Despite state goals related to distributed, localized energy resources, investments, regulatory decisions, and policies often discourage or hamstring clean energy deployment or favor centralized utility infrastructure.
View the details on what communities have shared with SLECC from across the state.
Resilience undervalued in cost-benefit analysis: Stakeholders noted that traditional program assessments only weigh direct dollars spent and saved, ignoring the broader benefits of resilience (e.g., access to emergency shelters during wildfires, reduced fear and anxiety during disasters).
Social cost of carbon not applied in California decisions: Despite robust research on the health and economic damages per ton of emissions (lost workdays, health impacts, productivity losses), participants pointed out that California has not consistently integrated this metric into regulatory or program cost-benefit analyses, unlike a few other states
SLECC stakeholders have brainstormed the following solution opportunities that can be taken by local leaders. Existing examples of progress or pathways to make further progress are highlighted if known.
Regional governance collaboration – Local governments recommended stronger regional planning frameworks to align clean energy investments with community needs, rather than fragmented or utility-controlled decision-making
SLECC stakeholders have brainstormed the following solution opportunities that can be taken by state leaders. Existing examples of progress or pathways to make further progress are highlighted if known.
The Project Delivery Program helps cities, counties, water agencies, school districts, and others overcome barriers to energy efficiency and eventually lead by example. It does this by filling project management, technical assistance, and financing gaps in existing utility efficiency programs at no cost to the recipient. The program is provided by the Southern California Regional Network (SoCalREN), which offers a wide variety of customized energy efficiency support services to public agencies in Southern California with an emphasis on underserved communities. Eligible customers must receive service from SoCalGas and/or Southern California Edison.
The SoCalREN project implementer works closely with public agency decision-makers and technical experts to support the entire project from identification of a site through completion. This includes conducting audits, developing technically feasible and cost-effective efficiency interventions that will create persistent energy savings (e.g., interior and exterior lighting controls, water controls optimization, retrocommissioning, HVAC upgrades), supporting construction management, and creating project buy-in. Participating agencies also gain access to the collective knowledge and expertise of the SoCalREN network, which provides access to best practices and lessons for reducing costs and overcoming common barriers. For its diverse range of buildings served, high percentage of projects in underserved communities, and variety of services offered, SoCalREN’s Project Delivery Program is a Leader of the Pack.
Key accomplishments and program features:
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Please share any additional resources you would like to include by emailing eecoordinator@civicwell.org.
