Two of the state's most populous counties have enrolled in The Energy Network's public agency program, bringing the total number of participating agencies to 15 since the program's launch in September. The Energy Network provides free assistance to public agencies to help them complete energy upgrades.

"We really appreciate The Energy Network's holistic approach to energy efficiency projects," said Marisa Creter, of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments. Three of its 35 member agencies are enrolled in the program. "This helps agencies address core issues at their facilities, including deferred maintenance," she said.

The list of enrolled agencies now includes Los Angeles and Orange counties, the cities of Covina, Culver City, Alhambra, Santa Monica, Pomona, Palmdale, Oxnard, San Bernardino and Huntington Beach, as well as Port of Hueneme (Oxnard Harbor District), Running Springs Water District, Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority and Western Municipal Water District. Water related agencies are big consumers of electricity and their aging infrastructure makes them ideal candidates for energy efficiency upgrades.

The program's goal is to save 30 million kWh of electricity and 400,000 therms of natural gas by the end of 2014 through upgrades to public facilities. Qualifying agencies include more than 700 public agencies throughout Southern California.

Financing is Key to Energy Upgrades

Whether it is a homeowner contemplating energy efficient windows, a business looking to upgrade an old air conditioning system, or a city considering high efficiency streetlights, access to financing is often key to completing such projects.

The Energy Network helps homeowners, businesses and public agencies gain access to energy upgrade financing. Originally launched in LA with Recovery Act funding, the Single Family Residential Loan Loss Reserve Program has lent $4.5 million to 298 homeowners. The Energy Network will make this financing resource available to even more homeowners during the 2013-2014 cycle. Homeowners must complete an eligible Energy Upgrade California™ Home Upgrade project in order to qualify.

For commercial property owners there is LA PACE, which allows energy and water efficiency upgrades and renewable energy projects to be financed through an assessment on property tax bills. There are no upfront out-of-pocket costs, and the program's project developers help owners through the process at no cost. LA PACE recently financed a quarter-million dollar project in Long Beach and more projects are under way.

For public agencies, The Energy Network offers objective, third-party financial analysis to match the best financing package to each project. All potential options are discussed, including Energy Project Lease financing, an innovative tool that connects public sector energy upgrade projects with private sector investors.