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Public Agency Energy Services

The Public Agency Energy Services Program provides rural public agencies (including tribes, schools and special districts) with no cost energy benchmarking, building assessments and reports, education, technical support and referrals to assist with the installation of energy efficiency and other related energy cost-saving measures.

Program Overview

The Public Agency Energy Services program provides technical assistance and no-cost services directly to rural public agencies to assist with reducing energy consumption and lowering energy bills.

Our approach is to offer tools and expertise that lead to the installation of successful energy efficiency projects. The program aims to eliminate barriers such as lack of staff, resources, and knowledge by providing direct assistance, funding referrals, and access to the NREN commercial programs that will provide direct incentives for projects.

Additional complementary services include technical assistance to develop solar and battery storage, Electric Vehicle (EV) fleet planning, EV charging planning and installation, as well as grant writing. 

Aerial view of Downtown Marysville, California.

Available Services for Public Agencies

Energy Education
The first step in taking action to reduce energy consumption and costs is providing public agency leaders and staff with the knowledge, skills and tools to identify energy efficiency opportunities and improve processes related to operating buildings and other energy systems. NREN provides information one-on-one or holds agency or department-wide training courses, webinars and other informational activities to equip agencies to make better informed energy-related decisions.
Energy Benchmarking
Energy Benchmarking is the measurement and comparison of a building’s energy usage over time. Benchmarking enables building owners and operators to evaluate energy usage and compare to other similar types of buildings. NREN conducts benchmarking for public agencies to identify energy use patterns, changes, and opportunities for energy savings.
Energy Assessments
An energy assessment is a review and on-site analysis of a building’s energy systems such as HVAC, hot water heating, lighting, refrigeration, insulation, specialty equipment and controls as well as overall energy consumption. NREN provides reports with recommendations that focus on opportunities to decrease energy consumption and cost. These actions, coupled with savings and project return on investment calculations, help public agencies determine project eligibility and viability.
Technical Assistance & Support
NREN staff helps enroll and manage agencies' participation in energy services and programs, including direct incentives for project implementation. Our experts guide agencies initially through energy efficiency projects, and then additional energy-related activities such as electric vehicle (EV) fleet and charging planning, solar and battery storage, and grant writing.
Referrals
We connect public agencies to other state-funded energy efficiency programs, learn about federal and state grants, state and regional loan programs, and take advantage of all opportunities that assist agencies in their journey to become more energy efficient, reliable, and cost-effective.
Contact Us to Learn More!

Sign Up for Services

Please contact your local NREN office to schedule an appointment to discuss your public agency’s energy needs:

Lake County

Jennifer Brennan, Energy Program Manager

(707) 397-2105  |  jbrennan@dbcteam.net

Mendocino County

Orion Walker, Energy Program Manager

(707) 397-2087  |  walkero@dow-associates.com

Humboldt County

Marianne Bithell, Senior Program Specialist

(707) 269-1700  |  mbithell@redwoodenergy.org

Sierra Region*

David Jaeger, Program Manager

(530) 214-3836  |  djaeger@sierrabusiness.org

*The Sierra Region includes the following 14 counties: Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, El Dorado, Lassen, Mariposa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sutter, Tuolumne, and Yuba.