California Climate & Energy Collaborative

Resource Library

At CCEC, we know communities are at different stages of working on various local climate and energy priorities. Whether you’re building EV charging infrastructure, helping property owners afford energy upgrades, or developing electrification plans and codes, you need a way to find all the best information when you’re ready to use it to inform your work. This resource library is designed to give you multiple ways to access the broad array of resources CCEC continuously compiles immediately. Here are a few examples of how you might use the filters to query our content:
  • You’ve been directed to initiate a new energy or climate project and hope to advance your knowledge and accelerate the process by accessing relevant best practices, case studies, technical assistance, guides, learning events, reports, and tools;
  • You want to get an idea of the kinds of initiatives other communities are doing, especially in your region or for a particular sector;
  • and many more!
Don’t see an important resource or have one to share? Let us know by contacting eecoordinator@civicwell.org.
Learning Event

A Call to Invest in Community Power: Lessons Learned From California Climate Investments and the Community Solar Pilot

Since 2013, California Climate Investments (CCI) have implemented over $11B for projects ranging from clean energy and electric vehicles, to affordable housing and alternative fuel production. What have been the outcomes of these investments and what lessons can be learned? We will share findings from equity analysis of CCI co-produced by the Greenlining Institute and the USC Equity Research Institute. The session will spotlight one case study in particular, on the Low-Income Weatherization Program (LIWP) Community Solar Pilot, which produced the first publicly-funded community solar project on Tribal lands in California. Through a partnership between the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians, Anza Electric Cooperative, and GRID Alternatives, the project created a 994-kilowatt system that is providing energy and benefits to ~200 households. The session will share lessons learned on effective partnerships and centering community participation, particularly as funding for projects in low-income, rural, and tribal communities continue to be implemented.

  • Lisa Castilone | Director of Tribal Programs, Grid Alternatives, Inland Empire
  • Steven Estrada | Tribal Chairman, Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians
  • Austin Mendoza | Data Analyst, USC Equity Research Institute
  • Kevin Short | General Manager, Anza Electric Cooperative
  • Moderator: Lolly Lim | Program Manager of Climate Investments, Greenlining Institute
Region: Inland Empire
Presentation Slides
Date: June 25, 2024
Published in 2024
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding, Renewable Energy & Storage
Additional notes of interest: 2024 CCEC Forum Resources, 2024 Forum Breakout
Case Study

Agency Buys PPA with help from TerraVerde

TerraVerde recently supported one of their clients in buying out their solar PPA. This client, a Water Agency served by Southern California Edison (SCE) negotiated a buyout by leveraging available capital, monetizing renewable energy certificates and increasing energy production by re-powering the system. The agency Increased their utility bill savings, made revenue from energy certificates and will have a net financial outcome of 7.9% IRR.

Name: CEO
Title: TerraVerde Energy
Organization: TerraVerde Energy
Organization Type: Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecording
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding, Renewable Energy & Storage
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Case Study

Bay Area SunShares

SunShares pools the buying power of all 9 Bay Area counties to negotiate significant discounts on solar + storage. Sunshares makes it simpler and more affordable for Bay Area residents to go solar with the goal of accelerating clean energy adoption and building regional resilience to climate change. For a limited time each year (Sept. 1 – Nov. 30), Bay Area Sunshares offers significant discounts on solar + storage from pre-vetted installers that serve the entire Bay Area. In addition to significant discounts, Bay Area Sunshares provides educational resources and events to make it easier to understand your clean energy options, and decide what’s best for you.

Organization: Bay Area Sunshares
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: San Francisco Bay Area
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding, Renewable Energy & Storage
Sectors Targeted: Residential
Case Study

Bayern Home+ Program offers Energy Advisors for Free!

This rebate program from BayREN offers homeowners up to $5,000 for doing things like insulation, weatherization, and other energy saving updates. The process for homeowners is to go through their county and get connected to Participating Contractors. If homeowners lack information on energy savings and processes, BayREN offers their Home Energy Advisor Hotline – (866) 878-6008 – which helps homeowners understand the step by step process. Another benefit from this service is that advisors will refer homeowners to complementary programs (financing, solar). BayREN encourages local governments to share these services so homeowners feel more prepared to install and retrofit their homes.

Name: Jeffery Liang
Title: Single Family Project Manager
Organization: BayREN
Organization Type: Other Local Government
Region: San Francisco Bay Area
Presentation SlidesRecording
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Energy Efficiency, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Residential
Case Study

BayREN’s Single Family Home +

Rebates for energy efficiency measures in single-family homes. Rebates available for Heat Pump Water Heater, Heat Pump HVAC, Heat Pump Clothes Dryer, Induction Cooktop

Name: Jennifer Berg
Title: Energy Programs Manager
Organization: BayREN
Organization Type: Other Local Government
Region: San Francisco Bay Area
Presentation SlidesRecording
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Energy Efficiency, Financing/Funding
Case Study

Berkeley’s Financing Initiative for Renewable and Solar Technology

Property assessed clean energy (PACE) programs allow property owners to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects on their home or business and pay the project cost back as a line item on their property tax bill over a 20-year period. This innovative financing mechanism was first piloted by the City of Berkeley in 2008-09. Berkeley’s pilot program, called Berkeley FIRST (Financing Initiative for Renewable Solar Technology), provided financing for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations and
is serving as a national model. Cities and states across the country are using the Berkeley FIRST model to launch solar and energy efficiency financing programs in
their communities. In California, a statewide PACE program called California FIRST is expected to launch in 2010; Berkeley will participate in the California FIRST program. California FIRST will include financing for not only solar PV, but also solar thermal, and energy and water efficiency improvements. Berkeley FIRST is a strategy of the Berkeley Climate Action Plan.

Organization: SEEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: San Francisco Bay Area
Published in 2011
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding, Renewable Energy & Storage
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Learning Event

BPC Spotlight Event 1: How Disadvantaged Communities Can Take Advantage of Dedicated Energy and Climate Opportunities

The State of California has dedicated significant investment in energy and climate opportunities for “disadvantaged communities” (DACs), which suffer from economic, health, and environmental burdens. However, local governments representing DACs may lack the internal capacity to track and pursue these opportunities. This session will provide an overview of guiding DAC policies, definitions, and funding and technical assistance opportunities. If you’re a local government practitioner working in a community with DAC census tracts, please join a conversation with State and local speakers, facilitated by the Statewide Best Practices Coordinator, aimed at helping you better navigate the big dollar world of DACs to meet your energy and climate goals.

Organization: SEEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecording
Date: October 2020
Published in 2020
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Disadvantaged Communities
Best Practices

BPC Spotlight Event: How Local Governments Can Be Competitive in Today’s Funding Climate

Moderated by the Statewide Best Practices Coordinator, this session features experts that will review changing trends in relevant energy/climate funding sources, eligibility, and selection criteria and provide tips for how to write a competitive proposal to advance your organization’s strategic goals, including a live demo of how review a solicitation for “fit,” “deal-breakers,” and “score-boosters.” The Statewide Best Practices Coordinator will also share CCEC’s new Funding Resources website and database that can help you identify new ways to pay for your initiatives.

