Fund-It Fast Chats
Navigate the world of energy financing with confidence! Fund-It Fast Chats break down funding opportunities, financing programs, and incentives available across California. We spotlight the dollars and programs that help businesses, schools, and public agencies turn energy efficiency projects from ideas into reality.

What's That Fast Chats
Demystify energy efficiency one topic at a time! What's That Fast Chats tackle the concepts, policies, and practices that shape California's energy landscape. These episodes answer the "what is it?" and "why does it matter?" questions that help you navigate the energy efficiency world with clarity.

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Fast Chats: 2025 Series

Featured
What’s That Fast Chats | AB802: Compliance Simplified
What’s That Fast Chats | AB802: Compliance Simplified

You’ll learn what AB 802 is really about (hint: it’s not just about compliance, it’s about saving energy and money), who needs to report, and how the reporting process works. This webisode offers practical insights from years of helping public agencies navigate the requirements—like which buildings count as “reportable,” common pitfalls, and how to confirm that you’ve filed correctly.

What’s That Fast Chats | Benchmarking: The Fitness Tracker for Your Facilities
What’s That Fast Chats | Benchmarking: The Fitness Tracker for Your Facilities

In this episode, we break down the power of energy benchmarking. What is energy benchmarking? Think of it as a report card for your building’s energy use. In this webisode you will learn what benchmarking is and why it matters.

Fund-It Fast Chats | California Energy Commission (CEC) Zero Interest Loans for Schools
Fund-It Fast Chats | California Energy Commission (CEC) Zero Interest Loans for Schools

In this special wrap-up to our “Finance August” series, Rochelle breaks down the CEC’s Zero Interest Loan Program for Schools, also known as ECAA-Ed. This revolving loan fund offers up to $3–5 million for energy efficiency, renewable generation, and EV infrastructure projects across public school districts, charter schools, and more.

Fund-It Fast Chats | OBF and Clean Energy!
Fund-It Fast Chats | OBF and Clean Energy!

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Amanda Homa of Parakeet Project Development for an update on new developments with the OBF program. Those new developments include an expansion of the OBF program to incorporate opportunities for stacking clean energy onto energy efficiency projects.

Fund-It Fast Chat: 2024 Series

Featured
#74: IDSM 2024 Wrap-Up
#74: IDSM 2024 Wrap-Up

It has been an amazing year! We are so proud to be wrapping up our IDSM 2024 year and looking back on the IDSM-related topics we covered over the course of the year.

#73: Behavior Modification
#73: Behavior Modification

In this webisode of the Fund-it Fast Chats, we will take a more in-depth look at what energy-related behavior modification is, what it can do, and how you can educate and motivate your friends, family, and colleagues to participate as well.

RELAUNCH #36 & #37: PG&E and SCE EV Infrastructure Program
RELAUNCH #36 & #37: PG&E and SCE EV Infrastructure Program

We spoke with 2 utility representatives about their EV charging infrastructure programs. In the first video, I am joined by guest Tim O’Neil, who walks us through PG&E’s EV Fleet Program and in the second video, I am joined by guest Omar Faris, who takes us through SoCalEdison’s Charge Ready Program.

RELAUNCH #64: EV Programs, an Update (CALeVIP and Communities in Charge)
RELAUNCH #64: EV Programs, an Update (CALeVIP and Communities in Charge)

Join Rochelle Butler and Norah Kyassa (GRID Alternatives) discuss CALeVIP and Communities in Charge)

RELAUNCH #60: 60th Webisode Celebration and EV Planning – the Right Way or the Expensive Way?
RELAUNCH #60: 60th Webisode Celebration and EV Planning – the Right Way or the Expensive Way?

Join Rochelle Butler and Steve Clarke discuss EV procurement and planning for public agencies! We explore the importance of EV planning and how to avoid some very costly mistakes. We also learn how to manage purchasing timelines and cash flows in the process.

#72: Solar plus Storage, To Lease or Not to Lease
#72: Solar plus Storage, To Lease or Not to Lease
RELAUNCH #32: Monetize EVs and LCFS Credits
RELAUNCH #32: Monetize EVs and LCFS Credits

We’re halfway through our IDSM topics for 2024 and are excited to expand on IDSM technology and Distributed Energy Resources this August! We’ve relaunched our Fund-It Fast Chat webisode: “Monetize EVs and LCFS Credits!”

RELAUNCH #47: Real Talk About Microgrids
RELAUNCH #47: Real Talk About Microgrids

One of the most integral technologies that supports IDSM are microgrids. To help us with this conversation more broadly, we have gone to our archives for our Fund-it Fast Chats webisode called Real Talk About Microgrids.

#71: Demand Response
#71: Demand Response

Join Rochelle Butler for a solo Fund-It Fast Chat covering Demand Response and its connection to IDSM.

#70: On Bill Financing Non Incentive (OBF NI)
#70: On Bill Financing Non Incentive (OBF NI)

Join Amanda Homa and Rochelle Butler discuss the On Bill Financing Non Incentive (OBF NI) pathway.

