You know what made a house party work? Word of mouth. Somebody told somebody who told somebody else, and by 10 pm the living room was packed with people who didn’t all know each other—but they knew someone who got them through the door. That’s how real community engagement works too. It’s not mass emails and flyers. It’s relationships. Trust networks
Read MoreCalifornia has long been a laboratory for energy efficiency, testing ideas, technologies, and strategies that ripple across the state and beyond. Among its more imaginative experiments is Innovative Design for Energy Efficiency Applications—aptly dubbed IDEEA 365—a program designed not just to save kilowatts, but to rethink how efficiency can be discovered, tested, and scaled in real-world conditions. Since 2013, IDEEA 365 has offered a year-round, competitive procurement pathway that allows California’s Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) to source novel, market-ready solutions from third-party providers. Unlike traditional program cycles bound by rigid timelines, IDEEA 365 was structured to be nimble—responsive to emerging technologies and evolving market needs.
Read MoreThat’s where the Brewery Energy Efficiency and Revitalization (BEER) Program comes in. Born from California’s Innovative Design for Energy Efficiency Applications (IDEEA 365) platform, BEER makes a compelling case for applying energy efficiency strategies on a craft-specific level. It’s not a generic rebate program with a beer label slapped on—it’s a targeted, thoughtfully engineered solution for a historically underserved market. And it’s delivering real results.
Read MoreCalifornia's energy efficiency landscape kicked off 2026 with major regulatory changes. The new California Energy Code mandates significant efficiency improvements for homes and commercial buildings—from heat pump requirements to smart thermostats—with an estimated $4.8 billion in energy savings over 30 years. Meanwhile, the CPUC is moving to phase out natural gas incentives for builders by 2027, accelerating the state's transition to electric alternatives. These shifts represent a pivotal moment for energy efficiency programs across California.
Read MoreThat's essentially what IDEEA 365 is for California's energy efficiency world. Run by the Investor Owned Utilities (IOUs), this year-round competitive solicitation is an open call for third-party implementers to pitch new, cost-effective energy efficiency programs. No waiting for a specific funding cycle. No narrow windows. Just: you've got an idea? Bring it.
Read MoreEnergy efficiency projects often stall due to budget constraints and stakeholder skepticism—not technology failures. Fresno transformed 76 sites into a coordinated EE program by aligning political priorities, using innovative financing, streamlining procurement, and leveraging data. The result? A system where approval became the easiest option
Read MoreAs 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.
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