Name: Angie Hacker
Title: Statewide Best Practices Coordinator
Organization: Local Government Commission
Organization Type: State Government/Agency, Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecording
Date: 08/12/2021
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: 2021 CCEC Forum Resources
Best Practices

California City 0% On-Bill Financing

California City used 0% on-bill financing, from Southern California Edison, to pay for a well pump retrofit. The improvement resulted in new infrastructure and $16,000 in annual energy savings, paying for itself in just three and a half years.

Organization: California City
Organization Type: City or County
Region: Sierra Nevada, San Joaquin Valley
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Learning Event

California Public Agency Fleet Electrification Funding and Challenges

In this session, Prospect Silicon Valley will highlight the efforts of several City Governments to electrify their vehicle fleets. Speakers will cover planning challenges including funding programs, charging infrastructure, and organizational change from senior executives to departmental vehicle users.

Speakers

  • Ilse Villacorta-Alatriste, ProspectSV, Senior Project Associate
  • Toto Vu-Duc, City of Watsonville, Senior Environmental Projects Analyst
  • Hilary Ego, City of La Mesa, Environmental Program Manager
Name: Ilse Villacorta-Alatriste
Title: Senior Project Associate
Organization: ProspectSV
Organization Type: Other Private Sector Business
Region: Central Coast, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area
Presentation Slides
Date: 06/14/2023
Published in 2023
Topic Areas: Electric Vehicles and Clean Mobility, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: 2023 CCEC Forum Resources
Case Study

California SGIP Program Provides incentives for batteries

TerraVerde is providing regular updates on the status and funding availability for commercial-scale battery projects. The California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), depending on location of the project and type of facility, can cover between 30-100% of the costs of a battery energy storage project. However, given the rich incentive levels, and the increased demand for energy storage, the funding available for these incentives is moving quickly. The available incentives programs are dependent on energy providers and include the Base Incentive for IOU customers, Resiliency Adder for IOU/CCA customers and in High Fire Threat Districts and the Equity Resiliency for IOU/CCA HFTD’s customers serving disadvantaged communities.

Name: Ali Chehrehsaz
Title: CEO
Organization: TerraVerde Energy
Organization Type: Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecording
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding, Renewable Energy & Storage
Learning Event

Catalyzing Decarbonization and Market Transportation through Procurement

Many local government agencies are following California’s ambitious energy and climate goals. However, bandwidth, expertise, information availability, system and process deficiencies, and incumbent policies, behaviors and contracts make it difficult to overcome structural inertia that limits innovation. Recognizing these challenges, the California Energy Commission is launching a procurement assistance program that addresses widespread barriers and that is available for everyone. This panel will: (1) review technical potential for different end uses, (2) engage the audience in a facilitated discussion to highlight opportunities to innovate procurement systems, processes and policies, and (3) share how SEEC members can participate in the program.

Speakers:

  • Brian Barnacle, Energy Solutions
  • Kathleen Egan, Ecomedes
Name: Brian Barnacle
Organization: Energy Solutions
Organization Type: Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Date: 06/26/2019
Published in 2019
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding, GHG Reduction
Sectors Targeted: Commercial, Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: 2019 SEEC Forum Resources
Case Study

City of Culver City On-Bill Financing

The City of Culver City used on-bill financing to finance a large energy efficiency project that included installation of a Energy Management System (EMS) at the Police Station, Senior Center, City Hall, Veterans Memorial Center, and Transportation Center and Interior and exterior lighting at select sites. The City received financing of $442,000, leaving $53,600 in expenses, however the project is anticipated to save at least $68,000 annually in savings, allowing the city to realize cost savings in as soon as 1-year.

Organization: City of Culver City
Organization Type: City or County
Region: Greater Los Angeles
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Guide

Climate Mayors and C40 Cities Provide U.S. Cities with Guidebook to Implement Historic Inflation Reduction Act

CaliforniaClimate Mayors, a bipartisan coalition of nearly 500 mayors, and C40 Cities, a network of mayors of nearly 100 world-leading cities, recently released, “Climate Action and the Inflation Reduction Act: A Guide for Local Government Leaders,” a guidebook to help local leaders understand the landmark Inflation Reduction Act and all the resources available to them through the law. The guidebook – supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies – advises U.S. mayors and city staff on the opportunities for local governments, organizations, and businesses to implement the Inflation Reduction Act and address climate change. It highlights where funding could flow directly to cities and where cities will need to collaborate with other partners, including state governments and community organizations, to deploy funding in a way that accelerates climate action and advances equity.’s New Energy-Related Laws for 2022

Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Published in 2022
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Learning Event

Climate-Smart Ways to Save and Thrive in Tough Times – Interview with Howard Choy

Statewide Energy Efficiency Best Practices Coordinator, Angie Hacker, recently invited local energy expert, Howard Choy for a remote interview on “Climate-Smart Ways to Save and Thrive in Tough Times.” We had a chance to discuss parallels between challenges local governments are facing due to the economic fallout from COVID-19 and our experiences building lasting local energy programs during the last economic downturn in 2009 with help from stimulus dollars. As we look ahead to future budget uncertainties and potential silver linings, Howard shares advice and cost-neutral strategies for local energy sustainability professionals to provide value both through operating savings and through external funding opportunities. Watch the interview.

Name: Howard Choy
Region: Statewide
Recording
Date: May 2020
Published in 2020
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: Interview
Reports

Coping with Crises (Part 1) – Maintaining Sustainability Staff Report

Local government decision-makers are grappling with extreme budgetary impacts and difficult spending decisions in the wake of a year of unprecedented crises. This online brief, produced by the Local Government Commission through the Statewide Energy Efficiency Collaborative (SEEC) – the predecessor to the California Climate & Energy Collaborative (CCEC), offers insights into how local governments that maintain sustainability staff can more effectively improve financial conditions and build long-term economic, social, and environmental resilience.

Name: Angie Hacker, Sarina Soor
Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Date: March 2021
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: CCEC Original Article
Best Practices

Empower Procurement: Products Procurement Initiative

This Initiative provides free assessment to troubleshoot procurement processes. You will find tailored resources to help with procurement barriers. It has streamlined access to DERs product information as well as guidance on technology solutions to help make informed DERs purchasing decisions. The Products Procurement Initiative is designed to provide an opportunity for buyers to learn more about energy-efficient products and possible opportunities for cost savings.

Organization: Prospect Silicon Valley
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecording
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Climate Planning, Energy Resilience, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Best Practices

Federal stimulus-funded local and regional energy programs

After the last major economic downturn, the federal government adopted the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), which provided stimulus funding for priorities including energy efficiency retrofits through the DOE’s Better Buildings Initiative. In California, three regions received millions of dollars to support new building efficiency incentive and assistance programs that targeted privately owned buildings and spurred economic opportunities for the hard-hit building trades. Twelve years later, those regions are now operating as Regional Energy Networks, with stable ratepayer funding authorized by the CPUC to continue offering services like BayREN’s Business programs. Recognizing that incentives and other financial mechanisms are critical for making the investment in energy efficient infrastructure more affordable and accessible to businesses, the BayREN Business program offers rebates, financing, and one-stop-shop technical assistance to ensure small and medium businesses can leverage all available energy saving programs and minimize out-of-pocket expenses. While this is an old example, it may help local governments consider how to take advantage of major State and federal stimulus efforts to create long-lasting support for building retrofits that also strengthen economic recovery. They may also consider how to design new or increased upgrade incentives for small or distressed businesses.

