Did Y'all Know? | March 2024

Did Y’all Know…

the SJVCEO traveled down to Los Angeles this month to attend the inaugural “2024 Fueling Sustainability Conference"!” SoCalGas presented current and near-future sustainability efforts to energy efficiency contractors serving residential, commercial, and workforce education & training program!

Special Highlight: The H2 Innovation Experience is North America's first-ever clean hydrogen powered microgrid and home. This project demonstrates how carbon-free gas made from renewable electricity can be used in pure form or as a blend to fuel clean energy systems and communities of the future.  Named a World-Changing Idea by Fast Company and awarded the U.S. Green Building Council of L.A.’s Sustainable Innovation Award, the H2IE features clean hydrogen production and storage along with a nearly 2,000 square-foot home that can draw power from solar panels and convert excess renewable energy into clean hydrogen.

In addition to this exciting event, the SJVCEO kickstarted a new series that will cover the SoCalGas Energy Efficiency Rebate Guide for 2024! Part 1 highlights "Boilers, Water Heaters, and Water Heating Products"

Did Y’all Know…

“They’re gonna crash this f-ing grid!”—Me, every single time anyone talks about big electrification or EV plans.

There’s no putting electrification back in the box. And the truth is we shouldn’t want to. The benefits of electrification in terms of human health make it something we have a duty to pursue. Still, when we talk about electrification, we have to talk about the two impacts of our action: load capacity and affordability.  This month, we’re focusing on capacity and demand response's role in ensuring enough capacity to meet this ever-growing demand.  We can’t be so naïve to think that we can electrify all the things without grid impacts.

Did Y’all Know…

SJVCEO conducted our first round of audits for this year through our Central California Energy Watch (CCEW) program. We have been working with the City of Hayward on a variety of energy related services for about a year and it was time to get some facility assessments going! Check out some highlights below and stay tuned for a full debrief coming soon!

Did Y’all Know…

What is demand response? What are the utilities trying to accomplish with demand response programs? Is this just a ploy for utility companies to charge me more when I need energy the most? Why must I reduce my energy consumption during certain times of the day?

This month, we will discuss the topic of demand response programs and how they can be used to save you money on your energy bills. Rest assured, there is a method to the madness. We are here to help you understand the ins and outs of demand response. We will discuss how and why our utility partners design demand response programs to help customers save money on their energy bills while also encouraging the use of clean and/or renewable energy as much as possible. Spoiler alert: cute ducks are involved

Did Y’all Know…

Is your public agency looking to stack Distributed Energy Resources (DER) on top of energy efficiency projects? Well, SoCalREN has you covered by the Pathway to Zero Program. It goes beyond analyzing energy efficiency opportunities at agency facilities to include a customized high-level review of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and other sustainability options. It gives agencies the information they need to start choosing the DERs that are right for their facilities. Through this program, SoCalREN can also offer project management support for DER projects, including support with incentive applications, assessing and applying for financing support, and obtaining the technical assistance agencies need to complete projects.

Did Y’all Know…

the EV opportunities are growing here in the Valley (and throughout the state). Both SCE and PG&E are offering rebates for folks through their respective PreOwned Electric Vehicle Rebate Program(s). Both PG&E and SCE offer excellent resources and tools to help guide customers through the process of receiving a rebate. Whether that is the $1,000 or $4,000 rebate, each utility will share what documents you need to gather, submission dates, and other key factors! Just last year, we had the chance to sit down with PG&E and discuss how to capture these rebates and how it can benefit you and your households.

Additionally, PG&E, in partnership with Ecology Action, will install Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers at multifamily housing (MFH) units, not-for-profit organizations and small businesses, at no cost for sites located in a priority community. This Multifamily Housing and Small Business EV Charger Program
includes an education campaign for site residents and employees to increase awareness about the charger installation and other EV benefits and incentives.