SoCalREN administers a variety of clean energy programs and initiatives to help communities and their members save energy, money, and become more sustainable. Each quarter, we share key highlights of the latest sector updates, news, offerings, and information. We appreciate your interest in these important issues, and encourage you to follow our social accounts - linked at the bottom of this newsletter, for additional, real-time information.

Did you know SoCalREN's Workforce Education and Training Program provides training, tools, and opportunities for participants to pursue careers and contract opportunities in energy efficiency? As part of that effort, we'd like to recognize the E-Contractor Training Academy which prepares small contractors to perform energy efficiency retrofit projects within SoCalREN territory. 

Enrolled contractors received personalized support and guidance from technical assistance managers and industry experts - all at no cost!

This Academy included:

• An introduction to SoCalREN, regional market forecast for energy efficiency projects, and technical training resources.
• What's needed to bid on energy efficiency projects.
• What's needed to successfully manage Public Works projects, once awarded.

Over 5 weeks of sessions, participants learned important information about:

• Estimated Principles
• Project Scheduling
• Principles of Project Management
• Project Cash Flow Management
• Project Close Out

Critical to this effort, was the E-Contractor Training Academy's instructor Joe Miller, CPE. Mr. Miller has over 35 years experience as a General Engineering & Building Contractor and Construction Consultant working on major Public Works Projects. Currently a Senior Consultant with Lenax Construction Services, a consulting firm that has completed projects ranging from as small as $25,000 to over $10-billion construction value, including Sewer and Water Infrastructure, Rail, Hospital, Federal Government & Military, and Aviation projects.

He is past-president of the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Society of Professional Estimators and an instructor and guest lecturer for many of our local colleges and universities. Mr. Miller was an incredible asset to the program, and a critical component to it's success.

We want to congratulate all our participating contractors. See their own words below! 

Public Agency Programs: Project Spotlight

Three Platinum Beacon Spotlight Awards for the City of Palmdale!

In June 2020, the City of Palmdale began working with SoCalREN Public Agency Programs to upgrade natural gas pool boilers and pool covers in various recreational facilities. Read on to learn about each upgrade and how it significantly increased the City’s energy efficiency! 

Pool Boilers

Upgrading natural gas pool boilers to their energy-efficient counterparts can significantly reduce energy use and cost. By replacing pool boilers, the City of Palmdale is estimated to save over $21,000 yearly! Through SoCalREN, the City of Palmdale secured over $158,000 in zero-interest On-Bill Financing from Southern California Gas and they have qualified to receive over $51,000 through the SoCalGas Energy Efficiency Rebate Program.

Pool Covers

Installing pool covers can significantly reduce pool heating costs and evaporation for both indoor and outdoor pools. With SoCalREN's support, the City of Palmdale secured over $25,000 through the SoCalGas Energy Efficiency Rebate Program!

In total, SoCalREN’s no cost support and expertise helped the agency achieve gas energy savings of over 78,000 therms each year! That’s equivalent to greenhouse gas emissions savings from driving over a million miles in an average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle.

The Institute for Local Government’s Beacon Program recognizes local governments working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability. This year, SoCalREN helped the City of Palmdale to apply for and receive three Platinum Beacon Spotlight Awards in natural gas savings, electricity savings, and sustainability best practices.

While agencies that demonstrate a minimum of 20% in savings are eligible for the Beacon Program, the City of Palmdale delivered double the savings with over 40% energy and natural gas savings! We thank Palmdale for placing their trust in our team and look forward to continuing to partner with the city to upgrade facilities to better serve their community! 

Are you interested in implementing a similar project? Reach out to your SoCalREN Project Manager to get started. Don’t have a SoCalREN Project Manager? No worries! Fill out the registration form at socalren.org/join to get started.

Enroll Today in the SoCalREN Kits for Kids Program!

We're excited to announce that Fall enrollment is open for schools to reserve their spot in the Kits for Kids Program! If you haven't heard, SoCalREN's Kits for Kids Program introduces third and fourth-grade students to energy efficiency. 

Students receive energy-efficient items at no cost, which can help their families save money and improve their comfort and safety at home. Each kit includes: two LED Bulbs, one efficient showerhead, two faucet aerators (a 1.5 GPM kitchen faucet aerator, and a 1.0 GPM bath faucet aerator).  

How it Works:

1. Students take kits home with energy-efficient items, installation instructions, and educational activities
2. Students complete at-home activity with parent/guardian
3. Families install measures around their home
4. Households receive energy savings
5. Each enrolled classroom receives $1,000 incentive if 65% of students install the energy-efficient items and provide proof of installation.

This Program provides great benefits to students, teachers, and families by informing them about the importance of energy efficiency. Learn more at socalren.org/kitsforkids or email us at kitsforkids@socalren.org.  

SoCalREN Multifamily Program 2023 Preparation

With the end of 2022 approaching quickly, the Multifamily Program team is actively preparing for 2023. With specific conversations with participating contractors and Program staff, we are working toward Program improvements, and brainstorming new strategies to help make the Program become more successful, increase contractor participation and project volume. We are thankful for the participating contractors that are a part of the program, and the team is looking forward to seeing what 2023 brings!

For more information on Multifamily Programs and resources, visit socalren.org/residential.