Organization: BayREN
Organization Type: Other Local Government
Region: San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Energy Efficiency, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Tool

Fremont Green Challenge

The Fremont Green Challenge is an online platform with all the information Fremont residents need to find out how to lower their impact on climate change, save energy and water, and save money. The platform offers various “actions” you can take in your daily life, and includes all the rebates, financing and community programs available for each action. Actions that range from “easy” to “challenging”, with information on the impact for each action as well as the annual savings and upfront costs.

Organization: City of Freemont
Organization Type: City or County
Region: San Francisco Bay Area
Topic Areas: Energy Efficiency, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Commercial, Residential
Case Study

Funding EE upgrades in municipal buildings

City of San Diego is the process of identifying, prioritizing & executing energy projects across 500+ facilities owned & operated by other “Asset Managing Departments”, guided by their CAP.

Name: Lindsey Hawes
Title: Municipal Energy Program Manager
Organization: City of San Diego
Organization Type: City or County
Region: San Diego
Presentation SlidesRecording
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Energy Efficiency, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Learning Event

Funding Equitable Residential Decarbonization in Berkeley

Decarbonizing existing buildings is imperative to achieving our climate goals but has a large price tag. Absent the ability to access substantial incentive dollars, many building owners will not be able to afford these investments or will pass these costs on to tenants, exacerbating displacement risk and the housing affordability crisis. Building on Berkeley’s cutting-edge climate policies, city staff and the Building Electrification Institute wanted to understand how to fund the decarbonization of Berkeley’s housing stock while preserving housing affordability. They commissioned a funding gap analysis, which analyzed the cost to decarbonize Berkeley’s residential buildings by 2045; identified federal, state, regional, and local funding sources that support equitable decarbonization; quantified the remaining funding gap; and explored fundraising opportunities to fill that gap. Members of the project team will share their approach, provide key findings from this analysis and offer a roadmap for other jurisdictions to conduct similar assessments.

Speakers

  • Dani Makous (she/her)(Speaker)Building Electrification Institute, Assistant Director
  • Bridgett Neely(Moderator)Firefly Energy Consulting, President
  • Catherine Campbell-Orrock(Speaker)Building Electrification Institute, Deputy Director
  • Nick Dirr(Speaker)Association for Energy Affordability, Senior Director, Programs
Organization Type: City or County
Region: San Francisco Bay Area
Presentation Slides
Date: September 21, 2022
Published in 2022
Topic Areas: Building Decarbonization, Energy Efficiency, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Disadvantaged Communities, Residential
Additional notes of interest: 2022 CCEC Forum Session
Case Study

Green Hayward PAYS® program

The City of Hayward’s Green Hayward PAYS® program allows multifamily property owners to get immediate savings on their water and energy utility bills by installing efficiency improvements with no up-front cost.

Organization: City of Hayward
Organization Type: City or County
Region: San Francisco Bay Area
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Energy Efficiency, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Residential
Best Practices

Guiding constituents from education to energy services

It is important for local governments to raise awareness about the current programs available to conduct energy updates. BayREN has identified that interagency collaboration is the key to navigate the complex landscape of programs offered by many organizations. We recommend LG’s should aspire to have successful guidelines that include knowledge sharing, a seamless user experience, and scaling for constituents. BayREN identified that useful tools to share knowledge include meeting people where they are at, partnering with complimentary programs, identifying your target audience and determining the best method of outreach based on their needs. This, followed by partnerships to present various EE programs from varying agencies will make for a seamless user experience. Finally, BayREN recommends combining rebates and financing to achieve savings greater than monthly payments so constituents can implement energy savings and reach renewable goals.

Name: Tonya Veitch
Title: Senior Sustainability Analyst
Organization: County of Santa Clara
Organization Type: City or County
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecording
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Energy Efficiency, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Disadvantaged Communities, Local Governments
Technical Assistance Provider, Learning Event

How Disadvantaged Communities Can Take Advantage of Dedicated Energy and Climate Opportunities

The State of California has dedicated significant investment in energy and climate opportunities for “disadvantaged communities” (DACs), which suffer from economic, health, and environmental burdens. However, local governments representing DACs may lack the internal capacity to track and pursue these opportunities. This session will provide an overview of guiding DAC policies, definitions, and funding and technical assistance opportunities. If you’re a local government practitioner working in a community with DAC census tracts, please join a conversation with State and local speakers, facilitated by the Statewide Best Practices Coordinator, aimed at helping you better navigate the big dollar world of DACs to meet your energy and climate goals.

Name: Angie Hacker
Title: Statewide Energy Efficiency Best Practices Coordinator
Organization: Local Government Commission
Organization Type: City or County, State Government/Agency, Nonprofit Organization
Region: Greater Los Angeles, Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: 10/21/2020
Published in 2020
Topic Areas: Environmental Justice, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Disadvantaged Communities, Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: 2020 CCEC Forum Resources
Learning Event, Case Study, Tool

Identifying, Prioritizing, Financing Projects

In a time where competing interests and limited resources abound, it can be difficult to know where to start in order to identify, prioritize, fund, and implement energy projects. This panel will explore how several diverse jurisdictions and organizations have approached this dilemma and address critical factors that informed their pathway to success.

Whether you are a small, medium or large sized city and regardless of the amount of resources you have to direct at energy projects, this panel will have some valuable suggestions for you. You will learn about:


• innovative methods for project identification
• key internal and external stakeholders and their role in decision making
• organizations whose expertise you can leverage
• how to communicate the project benefits and opportunities to decision makers in order to build system-wide support for your work.

Innovative interactive tools will also be used to make the session intimately relevant to this audience.

Name: John Rossi
Title: Program Manager, C&I Programs
Organization: TRC Companies
Organization Type: City or County, Business or Trade Association, Nonprofit Organization
Region: Central Coast, San Diego, San Joaquin Valley, Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecording
Date: 06/16/2020
Published in 2020
Topic Areas: Climate Planning, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments, Nonprofit
Additional notes of interest: 2020 CCEC Forum Resources
Guide

IRA Clean Energy Direct Pay (Tax Credits)

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) (P.L. 117-169) reauthorized and expanded a wide array of clean energy tax credits through 2033 and allowed, for the first time, tax-exempt entities to directly access those tax credits through a process called “direct pay” (or “elective pay”). Qualifying entities can now receive a direct payment from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in lieu of a tax credit—a “game changer” that puts clean energy in reach for many organizations.

Organization: Environmental and Energy Study Institute
Organization Type: Federal Government/Agency
Region: Statewide, Out of State
Published in 2024
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments, Nonprofit
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 1, Featuring a Conversation with CARB

The first Local Energy Resources Network (LERN) meeting was held on October 12th. This was an interactive exchange of local energy and climate knowledge, resources, and opportunities. It featured a discussion on State and local collaboration on climate action with guests from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: October 12, 2021
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 10, Featuring a Conversation on SOMAH

At the tenth monthly Local Energy Resources Network (LERN) meeting, LERN was joined by Chris Walker from Grid Alternatives and Mai Fang from the Center For Sustainable Energy for a conversation on Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH).

