Did Y'all Know? | January 2026

Welcome to January's Did Y'all Know? 🎉

Happy New Year! We're kicking off 2026 with a fresh approach—this year, we're spotlighting the real people and partnerships doing the work in energy efficiency. No more "what could be done." We're celebrating what's already been accomplished.

Each month, we'll feature a story that captures a unique approach to getting things done, paired with a playlist that embodies that energy. Different strategies, different styles, all delivering real progress.

January's story? The City of Fresno's sustainability team and its quiet storm approach to delivering results. From Fresno's record-breaking projects to behind-the-scenes strategies that actually work, this month's content proves that real impact doesn't need to shout.

🎶 January Playlist: Quiet Storm

We launched 2026 with the perfect vibe: Quiet Storm. If you know, you know—this isn't just a playlist, it's a philosophy. Low lights, smooth vocals, and impact without the noise. Sound familiar? That's because it perfectly captures the City of Fresno's two-woman sustainability team and their approach to getting things done.

While others blast wins from the rooftops, Fresno plays the long game—landing heat pump water heaters, major solar projects, and millions in EE improvements without the hype. Just steady, strategic work that delivers every single time.

This playlist is for the smooth operators out there. Listen now → HERE

💡 Technology Tuesdays: How the City of Fresno Is Powering a Smarter, Cleaner Public Sector

Clean energy goals are easy to announce. Delivering them across 100+ municipal facilities? That's where it gets interesting.

Fresno just completed one of the state's most ambitious energy efficiency initiatives—touching parks, public safety facilities, water treatment plants, and everything in between. The result? Over $300 million in projected energy savings over the next 20 years.

From heat pump water heaters installed at no cost through PG&E's GK-12 program to on-site solar via power purchase agreements, Fresno proved that sustainability doesn't have to be theoretical—it can be practical, implementable, and measurable.

This wasn't a pilot project. It was a coordinated, citywide systems upgrade that created a repeatable model for any public agency. Read the full story → HERE

🎙️ What's That? | From Sister Cities to Fresno's No-Drama Playbook

What does a sister city program have to do with energy efficiency? Host Courtney Blore sat down with Ann Kloose, Sustainability Division Manager for the City of Fresno, expecting to talk about Münster, Germany. The conversation revealed something better.

With just two people managing millions in project investments, Ann shares the operational playbook for delivering results without drama—strategic partnerships, pragmatic implementation, and building progress quietly and consistently.

If you've ever wondered how some cities just seem to get things done, this episode has the answers.
Listen now →HERE

⚡ Fund-It Fast Chats: SPURR & Fresno's Record-Setting Solar Project

We're launching 2026 by spotlighting what partners have ALREADY accomplished, starting with one of the most impressive clean energy achievements in the country.

Host Rochelle Butler sits down with Kevin Flanagan, Program Manager at SPURR, to break down how the City of Fresno deployed the largest commercial solar-plus-battery system in the United States. This conversation covers SPURR's role, strategic partnerships, and how your agency can leverage similar tools to accelerate clean energy goals.

Partnership, innovation, and real-world impact in action.
Watch now → HERE

🏢 Efficiency in Focus: Getting to Yes

Energy efficiency projects rarely fail because of technology—they stall because of budget constraints, competing priorities, and stakeholder skepticism. So how did Fresno get 76 sites approved and implemented without the usual roadblocks?

The answer: political alignment, innovative financing, streamlined procurement, and robust data. By prioritizing visible improvements in parks and public safety, using not-to-exceed financing agreements, pre-qualifying contractors, and leveraging SJVCEO's benchmarking data, Fresno created a system where saying "yes" became the easiest option.

When EE projects are thoughtfully packaged and aligned with shared goals, approval becomes inevitable.

Read the full story → HERE

As We Move Forward

January set the tone for 2026: real stories, real strategies, real results. No hype, just the work that matters—delivered by people who understand that lasting impact comes from consistency, not flash.

Ready to dive deeper? Explore all of January's content and join us as we continue celebrating the smooth operators making energy efficiency happen across California.

See you in February! ✨

January 2026Kelsey LermaEnergy Efficiency, City of Fresno