#69: A Fresh Look at Integrated Demand Side Management (IDSM)
#69: A Fresh Look at Integrated Demand Side Management (IDSM)

Join Lou Jacobson and Rochelle Butler as they take a fresh look at a familiar concept, Integrated Demand Side Management (IDSM).

Featured
#68: Electrification Programs Part 2 | SCE Induction Cooktop Lending Program
#68: Electrification Programs Part 2 | SCE Induction Cooktop Lending Program

Join Rochelle Butler and Andre Saldivar (SCE) discuss the Southern California Edison's Induction Lending Program.

#67: Electrification Programs Part 1 | PG&E Induction Cooktop Loaner Program
#67: Electrification Programs Part 1 | PG&E Induction Cooktop Loaner Program

Join Rochelle Butler, Richard Young, and Symone Hopkins discuss the PG&E Induction Cooktop Loaner Program

#66: Water Infrastructure and System Efficiency (WISE) Program
#66: Water Infrastructure and System Efficiency (WISE) Program

Join Rochelle Butler and Fiela Vu discuss the statewide Water Infrastructure and System Efficiency Program!

BONUS #65: Woo Hoo Water Haters
BONUS #65: Woo Hoo Water Haters

Join Rochelle Butler and Lou Jacobson for a bonus episode celebrating #WooHooWaterHeaters!

#64: EV Programs, an Update (CALeVIP and Communities in Charge)
#64: EV Programs, an Update (CALeVIP and Communities in Charge)

Join Rochelle Butler and Norah Kyassa (GRID Alternatives) discuss CALeVIP and Communities in Charge)

#62: EV Planning Part II – Fleet Conversion Strategy
#62: EV Planning Part II – Fleet Conversion Strategy

Join Rochelle Butler and Steve Clarke dive into EV Planning Part II – Fleet Conversion Strategy!

#61: California Energy Design Assistance (CEDA) Program
#61: California Energy Design Assistance (CEDA) Program

Join Rochelle Butler and Jeff Glover discuss the California Energy Design Assistance Program

#60: 60th Webisode Celebration and EV Planning – the Right Way or the Expensive Way?
#60: 60th Webisode Celebration and EV Planning – the Right Way or the Expensive Way?

Join Rochelle Butler and Steve Clarke discuss EV procurement and planning for public agencies!

#59: How to Navigate Procurement
#59: How to Navigate Procurement

Rochelle Butler and our special guest Lou Jacobson discuss ways to tackle barriers that public agencies face when it comes to procurement by providing some tips and tricks to make the process easier!

#58: OBF Hang-Ups
#58: OBF Hang-Ups

Rochelle and special Guest Amanda Homa with Parakeet Project Development discuss some challenges that agencies endure when it comes to OBF and how to combat them.

#57: CDFA’s Community Resilience Centers Program
#57: CDFA’s Community Resilience Centers Program

Rochelle focuses on community engagement and climate change resilience across California communities.

 
Featured
RELAUNCH #47: Real Talk About Microgrids
RELAUNCH #47: Real Talk About Microgrids

One of the most integral technologies that supports IDSM are microgrids. To help us with this conversation more broadly, we have gone to our archives for our Fund-it Fast Chats webisode called Real Talk About Microgrids.

#56: Inflation Reduction Act
#56: Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act changed a wide range of tax laws and provided funds to improve our services and technology to make tax filing easier for you.

#55: Energy Efficiency Block Grants
#55: Energy Efficiency Block Grants

Designed to assist states and local governments in implementing strategies to reduce energy use, to reduce fossil fuel emissions, and to improve energy efficiency.

#54: Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program
#54: Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program

Equitable, integrated climate adaptation and resilience solutions across local, regional, and state efforts.

#53: Regional Climate Collaborative
#53: Regional Climate Collaborative

Governments and other funding entities are looking for bold, transformative ideas to build healthier and more equitable communities while addressing the climate crisis.

#52: Active Transportation Program
#52: Active Transportation Program

Since its inception, the Active Transportation Program has funded over 800 active transportation projects across the state benefiting both urban and rural areas.

#51: Small Community Drinking Water Funding Program
#51: Small Community Drinking Water Funding Program

Funding is available to assist small disadvantage communities to implement drinking water infrastructure improvement projects.

#50: On Bill Repayment
#50: On Bill Repayment

Easy access to private financing with exceptional terms and qualified professional contractor services.

#49: Environment Enhancement & Mitigation Program
#49: Environment Enhancement & Mitigation Program
#48: Transformative Climate Communities Implementation Program
#48: Transformative Climate Communities Implementation Program
#47: Real Talk About Microgrids
#47: Real Talk About Microgrids
#46: Clean Transportation Program Rural Electric Vehicle (REV) Charging
#46: Clean Transportation Program Rural Electric Vehicle (REV) Charging
#45: Reliable, Equitable, and Accessible Charging for multi-family Housing (REACH)
#45: Reliable, Equitable, and Accessible Charging for multi-family Housing (REACH)