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: July 12, 2022
Published in 2022
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 11, Featuring a Conversation with the U.S. Department of Energy

At the eleventh monthly Local Energy Resources Network (LERN) meeting, LERN was joined by Michael Forrester, the Acting Principal Deputy Director for the Office of State and Community Energy Programs at the US Department of Energy.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: September 13, 2022
Published in 2022
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 12, Featuring Leah Louis-Prescott, Manager with the Carbon-Free Buildings Team at the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI)

At the twelfth monthly Local Energy Resources Network (LERN) meeting, LERN was joined by Leah Louis-Prescott, Manager with the Carbon-Free Buildings Team at the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI). She provided an overview of the Equitable Home Electrification Toolkit. This toolkit was published by RMI and Emerald Cities Collaborative (ECC) to help communities across the country take meaningful steps toward equitably electrifying their housing stock through a planning process designed to maximize engagement and co-ownership between local governments and frontline community groups.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: October 11, 2022
Published in 2022
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 13, Featuring Abby Edwards from the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR)

For LERN’s thirteenth meeting, we were joined by Abby Edwards, Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program’s Adaptation Planning Grant Program Manager at the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR). Abby will discuss the new Adaptation Planning Grant, Regional Resilience Planning and Implementation Grant, and other programs that can help members of the CCEC network advance their energy resilience and local climate action goals. Join us to learn how you can prepare for and help inform these exciting programs.Show less

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: November 8, 2022
Published in 2022
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 14, Featuring Steven Moss, Partner at M. Cubed and Roger Dickinson, Policy Director at CivicWell

LERN’s final meeting of 2022 featured a year-end roundup of relevant legislation and policy developments from Steven Moss, Partner at M. Cubed and regulatory consultant for the Local Government Sustainable Energy Coalition, as well as Roger Dickinson, Policy Director at CivicWell. This meeting also featured an opportunity highlight on the Building Initiative for Low-Emissions Development (BUILD) Program.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: December 13th, 2022
Published in 2022
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 15, Featuring A Conversation with Caltrans & DOE

LERN’s first meeting of 2023 featured an Opportunity Spotlight on the Sustainable Transportation Planning Grants (STPG) from Odemi Ibrahim and Priscilla Martina-Velez from Caltrans. The majority of our call will feature a discussion on the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program with Odette Mucha, State and Community Energy Programs Analyst with the Department of Energy (DOE).

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: January 10th, 2022
Published in 2024
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 16, Featuring A Conversation on the Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Program

In addition to providing an overview of timely local clean energy and climate opportunities, February’s LERN featured a discussion on the Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) program. Speakers joined us from Strategic Growth Council and County of San Diego, which shared its experience as a TCC Round 4 awardee. In addition, CCEC shared a “Need/Have Board”, an informal way to flag interest in partnership between jurisdictions, partner organizations, and service providers.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: February 14th, 2023
Published in 2023
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 17, Featuring Opportunities and Resources from Across the State

In addition to providing an overview of timely local clean energy and climate opportunities, March’s LERN featured a discussion on the Statewide Reach Codes Program’s newly released templates designed to help municipalities develop local reach codes, an introduction to Access Clean CA by Grid Alternatives, and County of Contra Costa provided information on how to support SB 511, new legislation they’ve co-sponsored with CivicWell to address local GHG inventory needs. In addition, CCEC shared a “Need/Have Board”, an informal way to flag interest in partnership between jurisdictions, partner organizations, and service providers.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: March 14th, 2023
Published in 2023
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 18, Featuring A Conversation with NREL & DOE

LERN’s April 2023 meeting held a featured presentation on the Solar Power in Your Community Guidebook (SPYC) from Emily Dalecki from the National Renewable Energy Lab, and an Opportunity Spotlight on the DOE’s BuildingsUp Prize from Kassandra Grimes from the DOE.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: April 11th, 2022
Published in 2023
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 19, Featuring The CA Energy Design Assistance Program and US Environmental Protection Agency

LERN’s May 2023 meeting held a featured presentation on the California Energy Design Assistance (CEDA) Program with Tina Hendrix from Willdan, and an overview on available funding programs, tools, and guides available from by Andrea Denny at the US EPA.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: May 9th, 2023
Published in 2023
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 2, Featuring Congressman Salud Carbajal

At the second monthly Local Energy Resources Network (LERN) meeting, LERN was fortunate to be joined by U.S. Congressman Salud Carbajal of CA’s 24th District, which includes the entirety of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties, and a portion of Ventura County. Congressman Carbajal discussed the current direction of federal policy, and offered advice about where the biggest opportunities for CA communities currently lie.

Organization: California Climate & Energy Collaborative
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: November 9, 2021
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 20, Featuring the Strategic Growth Council’s Regional Climate Collaboratives Program

LERN’s July 2023 meeting held a featured presentation on the Regional Climate Collaboratives Program with Ena Lupine from SGC, and an overview on available funding programs, tools, and technical assistance available.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: July 11th, 2023
Published in 2023
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 22, Featuring the California Energy Commission

LERN’s September 2023 meeting held a featured presentation with Carol Schmitt from the California Energy Commission, and a request for input on their upcoming Contractor Training program.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: September 12th, 2023
Published in 2023
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 23, Featuring BayREN and BluePoint Planning

LERN’s October 2023 meeting held an opportunity spotlight from the Public Health Institute/RAMP, and a featured presentation on the Home Energy Score by BayREN/BluePoint Planning.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: State Government/Agency, Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: October 10th, 2023
Published in 2023
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 24, Featuring Energy Solutions and Environmental Protection Network

LERN’s November 2023 meeting held an opportunity spotlight from Energy Solutions on their TECH Clean California program, and a featured presentation by the Environmental Protection Network.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: State Government/Agency, Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: October 10th, 2023
Published in 2023
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 25, Featuring 2023 Legislative & Regulatory Updates

LERN’s December 2023 meeting held a featured presentation from Roger Dickinson, Civicwell’s Policy Director, and Steven Moss, LGSEC’s Regulatory Consultant on 2023 legislative & regulatory updates.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: State Government/Agency, Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: December 12, 2023
Published in 2023
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 26, Featuring TECH Clean CA and Input Opportunities

LERN’s January 2024 meeting held a featured presentation from TECH Clean CA, proposing and searching for more collaboration opportunities, and spotlights on two current input opportunities.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: State Government/Agency, Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: January 9, 2024
Published in 2024
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 27, Featuring Regional Energy Networks (RENs) on Normalized Metered Energy Consumption (NMEC) programs

LERN’s February 2024 call included a panel of I-REN, Bay-REN, SoCalREN, and 3C-REN on Normalized Metered Energy Consumption (NMEC) programs from various parts of the State, with a moderated and audience Q&A.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: State Government/Agency, Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: February 13, 2024
Published in 2024
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 28, Featuring California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank)

LERN’s March 2024 call included a featured presentation on IBank’s Climate Financing program and open RFI, with a moderated audience Q&A.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: State Government/Agency, Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: March 12, 2024
Published in 2024
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 29, Featuring California Air Resources Board, Research Division

LERN’s April 2024 call included a featured presentation by CARB’s Research Division, on their 5-Year Research Strategic Plan that is currently open for comment.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: State Government/Agency, Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: April 9, 2024
Published in 2024
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 3, Featuring a Conversation with the Strategic Growth Council

At the third monthly Local Energy Resources Network (LERN) meeting, LERN was fortunate to be joined by Sarah Risher of the Strategic Growth Council. Sarah is the Analyst for the Community Assistance for Climate Equity Program (CACE), which provides technical assistance and capacity building services to help communities access funding resources, implement high-impact projects, and advance their climate and equity priorities.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: December 14, 2021
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 30, Featuring California Air Resources Board, Research Division

LERN’s May 2024 call included featured presentations from the Lisa Hu, Program Lead at U.S. Department of Energy and Sika Gadzanku, Energy Technology & Policy Researcher at National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on DOE State & Community Energy Programs (SCEP) and the Clean Energy to Communities (CEC) Program.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: State Government/Agency, Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: May 14, 2024
Published in 2024
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 31: IBank, CARB, & CalStart

In addition to providing our regular overview of upcoming clean energy and climate funding opportunities, CCEC’s July LERN Call included featured a spotlight presentation from Taylor Carnevale with IBank on Climate Financing Products. This meeting also featured presentations on fleet electrification programs from Andrew Reyes and Julie Cooper from CARB, as well as Niki Okuk from CalStart .

