrading their facilities. Using this innovative turnkey strategy, The Energy Network provides free assistance to agencies to identify energy savings measures and works side-by-side with them from design all the way through construction. The Energy Network brings project management, technical resources, high quality engineers, competitively bid contractors, transparent pricing, and access to financing so that agencies can get to construction on energy projects in half the time.

 

The program's goal is to enroll public agencies to complete electrical, mechanical and streetlight energy efficiency upgrade projects that will save at least 30 million kWh of electricity and 400,000 therms of natural gas by the end of 2014.

Since the September launch, six cities have signed up for services. In Covina, for example, The Energy Network is reviewing plans to retrofit a park and recreation facility and to upgrade more than 200 decorative streetlights for higher efficiency. In Pomona, The Energy Network is evaluating efficiency options for City Hall, and looking to upgrade streetlights and mechanical systems at public swimming pools.

Engagement efforts are currently under way with additional agencies throughout The Energy Network territory. Qualifying agencies include more than 700 public agencies throughout Southern California. 
Financing for Energy Projects 

nullIn October 2012, Los Angeles County launched a program designed to help make local commercial buildings more sustainable: Commercial PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy). PACE financing helps property owners fund up to 100 percent of their energy efficiency and renewable energy projects-upgrades that lower operating costs and increase property values. The favorable terms and longer payback periods-up to 20 years-allow property owners to undertake deeper investments that yield greater energy cost savings.

 

At the forefront of the statewide PACE program, Los Angeles County has more than $24 million worth of sustainable upgrades in the application pipeline.    

 

 


About The  
Energy Network 

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The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) created The Energy Network to serve public agencies and their constituencies throughout Southern California.
 
The Energy Network's mission is to harness the collective action of public agencies and their constituents and to help them save energy by providing needed resources and technical expertise. The pilot phase is funded through the end of 2014.

This Program is administered by the County of Los Angeles and funded by California utility ratepayers under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.



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