The meeting focused on energy affordability tools and resources, featuring presentations from PSE, California Energy Commission, and Just Solutions. Eunice from PSE introduced their National Energy Affordability Tool, which allows users to analyze energy costs and affordability at the census tract level. Martin from the California Energy Commission presented the Energy Affordability Index, a metric that accounts for household size and transportation costs to better measure energy affordability. Elena from Just Solutions shared their Energy Affordability Policy Library, which compiles state and local policy options for improving energy affordability. The speakers discussed various tools and strategies for addressing energy affordability challenges, including household protections, residential decarbonization measures, utility reform, and funding mechanisms. The conversation ended with an announcement about the upcoming forum and an invitation for participants to share their thoughts or needs in a bonus breakout session.

The Local Energy Resources Network meeting covered various funding opportunities, policy updates, and upcoming events related to climate and energy initiatives across California. Spotlights included Taylor from California Forward presented the Resilience District Incubator, seeking pilot communities to explore resilience district models; Lawrence from the Building Decarbonization Coalition highlighted the upcoming Heat Pump Week in April, aiming to increase awareness and adoption of heat pumps across the state; and Sean Kennedy shared details on the Strategic Growth Council’s factory-built housing pilot program, which offers grants for regional off-site construction strategies. Our feature presentation was given by Emily Alvarez, who discussed Bayren’s new statewide Home Energy Score program, which aims to expand access to home energy scores beyond the Bay Area.

The Local Energy Resources Network meeting covered various funding opportunities, policy updates, and upcoming events related to climate and energy initiatives across California. Key discussions included affordable housing programs, natural catastrophe resilience efforts, and updates on building codes and standards, with particular attention to electrification requirements and local jurisdictional authority. The conversation ended with presentations on wildfire mitigation programs and code-related updates, including concerns about the Energy Choice Act’s potential impact on local government policies.

The meeting focused on local energy and climate initiatives, with discussions about federal funding impacts and state revenue strategies for climate investments. Presentations covered various tools and resources for tracking climate action progress, including a new GHG inventory tool and microgrid systems in Alaska, while highlighting successful case studies and economic benefits of renewable energy. The session concluded with discussions on messaging campaigns and implementation challenges, emphasizing the need for broad-based coalitions and innovative financing models to advance climate goals.

The meeting, led by Angie Hacker, covered various funding opportunities and initiatives related to energy and climate goals, including a presentation on the Drive Forward Initiative by Larry from CARB. Participants discussed feedback opportunities for 2026 planning and were surveyed on their satisfaction with CCEC’s services, which include technical assistance and networking opportunities. The meeting also covered upcoming events like the CCEC Forum and introduced programs like SLECC and REACH, which aim to coordinate state and local efforts on energy and climate goals.

The 45th meeting of the Local Energy Resources Network covered updates and opportunities in California’s energy and climate initiatives, including discussions on federal funding cuts, policy changes, and upcoming grant programs. Participants shared information on various workshops and events, while also addressing concerns about grant funding competitiveness and the implications of proposed decisions for specific projects. The conversation ended with an overview of recent legislative actions and budget allocations, including discussions on future priorities and coordination efforts.

The 44th meeting of the Local Energy Resources Network focused on community benefits agreements (CBAs) as a tool for local energy and climate initiatives, with a panel of experts discussing their implementation and potential benefits. Updates were provided on various funding opportunities for clean energy infrastructure projects, including grants and incentive programs from state agencies. The meeting also covered a zonal decarbonization pilot program and explored the role of CBAs in energy projects, emphasizing the importance of partnerships, transparency, and tailored approaches based on local dynamics.

The meeting began with Angie Hacker discussing state and federal budget developments, including recent legislative changes and grant opportunities for various energy and infrastructure projects. Michaela presented an overview of federal climate funding changes since January, highlighting significant rescissions and phase-outs of IRA programs, while Sandie provided detailed information about the impacts of HR1 on commercial clean energy tax credits and residential energy credits. The conversation ended with discussions about tax credit rebates for nonprofits, including direct pay programs and commercial tax credits, with plans for future meetings to cover community benefits agreements and quarterly federal updates.

The Local Energy Resources Network’s 42nd meeting focused on proposed changes to California’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) in the state budget, highlighting potential impacts on climate initiatives and funding allocations. Participants discussed the importance of the GGRF for local climate programs, the ongoing budget process, and concerns about using the fund for non-greenhouse gas reducing activities. The meeting also covered opportunities for involvement in shaping climate policies, potential reforms to the cap-and-trade program, and the possibility of new legislation to address climate damages.

For our May Local Energy Resources Network (LERN) meeting, we covered various topics related to climate action and energy resources, including funding opportunities, project updates, and policy discussions. The group discussed the implications of a bill that restricts local governments’ ability to update their building codes, particularly for residential buildings, and the potential impact of a bill proposed by Rivas that would simplify building codes.

For our April Local Energy Resources Network (LERN) meeting, we covered various topics related to climate action and energy resources, including funding opportunities, project updates, and policy discussions. Presentations by Justin DeWaele from the Strategic Growth Council and Sarah Jo Szambelan from the California Air Resources Board focused on the affordable housing and sustainable communities program, the California comprehensive climate action plan, and upcoming legislative initiatives.

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.