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: State Government/Agency, Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: July 9, 2024
Published in 2024
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 32: CEC & Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN)

August’s LERN Meeting featured a presentation focused on advising attendees on how to navigate and develop applications for currently available grants as well as an opportunity spotlight on the CEC’s Geothermal Grant & Loan Program.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: State Government/Agency, Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: September 13, 2024
Published in 2024
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 33: CalREN, State Treasurer’s Office, & TECH Clean California

September’s LERN Meeting featured presentations from the County of Ventura on an upcoming CalREN Workforce Forum, the State Treasurer’s Office on an upcoming webinar series focused on providing financing resources for local leaders across California, and Energy Solutions on TECH Clean California.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: State Government/Agency, Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: September 13, 2024
Published in 2024
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 34: US DOE and BayREN

October’s LERN Meeting featured a spotlight from the US DOE on the EECBG program and a featured presentation from BayREN on their statewide Home Energy Score program.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: State Government/Agency, Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: October 8, 2024
Published in 2024
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 35:

November’s LERN Meeting featured presentations from: Tessa Charnofsky, Special Services Assistant at LA County’s Internal Services Department; Heather Allen, Program Administrator at Ventura County’ Sustainability Division; Daniel Hilson, CEO & Founder of BetterFleet; and Norah Kyassa, Program Specialist at GRID Alternatives.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: State Government/Agency, Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: November 12, 2024
Published in 2024
Topic Areas: Electric Vehicles and Clean Mobility, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 36:

December’s LERN Meeting featured a spotlight led by Tom Does, Founder and President of Municipal Market Analytics, and a featured discussion by Roger Dickinson, CivicWell Policy Director.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: State Government/Agency, Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: December 10, 2024
Published in 2024
Topic Areas: Electric Vehicles and Clean Mobility, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 37:

January’s LERN Meeting featured presentations by Rachel I. Jacobson of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and Minh Le of LA County , who gave their insights on strategies communities can use to prepare and protect federal awards.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: State Government/Agency, Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: January 14, 2025
Published in 2025
Topic Areas: Electric Vehicles and Clean Mobility, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments, Nonprofit
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 38:

Our second Local Energy Resources Network (LERN) meeting of the year, we received an update from CARB by Adil Mahmood regarding their Advanced Clean Fleets program and hosted a conversation on safeguarding federal funding and actions you can take with Jillian Blanchard from the Lawyers for Good Government.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: State Government/Agency, Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: February 11, 2025
Published in 2025
Topic Areas: Electric Vehicles and Clean Mobility, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments, Nonprofit
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 39:

For our March Local Energy Resources Network (LERN) meeting, we received an update from Joe Desmond, who discussed the importance of energy efficiency and the challenges in addressing this issue. Marc Costa emphasized the need for a holistic approach to energy efficiency and the importance of considering benefits alongside costs, while Casey Dailey highlighted the importance of local energy efficiency programs and the role of regional energy networks (Rens) in delivering energy retrofit solutions and education. The discussion also focused on the need for better decision-making and case-making in the utilities sector, the importance of energy efficiency programs, and the potential alignments in utility lobbying against these programs.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: State Government/Agency, Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: March 11, 2025
Published in 2025
Topic Areas: Electric Vehicles and Clean Mobility, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments, Nonprofit
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 4, CalEPA’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment

At the fourth monthly Local Energy Resources Network (LERN) meeting, LERN was fortunate to be joined by Laura August & Walker Wieland, Research Scientists with CalEPA’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. They discussed updates to CalEnviroScreen 4.0, the process of identifying disadvantaged communities, and potential funding impacts for local governments.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: January 11, 2022
Published in 2022
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 5, a Conversation with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research

At the fifth monthly Local Energy Resources Network (LERN) meeting, LERN was fortunate to be joined by Mary Collins and Fabiha Zaman with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. They discussed the Community Economic Resilience Fund Program (CERF), its planning phase, and the implementation grants that follow.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: February 8, 2022
Published in 2022
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 6, Featuring Another Conversation with the Strategic Growth Council

At the sixth monthly Local Energy Resources Network (LERN) meeting, LERN was fortunate to be joined by Jerry Rivero & Sarah Newsham, a Program Analyst and Associate (respectively) with the Transformative Climate Communities Program (TCC) at the Strategic Growth Council.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: March 8, 2022
Published in 2022
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 7, Featuring a Conversation with CAEATFA

At the sixth monthly Local Energy Resources Network (LERN) meeting, LERN was fortunate to be joined by Kelly Delaney and Jonathan Verhoef, a Program Analyst and Energy Efficiency Specialist (respectively) with the California Hub for Energy Efficiency Financing (CHEEF) at the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: April 12, 2022
Published in 2022
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 8, Featuring a Conversation with the California Energy Commission

At the eighth monthly Local Energy Resources Network (LERN) meeting, LERN was joined by Erik Stokes, the Deputy Division Chief, Energy Research and Development Division with the California Energy Commission.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: May 10, 2022
Published in 2022
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

LERN Meeting 9, Featuring a Jon Costantino from Tradesman Advisors Inc.

At the ninth monthly Local Energy Resources Network (LERN) meeting, LERN was joined by Jon Costantino, the Founding Principal of Tradesman Advisors.

Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecordingEvent Resources
Date: June 14, 2022
Published in 2022
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: LERN Resources
Learning Event

Leveraging Partnership and Creative Funding for Santa Barbara’s Energy Projects

Name: Ivana Dorin
Title: Program Manager
Organization: The Energy Coalition
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Central Coast
Presentation Slides
Date: June 25, 2024
Published in 2024
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding, Partnerships
Additional notes of interest: 2024 CCEC Forum Resources, 2024 Forum Poster
Best Practices

Local Governments as Innovation Partners

During technology development, Local Governments can serve as excellent partners for pilot or demonstration projects. It is a good best practice for local governments to partner with technology providers when they are applying for EPIC grants through the CEC. There will soon be a call for places section of the Empower Innovation website to help create connections for project partners.

