As part of a sustainability campaign launched by Mayor Jerry Dyer, the City of Fresno recently completed one of its most ambitious energy efficiency initiatives to date—touching parks, public safety facilities, water treatment plants, and everything in between. The mission was simple (and refreshingly practical): cut energy use, lower long-term costs, and reduce carbon emissions—without disrupting the services residents rely on every day.
Read MoreQuiet Storm was never about volume—it was about impact. The City of Fresno's sustainability team embodies this philosophy: heat pump installations, solar projects, millions in EE improvements—all delivered through strategic groundwork, not loud announcements.
Read MoreWelcome to EE Regulatory Roundup, your quarterly guide to navigating California's ever-evolving energy efficiency landscape. In each edition, we'll break down the essential regulatory updates, policy changes, and program developments that matter most to energy efficiency practitioners across the state. Consider this your trusted resource for staying informed, understanding what's changing, and knowing exactly what it means for your work in the field.
Read MoreOur December playlist is packed with holiday classics and festive favorites to keep your spirits bright as you reflect on the year's achievements and look ahead to all the possibilities 2026 will bring.
Read MoreAs more households consider their cooking fuel choices and the environmental impact of their kitchens, clean cooking has never been more relevant. Whether you're curious about making the switch to induction, exploring multi-functional appliances, or simply looking for budget-friendly ways to improve your kitchen's efficiency, this series has something for everyone.
Read MoreTwo weeks until Thanksgiving- which can mean a lot of things: getting ready for a road trip to see family, prepping to make sure the house is in pristine condition, or just excitement for some days off. No matter how or where you are celebrating, the SJVCEO wants to be sure the music is right for you! Check out our favorite playlist- clean cooking!
Read MoreAs a practitioner of energy efficiency (EE), I often take it for granted that everyday folks understand not only the importance of EE programs but also the role they play in advancing technologies. Did YOU know that EE programs drive technological innovation? One could argue that one of the primary purposes of EE programs is to advance EE technology. To understand this, let’s talk about EE programs and what they aim to accomplish.
Read MoreWhile many of our favorite programs have since wrapped up, their influence lives on—and the good news is, there are still plenty of current offerings available to meet today’s energy needs. We’re revisiting some of our most memorable projects and sharing how today’s programs continue to support energy conservation across the region
Read MoreHere's the thing: people keep saying energy efficiency is dead. But these classic measures? Still crushing it. Not because they're in some rebate catalog, but because they WORK. The real problem? We're measuring success all wrong. Our current cost-effectiveness test (TRC) counts extra costs but ignores actual customer benefits. Good news: We have the solutions. We have eager implementers. We just need to update how we measure value.
Read MoreRecent discussions about water heating technologies—particularly heat pumps and tankless systems—have left many partners feeling there's limited performance information available for different applications. To address these concerns and support decision-making, we're providing insights and resources to clarify the differences and benefits of each technology!
Read MoreEnergy efficiency is crucial for California’s public sector customers, as it helps save money and enhance the quality of public services. When government buildings, schools, and other public facilities use energy wisely, it reduces waste and lowers utility bills—freeing up funds for other community needs.
Read MoreWhen public agencies embrace energy efficiency, they don’t just cut their utility bills—they spark a revolution. Every dollar saved on electricity and gas is a dollar that can flow back into community programs, better services, and economic development that transforms lives.
Read MoreEnergy efficiency is essential for schools, not only as a cost-saving measure but as a strategic investment in healthier, more sustainable learning environments. By optimizing energy use, schools can reduce utility expenses, freeing up resources for educational programs and student support.
Read MoreWith rising energy costs, aging infrastructure, and increasing demand for energy, Californians are exploring innovative financing options to make energy-saving upgrades more accessible and affordable. These financial tools not only help homeowners and businesses reduce their carbon footprints, but they also stimulate local economies and create green jobs. In a state where environmental responsibility and economic resilience are closely connected, energy efficiency financing is not just a policy option—it’s a necessity.
Read MoreMoney talks, and California's energy efficiency financing programs are having all the right conversations. While these programs are relatively new kids on the EE block, they're solving the age-old problem that stops most customers in their tracks: "How am I going to pay for this?"
Read MoreAs a national leader in clean energy innovation, California is ramping up investments in education and training to build a skilled workforce for the growing energy efficiency sector. From K–12 outreach to advanced certifications, inclusive programs are opening doors to green careers—especially for disadvantaged and underrepresented communities. These efforts are key to powering the state’s ambitious climate goals with equity at the forefront.
Read MoreAs energy-efficient technologies evolve—like heat pumps, induction cooking, and hydrogen-fueled equipment—so does the need for a skilled workforce to support them. One of the biggest challenges? A growing gap between innovation and the availability of trained professionals to install and maintain these systems. The good news: Solutions are emerging. From workforce development programs to industry partnerships, we’re seeing real momentum in bridging this gap.
Read MoreCalifornia's workforce development programs might not deliver direct energy savings, but honey, they are absolutely serving the foundation for everything we do. From the California Conservation Corps training young adults in energy efficiency installations to community colleges developing EV infrastructure curriculum, these programs are building the skilled workforce that makes our clean energy dreams possible.
Read MoreCalifornia’s industrial energy efficiency programs are key to building a cleaner, more sustainable future. As one of the nation’s most industrially active states, California faces high energy demands from its manufacturing and production sectors. By investing in smart, targeted efficiency initiatives, the state helps businesses cut energy costs while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These efforts not only support California’s ambitious climate goals but also fuel long-term economic growth rooted in sustainability.
Read MoreWhen we think of industrial customers, a specific picture comes to mind. This picture often includes heavy machinery and manufacturing-type facilities. However, the industrial category encompasses a wide range of activities, including agriculture, food processing, commercial laundry, and water processing. Incentives for industrial customers also depend on your utility provider.
Since industrial customers tend to be among the larger utility customers, they are uniquely positioned to realize significant energy savings, often with relatively minor adjustments.
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