Building a More Energy-Efficient Future for Rural Northern California
Building a More Energy-Efficient Future for Rural Northern California - CivicWell CURRENTS
by Logan Bremer-Kelly,
Communications Coordinator
The Northern Rural Energy Network (NREN) brings accessible energy efficiency programs, technical assistance, rebates, and other resources to residents, businesses, public agencies, and contractors across 17 rural Northern California counties. By combining local knowledge with regional expertise, NREN helps communities overcome barriers to energy efficiency while reducing costs, improving comfort, and building resilience. Since launching in 2025, NREN has supported thousands of customers and continues to expand its programs and opportunities for local contractors.
For many rural Northern California communities, accessing energy efficiency programs hasn’t always been easy. Geographic distance, limited contractor availability, and fewer local resources can leave residents, businesses, and public agencies without the same opportunities available in larger urban areas.
That is why the Northern Rural Energy Network (NREN) was created.
Serving 17 counties across the North Coast, Lake County, and the Sierra Nevada region, NREN brings high-quality energy efficiency programs directly to the communities that need them most. Through a partnership between Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA), Lake Area Planning Council (LAPC), Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG), and Sierra Business Council (SBC), NREN combines regional knowledge with technical expertise and trusted local relationships.
(Photo: NREN staff and regional partners gather for an in-person meeting in Ukiah, California.)
Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, NREN meets customers where they are. Whether someone wants simple ways to save energy at home, is planning a major upgrade, or needs technical expertise for a public facility, NREN makes energy efficiency more accessible, affordable, and easier to navigate.
Helping Communities Save Energy
Energy efficiency is about more than lowering utility bills. Efficient homes, businesses, and public buildings can be more comfortable, reliable, and affordable to operate while supporting local economies and building community resilience.
NREN programs help remove common barriers to energy efficiency by offering:
- Free energy assessments
- Technical assistance and personalized guidance
- Energy-saving products and educational resources
- Rebates and financial incentives
- Project planning support
- Connections with qualified participating contractors
By simplifying the process and providing trusted local assistance, NREN helps customers move from interest to action with confidence.
Serving Every Part of the Community
NREN supports a wide range of customers:
Residents can receive personalized recommendations, energy-saving resources, and rebates for home improvement.
Businesses can identify opportunities to reduce operating costs through more efficient equipment and building upgrades.
Public agencies can evaluate facilities, prioritize projects, identify funding opportunities, and implement improvements that benefit their communities.
Contractors can access training, program participation opportunities, and connections with customers seeking qualified professionals.
Our Impact and What’s Next
Since launching its first programs in April 2025, NREN has worked alongside thousands of residents, businesses, public agencies, and community partners across rural Northern California. Every assessment, rebate, and completed project represents progress toward lower energy costs, improved comfort, and stronger, more resilient communities.
What we’ve accomplished since launch:
(Infographic: NREN program metrics to date. See our 2025 Annual Report here.)
As energy needs evolve, NREN is expanding its services. Upcoming programs include Commercial Direct Install, Commercial Energy Assessments, and Residential Direct Install, along with expanded opportunities for contractors to participate in on-site assessments and energy-saving projects.
Together, NREN and its partners are helping build a more energy-efficient, affordable, and resilient future for rural Northern California.
This article was recently featured in CivicWell’s CURRENTS. Visit the CivicWell website to stay up to date on climate and energy programs, resources, and news from across California.
About the Northern Rural Energy Network:
Northern Rural Energy Network (NREN) offers energy efficiency programs to rural communities, delivering cost savings and strengthening community resilience for the North Coast and the Sierra Nevada. More information on NREN’s services can be found at NorthernREN.org.
Discounts on energy bills for qualified households
California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE):
Low-income customers that are enrolled in the CARE program receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill.
To request an application form and more information, please contact your utility company or check out their websites for more information.