Name: Katrina Leni-Konig
Title: Supervisor Technology Scale-up and Outreach, Assistant Tribal Liaison
Organization: California Energy Commission
Organization Type: State Government/Agency
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecording
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding, Partnerships
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Case Study

MCE Customer Cost-Relief Program

On March 18, 2021, MCE’s Board of Directors approved up to $10 million as part of MCE’s 2021-2022 fiscal year budget to be used for cost-relief to MCE’s vulnerable residential and small business customers. This program launched in April, 2021 and offered bill credits to eligible customers, supporting up to 65,000 residential and 20,000 small business customers. With the continued COVID economy and other rising energy costs, there is an increased need to support our most vulnerable customers and contribute to local economic stability.

Name: Jenna Famular
Title: Marketing & Communications Manager
Organization: Marin Clean Energy
Organization Type: Electric Utility or CCA
Region: San Francisco Bay Area
Presentation SlidesRecording
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Commercial, Disadvantaged Communities, Residential
Case Study

MCEv

For income-qualified customers, MCE is offering an electric vehicle (EV) rebate as well as free customer support to help you take advantage of all the rebates and incentives available and lower the price of newly purchased and leased EVs. Depending on your eligibility, you could receive up to $14,500 in rebates for an EV – even more if you trade in an older vehicle – and up to $2,000 in rebates for EV charging.

Organization: Marin Clean Energy
Organization Type: Electric Utility or CCA
Region: San Francisco Bay Area
Presentation SlidesRecording
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Electric Vehicles and Clean Mobility, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Residential
Case Study

Microgrid Incentive Program

Pacific Gas & Electric Company, San Diego Gas & Electric Company, and Southern California Edison Company will hold a series of stakeholder workshops during Summer 2021 to help shape the development of a Microgrid Incentive Program (MIP) approved earlier this year by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The program is intended to fund clean energy microgrids to support the critical needs of vulnerable populations impacted by grid outages.

Organization: Pacific Gas & Electric
Organization Type: Electric Utility or CCA
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecording
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Distributed Energy Resources, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Disadvantaged Communities
Case Study

Multi-sector Partnership In Souther Bay Area Finance Improvements to Water Treatment Station

A 2015 multi-sector partnership between the City of Sunnyvale, Apple, Cal-Water, California Department of Water Resources, and Santa Clara Valley Water District culminated in a $17.5 million capital project that financed improvements at the water treatment station for recycled and reclaimed water. This 10-year project ensures that the water supply for Cupertino and surrounding areas will continue to meet the freshwater needs of the community.

Organization: Santa Clara Valley Water District
Organization Type: Other Local Government
Region: San Francisco Bay Area
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding, Partnerships
Sectors Targeted: Commercial, Local Governments
Best Practices

New York Start-up Leverages Partnership to fund Microgrid Network

A New York start-up LO3 Energy leveraged group purchasing to fund the Brooklyn Microgrid network, which allows individuals to buy and sell renewable energy in a peer-to-peer network. This both increased community resilience to frequent power outages and supports local economic development while reducing the community’s carbon footprint.

Organization: LO3
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Out of State
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Distributed Energy Resources, Financing/Funding, Partnerships
Sectors Targeted: Commercial, Residential
Case Study

Northern California County Battery Energy Storage System

TerraVerde recently celebrated the completion of a solar and battery project that they developed on behalf of a Northern California County that is projected to yield $2.3 million in savings over the 25-year term of the Power Purchase Agreement. Battery Energy Storage Systems are a powerful resource for generating financial benefits through cost savings by reducing demand and shifting load to less expensive hours, which generate revenue via participating. A 25 year term will deliver 2.3 million in value to the County. Additionally, these systems were deployed on site with no capital cost to county through the use of third-party financing. The project is expected to generate 4.5 millions in terms of bill savings in the next 25 years.

Name: David Burdick
Title: Executive Vice President
Organization: TerraVerde Energy
Organization Type: Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecording
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Distributed Energy Resources, Financing/Funding, Renewable Energy & Storage
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Learning Event

Performance Contracting

Maria Fields of JouleSmart, discusses the applicability of performance contracting issues faced by California municipalities including:

  • Changing California energy policy
  • The performance contracting model
  • How the model can solve problems and what to look for
  • Migration of California incentives towards Pay-for-Performance in 2018 and beyond
Name: Maria Fields
Organization: JouleSmart
Organization Type: Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecording
Date: March 2018
Published in 2018
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Best Practices

Port of San Diego’s Sustainable Incentives Best Practices Assessment

The Center for Sustainable Energy has prepared a Sustainable Incentives Best Practices Assessment for the Port of San Diego, released April 2016. This is a great resource for local governments considering green leases and landlord-tenant energy efficiency solutions. The full Port Best Practices report is available here.

Organization: Center for Sustainable Energy
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: San Diego
Published in 2016
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Case Study

Portland Clean Energy Fund

The Portland Clean Energy Fund was created and led by communities on the frontlines of climate change building over the course of many years. Nonprofits, alone or in partnership with for-profit companies, schools and/or government agencies, can apply for grants from the $44 to $61 million revenue to weatherize homes, install solar and other renewable energy projects, provide job and contractor training, expand local food production, and build green infrastructure in Portland. The revenue is raised by a 1% business license surcharge on the Portland revenue generated by retail corporations with over $1 billion in annual revenue and at least $500,000 in Portland revenue.

Organization: Portland Clean Energy Fund
Organization Type: Other
Region: Out of State
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding, Renewable Energy & Storage
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments, Nonprofit
Learning Event

Public/Private Partnerships Promoting Energy Efficiency: Green Business Programs and Incentives

California provides the California Green Business Network with funding for Cities and Counties to start Green Business Programs. A Green Business Program can be a powerful incentive for businesses to go beyond compliance. The best part is the process is fully fleshed out in an easy to use framework complete with training. Come to this session to learn what a successful Green Business Program looks like. Hear from one of our newest programs in Long Beach. In addition, learn how EnergyUpgrade California, CCAs and the IOUs partner with Green Business Programs to promote energy efficiency at small businesses.

Speakers:

  • Josephine Fleming, California Green Business Network
  • Courtney Chatterson, City of Long Beach
  • Laura Rosenthal, Energy Upgrade California
  • Shawn Orgel-Olson, California Green Business Network
Name: Josephine Fleming
Organization: California Green Business Network
Organization Type: City or County, State Government/Agency, Business or Trade Association
Region: Greater Los Angeles, Statewide
Presentation Slides
Date: 06/26/2019
Published in 2019
Topic Areas: Economic Development, Energy Efficiency, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Commercial, Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: 2019 SEEC Forum Resources
Case Study

Redwood Energy: Collection of Case Studies

The Redwood Energy Youtube channel hosts dozens of videos showcasing a variety of case studies. These case studies cover the topics of building decarbonization and electrification, equitable advancement of energy efficiency, financing, and much more.

Organization: Redwood Valley
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: North Coast
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Building Decarbonization, Energy Efficiency, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Disadvantaged Communities
Case Study

Regional Housing Trust in the San Gabriel Valley

The San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust is a joint powers authority created in February 2020 to fund and finance the planning and construction of homeless housing, and extremely low, very low, and low-income housing projects. They work to reduce displacement and reduce energy use by creating affordable housing. The trust finances new development to green standards and rehab existing buildings and bring them up to energy efficiency standards.

