Reducing energy use today means securing a safer, more affordable, and sustainable tomorrow. Hear from leaders across Southern California who are working to make a difference. Whether showing Property Managers and local governments better choices for energy use or highlighting opportunities for individuals in disadvantaged communities to pursue careers in energy and water efficiency, ReEnergizing Communities connects listeners to conversations that can help influence change at home, at work, and in the community.

Below is a look back at all the episodes and guests we had the pleasure of interviewing throughout the year.

Episode One: Energy Resiliency in Southern California with Lujuana Medina, Chris Ford, Ben Lucha, and Kathy Wells

Episode Two: Energy Efficiency Policy Making with Kurt Johnson from the Climate Center

Episode Three: Assembly Bill 841 School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program Pt. 1

Episode Four: Assembly Bill 841 School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program Pt. 2

Episode Five: Upcoming Initiatives—California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the Community

Episode Six: Delivering Clean Power with Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH)

As we enter 2022, the SoCalREN team is enthusiastic for the strides the podcast will take and the upcoming guests that will be featured in episodes for the new year.

The new SoCalREN Kits for Kids Program introduces third- and fourth-grade students from participating schools to energy efficiency! Students perform an interactive scavenger hunt and play games to learn how they, and their families, can save money and improve their comfort and safety at home. Each kit will include two LED bulbs, one efficient-flow showerhead, and two faucet aerators. If 65% of students install the energy-efficient items and provide proof of installation, enrolled classrooms are eligible to receive a $1,000 grant.

This new Program provides great benefits to students, teachers, and families by informing them about the importance of energy efficiency. 

The Public Agency Program has been dedicated to building a sustainable clean future and is now officially 200 agencies strong! In October, SoCalREN enrolled the City of El Segundo, marking the 200th agency to join our network—a fitting milestone for Energy Awareness Month!

The South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) was instrumental in helping SoCalREN enroll the City of El Segundo, due to its location in the South Bay Cities region. Over the past two years, our regional partners have played a crucial role in agencies joining SoCalREN. To see more of our work with regional partners, see the Q4 2020 newsletter.

Drew Boyles, the mayor of the City of El Segundo said, "It is critical that we do everything we can to be as energy efficient as possible and that’s why we are excited to work with the SBCCOG to take advantage of the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. We are joining the SoCalREN program as the 200th public agency and will be able to learn the most effective strategies to benefit all residents and businesses in El Segundo." 

We are thankful for all the public agencies involved in the Program and for their dedication to sustainability and resiliency in their communities. The SoCalREN Public Agencies Programs are happy to continue helping communities throughout California implement energy projects and be proactive stewards in managing their energy consumption. We value the partnership and dedication to secure a clean energy future for all!

Since its authorization by the CPUC in 2012 and the launch of its first program in 2013, SoCalREN has worked to help program participants take action to drive tangible results that move the needle toward an equitable clean energy future for all Southern Californians.

Earlier this year, the CPUC revised its approach to measurement of energy efficiency programs’ success to move away from simply measuring energy savings to looking at the Total System Benefit—a measurement that brings new focus on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, driving energy equity, and ensuring grid stability. In early 2022, SoCalREN will submit plans to the CPUC for programs to be offered starting in 2024. SoCalREN looks forward to expanding its offerings into new market sectors and providing additional benefits to existing sectors—bringing more opportunities than ever to help Southern California residents, businesses, and public agencies participate in making positive strides in California’s fight against climate change.

In addition, next year SoCalREN plans to expand its Kits for Kids offering and will bring an exciting option to multifamily property owners who are interested in installing Electric Vehicle charging facilities at their properties. All SoCalREN program teams and staff look forward to another successful year in 2022—and beyond!