The formation of a Rural regional energy network (RuralREN) will allow local entities, who know their communities and the unique characteristic and obstacles, to design and implement programs that meet the distinctive needs of local ratepayers

It is often the most vulnerable of utility customers who do not have equitable access to utility energy efficiency programs in which they pay into every month.

The County’s rural and small nature makes it an undesirable and cost-ineffective location for energy service providers and outside program administrators to deliver.

Rural communities are also dealing with the devastating nature of California’s wildfires, climate change, and other issues impacting our communities.

Rural ratepayers are not actively choosing to ignore programs nor actively refusing to address energy efficiency opportunities. Often, policies and programs designs create barriers to participation.

By focusing on the rural hard-to-reach sector across the entire state, leveraging the expertise of the seven Rural REN partners, we will be able to provide services to these often-overlooked segments.