Name: Brielle Acevedo
Title: Regional Housing Trust Administrator
Organization: San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust
Organization Type: Other
Region: Greater Los Angeles
Presentation SlidesRecording
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Codes and Standards, Energy Efficiency, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Disadvantaged Communities, Residential
Case Study

Residential EV Charging Incentive Program

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) and the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) has established a residential Electric Vehicle (EV) charging incentive program to offset Level 2 (240v) EV charger hardware costs. This program will be available to residents within the South Coast AQMD’s four-county jurisdiction. The program will provide an incentive to buy-down the cost of residential chargers, which typically range from $400-$800. The program is administered on a first-come, first-served basis and provides up to a $250 rebate or the cost paid for the charger, whichever is lower.

Organization: South Coast Air Quality Management District
Organization Type: Other Local Government
Region: Greater Los Angeles
Presentation SlidesRecording
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Electric Vehicles and Clean Mobility, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Residential
Learning Event

Revolving Funds

Dr. Tiffany Wise-West from Ecoshift Consulting provides best practices for establishing a carbon fund in your local jurisdiction.

The webinar focuses on:

  • Different revenue models and which might suit their municipality or organization
  • Details on how to set up a Carbon Fund including the steps to do so and typical challenges to implementation.
  • Details on operational experience, successes, and challenges of various approaches from funds designed and/or implemented within the past 3 years.
Name: Tiffany Wise-West
Organization: Ecoshift Consulting
Organization Type: Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Recording
Date: June 2017
Published in 2017
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Learning Event

Revolving Loan Funds in a Post-Incentive World

For many public agencies, utility incentives and On-Bill Financing (OBF) with fund disbursement months after project completion can be a significant hindrance to program utilization and project implementation. A Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program overcomes this barrier by providing access to upfront funds that cover 100% of the project construction costs. The session highlights RLF models and provides practical and proven strategies to successfully design and sustain a RLF. Participants will learn why Revolving Loan Funds must be considered as an important tool to finance energy projects.

Speakers:

  • Genaro Bugarin, The Energy Coalition
  • Annie Secrest, County of San Luis Obispo
  • Matthew Skolnik, County of Los Angeles
  • Alelia Parenteau, City of Santa Barbara
Name: Genaro Bugarin
Organization: The Energy Coalition
Organization Type: City or County, Nonprofit Organization
Region: Greater Los Angeles, Central Coast, Statewide
Presentation Slides
Date: 06/26/2019
Published in 2019
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: 2019 SEEC Forum Resources
Case Study

Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s (SMUD) commercial electrification incentives

Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s (SMUD) commercial electrification incentives help non-residential properties and commercial new construction to “Go Electric” and improve energy efficiency. Incentives help pay for lighting and HVAC upgrade, retrocommissioning, conversions from gas fired equipment to electric, including heat pump water heating, heat pump space heating, and heat recovery chillers.

Organization: SMUD
Organization Type: Electric Utility or CCA
Region: Sacramento Valley
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Building Decarbonization, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Commercial
Case Study

SoCalREN Pathway to Zero

Pathway to Zero helps public agencies within low-income, rural, and disadvantaged communities on a path towards zero net energy. This will be offered alongside energy efficiency programs to maximize energy efficiency opportunities and drive the integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs).

Organization: SoCalREN
Organization Type: Other Local Government
Region: Greater Los Angeles, Inland Empire, San Diego
Presentation SlidesRecording
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Climate Planning, Distributed Energy Resources, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Disadvantaged Communities
Learning Event, Tool

State-Administered, Utility-Supported Financing for Energy Efficiency Retrofits

Learn about the State of Californiaʼs programs making attractive financing for energy upgrades available to homeowners, renters, small businesses and affordable multifamily properties. You can help your constituents save energy and lower their utility bills by connecting them to these programs. This webinar will feature a presentation on available financing and a panel discussion with several program partners of the California Hub for Energy Efficiency Financing (the Hub) to discuss customer benefits from different perspectives and answer audience questions about how this financing fits their constituentsʼ needs.

Lowering the barriers to energy efficiency (EE) retrofits through financing, particularly in underserved market sectors, is critical to reaching the stateʼs goal of reduced energy consumption with shared benefits for all Californians. In this webinar, participants will hear from representatives of the Hub, a program of the State Treasurerʼs Office that leverages private capital to provide affordable financing for EE upgrades. The Hub operates financing programs that offer a credit enhancement to participating lenders, which allows them to expand their underwriting criteria. This creates financing opportunities for underserved borrowers – including renters, new business owners and those with lower credit scores — while introducing new products to the market with lower interest rates, longer payback terms, and broader credit approval. By removing the upfront costs for EE upgrades, these programs allow Californians to prioritize efficiency and make lasting impacts on their energy use, including through decarbonization measures. The Hub is supported by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the stateʼs Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs).

Name: Julie Lessard
Title: Vice President of Consumer Loans
Organization: First U.S. Community Credit Union
Organization Type: State Government/Agency, Other Private Sector Business, Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecording
Date: 09/17/2020
Published in 2020
Topic Areas: Energy Efficiency, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments, Residential
Additional notes of interest: 2020 CCEC Forum Resources
Reports

State-Funded Climate and Energy Program Updates

With major movement in federal funding and State budgets last year (and promising priorities in the Governor’s 2022-2023 budget), 2022 is shaping up to be a big year for investments into local and regional climate and energy initiatives! Below are brief updates on just some key programs that local governments are eligible for that are worth your time and attention. If you plan on taking advantage of these opportunities, the time to start engaging and planning is now!

Name: Angie Hacker
Title: Best Practices Coordinator
Organization: CCEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Date: January, 2022
Published in 2022
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: CCEC Original Article
Best Practices, Case Study

Strategic Planning for a Clean Energy Future: How to Phase, Scale & Finance Smart Cities Solutions

The Willdan Smart Cities Working Group will share 5-7 case studies illustrating how to phase, scale and finance smart cities solutions. The panel will include interactive discussion with representatives from the City of Irvine, City of Long Beach, and City of West Hollywood who will share tips, tactics and tools for implementation of smart cities strategic planning efforts. The panel will also include valuable examples of how to fund smart cities infrastructure with input provided by experts in New Markets Tax Credits, Opportunity Zones, and traditional forms of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) funding.

Name: Molly McMay
Title: Principal
Organization: Willdan Financial and Economic Consulting
Organization Type: City or County, Other Private Sector Business
Region: Greater Los Angeles, Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecording
Date: 10/07/2020
Published in 2020
Topic Areas: Climate Planning, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: 2020 CCEC Forum Resources
Technical Assistance Provider

TA Provider: Strategic Growth Council

An organization offering free technical assistance to local government professionals, who has the willingness, capacity, and expertise to be contacted by local government energy and climate peers/professionals to share knowledge in the following types of programs, projects, or policies: The California Climate Investments Technical Assistance Program supports local communities with direct application assistance, partnership development, and capacity building activities with the goal of facilitating access to California Climate Investments (CCI) funding programs.

The eligibility restrictions are the following: None.

Name: Ena Lupine
Title: Technical Assistance Lead
Organization: Strategic Growth Council
Organization Type: State Government/Agency
Region: Statewide
TA Webpage
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Disadvantaged Communities
Case Study

TerraVerde helps Schools refinance PPA

TerraVerde is supporting several of our clients in evaluating their opportunity to refinance their solar PPAs. One such client is a school in PG&E territory, with a 400kW Solar Project with a 15-year PPA. After refinancing the PPA and adding batteries, the utility bill savings increased from $235k to $3.5 million and a net financial outcome of $650k.

