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About Us

Our Mission

At Northern Rural Energy Network, we offer energy efficiency programs to rural communities, delivering cost savings and strengthening community resilience for the North Coast, Lake County, and the Sierra Nevada.

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Map of the State of California with counties outlined. Green shading is placed on counties NREN serves.
Northern California Coastline with ocean bluffs and beach

Our Vision

By Rural, For Rural

Northern Rural Energy Network is committed to empowering our communities with the tools, knowledge, and support to make informed and cost-effective energy decisions. We’re proud of our rural roots and are focused on bringing equal access to resources and opportunities to all.

Our Partners

Northern Rural Energy Network (NREN) is a partnership of four distinct organizations that came together to strengthen energy efficiency programming for rural Northern Californians, ensuring our regions have access to the same opportunities and services provided in more urban areas of the state.

Redwood Coast Energy Authority

Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) was founded in 2003 as a Joint Powers Agency whose members include the County of Humboldt, the Cities of Arcata, Blue Lake, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, Rio Dell, Trinidad, the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District, the Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe, and the Yurok Tribe. RCEA’s purpose is to develop and implement sustainable energy initiatives that reduce energy demand, increase energy efficiency, and advance the use of clean, efficient, and renewable resources available in the region.
 
In 2017, RCEA became a Community Choice Aggregator (CCA), purchasing and delivering cleaner, renewable electricity for customers and directly empowering local control over energy choices. RCEA administers the Northern Rural Energy Network (NREN) program under the guidance of the California Public Utilities Commission and implements NREN services in Humboldt County. In addition, RCEA implements a Local Government Partnership program with Pacific Gas & Electric Company, serving commercial and public agency customers. RCEA also offers members of their Community Choice Aggregator program additional public agency services and customer rebates.
Learn more about RCEA

Mendocino Council of Governments

Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG) is a California joint powers authority formed in 1972 with member agencies consisting of the Cities of Fort Bragg, Point Arena, Ukiah and Willits, and the County of Mendocino. Its purpose is to assist local governments in planning to address common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit, and coordinating for sound regional, community, and intercommunity development. MCOG’s regional planning efforts focus on transportation, housing, and economic development. With the launch of NREN, MCOG has expanded their programming to include energy efficiency in order to bring these essential services to the Mendocino County communities. 

Learn more about MCOG

Lake Area Planning Council

Lake Area Planning Council (Lake APC) is a California joint powers authority with member agencies consisting of the Cities of Lakeport and Clearlake and the County of Lake. Lake APC is the Regional Transportation Planning Agency created with authority to plan for and suggest solutions to common problems, assist in the preparation of proposals by utilizing planning talents and general plans of the various governmental agencies located within the County and of planning and technical experts in various other fields. With the launch of NREN, Lake APC has expanded their programming to include energy efficiency in order to bring these essential services to the Lake County communities. 

Learn more about Lake APC

Sierra Business Council

Sierra Business Council (SBC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to catalyze and demonstrate innovative approaches and solutions to increase community vitality, economic prosperity, environmental quality, and social fairness in the Sierra Nevada. For over 17 years, SBC has served as an experienced energy program implementer and has been working with PG&E implementing the Sierra Nevada Energy Watch. SBC has also participated in CPUC proceedings bringing a rural equity point of view to the public process.

Learn more about SBC

Our Values

Community-Centered: We are deeply rooted in our rural communities, honoring their values and the unique needs of rural Californians. 

Trust and Integrity: We build lasting relationships based on transparency, reliability, and understanding, offering accessible energy solutions with support. 

Empowerment Through Education: We provide the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to help communities take control of their energy future and thrive.

Bridging Gaps: We address systemic barriers and work to ensure that underserved and rural communities have equal access to programs that help them take control of their own energy savings and independence.