Redwood Coast Energy Authority Launches Northern Rural Energy Network
Redwood Coast Energy Authority Launches Northern Rural Energy Network
Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA), in partnership with the Sierra Business Council, Mendocino Council of Governments, and Lake Area Planning Council, launched the Northern Rural Energy Network (NREN) program to expand energy efficiency services to rural California. The formation of NREN is a direct response to underrepresented rural California energy customers’ unique issues and urgent needs.
NREN is part of a statewide initiative of regional energy networks focused on helping communities grow and thrive through the adoption of energy efficiency and electrification initiatives. RCEA was selected to lead this effort because of its more than two decades of experience implementing energy efficiency programs in Humboldt County and its expertise in rural energy concerns.
“RCEA is a natural fit to lead the Northern Rural Energy Network, with staff who are both experts in running energy efficiency programs and deeply rooted in our rural communities,” Stephen Kullmann, Director of Customer Programs, said.
As the NREN Lead Portfolio Administrator, RCEA is responsible for ensuring that energy dollars reach rural customers who have been underserved by statewide programs.
“For too long, ratepayers in rural areas have not received the full benefits of energy efficiency programs that they have been paying into through their utility bills,” Beth Burks, RCEA Executive Director, said. “By bringing this funding back to our region, NREN’s locally designed and implemented programs are another innovative way that RCEA is addressing the unique energy needs of Humboldt County energy customers.”
NREN will initially focus on residential programming that will help community members reduce their energy costs and carbon emissions. Services include residential rebates for energy efficiency improvements and electrification, free home energy assessments conducted over the phone and/or in person, and free energy efficiency kits. The energy efficiency kits, which will be mailed to customers who sign up, will include easy-to-use items such as light bulbs, water- saving aerators, power strips, energy monitors, and more that can help customers reduce their energy use.
NREN will launch additional programs throughout the year that will help rural communities implement energy savings, train the local workforce, and grow our regional economy. Upcoming programs include incentives for small businesses, micro and gap-financing opportunities, a workforce education and training component to upskill existing contractors, as well as codes and standards resources for public agencies and contractors.
Developed by rural agencies and organizations for rural communities, NREN delivers innovative approaches for reducing energy use and expanding the adoption of energy-saving resources across northern California’s vast rural regions.
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About Redwood Coast Energy Authority
Established in 2003, the Redwood Coast Energy Authority is a local government joint powers agency whose members include the Blue Lake Rancheria, Yurok Tribe, the County of Humboldt, the seven cities within the county, and the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District. RCEA’s purpose is to develop and implement sustainable energy initiatives that reduce energy demand, increase energy efficiency, and advance the use of clean, efficient, and renewable resources available in the region. For more info, visit redwoodenergy.org.
About the Northern Rural Energy Network
Northern Rural Energy Network (NREN) offers energy efficiency programs to rural communities, delivering cost savings and strengthening community resilience for the North Coast, Lake County, and the Sierra Nevada. More information on NREN’s services can be found at NorthernREN.org.