Name: Ali Chehrehsaz
Title: CEO
Organization: TerraVerde Energy
Organization Type: Other Private Sector Business
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecording
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding, Renewable Energy & Storage
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Best Practices

The Clean Coalition’s Standardized Value-of-Resilience

The Clean Coalition has created a standardized VOR that will allow all stakeholders to effectively consider VOR when analyzing microgrid economics — making microgrid economics far more favorable. The increased valuation, in turn, will accelerate the proliferation of microgrids throughout the country and well beyond.

Name: Craig Lewis
Title: Executive Director
Organization: The Clean Coalition
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Presentation SlidesRecording
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Distributed Energy Resources, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Technical Assistance Provider

The Energy Coalition

An organization offering free technical assistance to local government professionals, who has the willingness, capacity, and expertise to be contacted by local government energy and climate peers/professionals to share knowledge in the following types of programs, projects, or policies: Energy savings solutions for Public Agencies, Data Requests & Analysis, Financing.

The eligibility restrictions are the following: SCE and/or SCG customers.

Name: Rebecca Hausheer
Title: Director of Energy Services
Organization: The Energy Coalition
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Greater Los Angeles, Inland Empire, Sierra Nevada
TA Webpage
Published in 2020
Topic Areas: Data Requests and Analysis, Energy Efficiency, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Disadvantaged Communities
Case Study

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency Finances Green Infrastructure

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency received $30 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) to support improvement projects related to recycled water, groundwater recharge, energy efficiency, and green infrastructure. I-Bank issues bonds for the CWSRF and operates the California Lending for Energy and Environmental Needs (CLEEN) Center and the Infrastructure State Revolving Fund (ISRF) Program.

Organization: The Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Organization Type: Other Local Government
Region: Inland Empire
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Energy Efficiency, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Case Study

Transformative Climate Communities Grant – City of Ontario

The City of Ontario received $35 million from through the California Strategic Growth Council’s Transformative Climate Communities grant to support its plans to uplift the downtown area in a way that has a profound impact on environmental, economic and health outcomes for local residents.

Organization: City of Ontario
Organization Type: City or County
Region: Greater Los Angeles
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Case Study

Transformative Climate Communities Grant Supports New Publicly Accessible Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at Affordable Housing Sites in Fresno

The City of Fresno has unveiled 39 new publicly accessible, level II, and fast electric vehicle chargers at 5 different Fresno Housing Authority affordable housing sites.

SGC’s Transformative Climate Communities Program (TCC) has invested approximately $7.7 million to support a low carbon transit system of 24 electric vehicles and 200 electric bicycle shares that provide low- or no-cost services throughout the project area, which will help residents reach key destinations and provide mobility and health benefits to the neighborhood. The investment is part of the Transform Fresno TCC grant.

Organization: California Strategic Growth Council
Organization Type: State Government/Agency
Region: Sierra Nevada, San Joaquin Valley
Presentation Slides
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Electric Vehicles and Clean Mobility, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Disadvantaged Communities
Learning Event

TRC for the Rest of Us: Breaking Down Cost-Effectiveness

Everyone has been told that cost-effectiveness, and specifically Total Resource Cost (TRC), guides portfolio decisions, but do you understand the TRC calculation and why the programs that benefit your community may not make the cut? This session will continue the discussion started at the SEEC Forum in 2018. The panel will review the history and components of TRC, the impact that relying on the TRC has on energy efficiency programs, and what national best practices could improve California’s approach. The panel will also raise alternatives for how to accurately value efficiency, protect customer funds, and align with state policies.

Speakers:

  • Nicol Manzanares, The Energy Coalition
  • Lara Ettenson, Natural Resources Defense Council
  • Chris Ford, The Energy Coalition
  • Lou Jacobson, Redwood Coast Energy Authority
Name: Nicol Manzanares
Title: Program Manager
Organization: The Energy Coalition
Organization Type: Electric Utility or CCA, Nonprofit Organization
Region: North Coast, Statewide
Presentation Slides
Date: 06/26/2019
Published in 2019
Topic Areas: Financing/Funding, Internal Funding Best Practices
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Additional notes of interest: 2019 SEEC Forum Resources
Case Study

Washington State Early Adopters Incentive Program

The Early Adoption Incentive program began July 1, 2021 and applies to non-residential, hotel, motel, and dormitory buildings greater than 50,000 SF. The program offers available incentives, customer support and funding from the state to administer the program. Equity played a big role in the development of the incentive program. The state focused on community engagement, and spoke to CBO’s and building owners on what to do to ensure access was broadened and participation increased. As a result, half of the incentive funds in the program are distributed to the reservation system, for multifamily buildings, and other rural buildings, etc. A thing to note is that not all multifamily buildings fall under mandatory standards, but can participate in incentive programs.

Name: Emily Salzberg
Title: Managing Director of Building Unit
Organization: Washington State Department of Commerce
Organization Type: State Government/Agency
Region: Out of State
Presentation SlidesRecording
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Energy Efficiency, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Disadvantaged Communities
Best Practices

What are resources local governments can leverage for energy efficiency activities?

  • Your utilities: The Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) of the state are Administrators of ratepayer-funded energy efficiency programming, which includes financial incentives and technical assistance for energy efficiency activities. The IOUs also work with local governments on special projects under the Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan, through local government partnerships (see examples here). Contact your utility to learn more. Publicly-owned and municipal utilities also often provide incentives and support for energy efficiency. (If you don’t know who at the utility level you should be contacting, contact the Coordinator.)
  • Regional Energy Networks (RENs) and other EE Program Administrator: So far, the non-IOU Administrators of energy efficiency programming are BayREN, SoCalREN, and the Consumer Choice Aggregator (CCA) Marin Clean Energy (MCE).
  • State Agencies: You can see energy-relevant resources and workshops offered by the California Energy Commission (CEC), the CA Air Resources Board (CARB, or ARB), and California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) by clicking on these links. A great 101 EE overview of the makeup and resources of these agencies, presented by Jody London, is available here.
  • Federal agencies: Check out posts on this website of the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)’s State and Local Climate Action newsletter, which shares a digest of funding announcements and webinars provided by different federal agencies.
  • Consider developing an energy efficiency fund: A great way to find funding for energy efficiency is to take the savings from a funded, implemented energy efficiency project, and develop a fund for further projects. For resources on this – and example funds led by California local governments, click here.
Organization: SEEC
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization
Region: Statewide
Published in 2016
Topic Areas: Energy Efficiency, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Local Governments
Case Study

Windsor Energy PAYS® program

The Town of Windsor’s Windsor Energy PAYS® program allows residents and businesses to finance water and energy saving upgrades with no up-front cost and immediate savings on utility bills. Average customer savings amount to $30 per utility bill, 10% reduction in energy use, and 20% reduction in indoor water use, generating estimated annual savings of 9.2 million gallons of water, 88,000 kWh, and 25,000 therms.

Organization: Town of Windsor
Organization Type: City or County
Region: North Coast
Published in 2021
Topic Areas: Energy Efficiency, Financing/Funding
Sectors Targeted: Commercial, Residential
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