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.
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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.
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Rural communities are also dealing with the devastating nature of California’s wildfires, climate change, and other issues impacting our communities.
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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.
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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.
Read MoreThe formation of a rural regional energy network (RuralREN) will allow local entities, who know their communities and the unique characteristic and obstacles such as: climate zones, language and income, to design and implement programs that meet the distinctive needs of local ratepayers. Regional energy networks were developed to address this gap and this localized approach will garner more equitable and meaningful outcomes for our rural and hard-to-reach communities – and they deserve that.
Read MoreSince many Sierra towns are geographically isolated it is difficult for all customers to easily take advantage of utility energy efficiency programs. 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. We view this (Rural REN) as a collaborative opportunity to bridge the gaps and more comprehensively serve our rural regions.
Read MoreLocal understanding of the issues rural communities face is an important factor for the development of a Regional Energy Network and associated programs. The County is excited to be a part of this effort with the Rural Hard to Reach Working Group in bringing more access and savings to our community while meeting the State’s climate, energy, and sustainability goals in a valuable and meaningful way.
Read MoreA REN can deliver more than energy efficiency, it can be a trusted local resource that supports resilient and healthy communities.
Read MoreThe promise of the RuralREN is to bring a diversity of perspectives and knowledge to the table along with a deep commitment to providing as many opportunities to rural communities as possible. This approach will not only drive the creation of successful programs but also enable partners to learn from each other on energy efficiency issues along with the numerous other issues that our respective agencies engage on.
Read MoreWelcome to our newest series, “Rural Voices”, a space for “we the rural, we the hard to reach” to give voice to the voiceless!
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