“Programs with Promise” follows innovative approaches to energy efficiency programming and policies around California to overcome barriers in the marketplace that have created challenges for energy efficiency program participation. (See also EE program pilots.)

1.  Fresno Energy Watch POWER Loan Program

An innovative micro-loan program in the San Joaquin Valley targeting PG&E Small/Medium Business customers…  More Information

2. ESA RECXplorers Board Game

As part of the local government partnership between the County of San Diego and San Diego Gas & Electric, the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) recently released a self-titled educational board game to supplement the Energy Saving Adventures program. Fact Sheet (PDF)

3. City of Berkeley’s Building Energy Savings Ordinance

In 2015, the City of Berkeley replaced their Residential and Commercial Energy Conservation Ordinances (RECO/CECO) with the Building Energy Savings Ordinance. The new BESO ordinance takes a different approach, focusing on energy use disclosure to motivate change, rather than requiring prescriptive upgrades. Read more on the residential implementation of the ordinance, here.

4. City of Gonzalez’s “G3” Economic Sustainability Program

From 2014-15, the City of Gonzalez grew its tax base by nearly 17%, luring new businesses to town with energy efficiency, clean energy, and other sustainability projects. Click here to learn more.

5. Western Riverside Council of Government (WRCOG)’s BEYOND Program

WRCOG is leveraging income from its HERO Program to ensure funding to sustainability projects that are the top priority of the community. Click here to learn more.

6. City/County of San Francisco’s Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance

This ordinance not only has promise, but is demonstrating its performance and greater market transformation potential. Click here to learn about the 2015 study that found decreased energy consumption of 7.9% 2010-2014, and $170 million in further energy savings opportunities.

7. City of Watsonville’s Carbon Fund Ordinance

Many governments are implementing revolving funds to support the implementation of climate and energy goals, but the City of Watsonville is taking a particularly innovative approach – learn more here.

8. El Monte’s “Transforming Energy Savings Into College Savings” Program

It can be hard to convince residents to invest time into new behaviors that save $15-$20/month. But what if that $15-$20/month is translated into something meaningful – like sending your children to college? Learn about El Monte’s innovative new program to spur residential energy efficiency, “Transforming Energy Savings into College Savings” Program.