El Segundo Makes Energy-Saving Strides 

LADWP’s A/C Rebates Help L.A. Cool Down

Metro Awarded

$2.9 Billion to Assist with Mobility Projects

SoCalREN’s New Programs Help

Public Agencies to Save Energy and Cut Costs

Calling all SoCalREN public agencies! SoCalREN is rolling out brand-new programs in 2025 to help you maximize savings and streamline their energy efficiency projects. 

SoCalREN’s new programs are designed to provide new services, including: 

• No-Cost, Direct Install Energy Upgrades 
• Strategic Energy Management Coaching for Lasting Impacts
• Water Infrastructure Technical Support and Incentives
• Direct Pay support to Capture Tax Credits

Who is eligible?

Local governments, Schools, Special Districts, Higher Education Institutions, Federal and State agencies, and Tribal Nations can all participate. 

What facilities are eligible?

Qualifying facilities must be owned by the public agency, have a peak of demand usage less than 20kW, be served by SCE and/or SCG, and be located in underserved communities. Check here to see if your facility is located in an underserved area! 

Ready to Get Started?

• Learn more & enroll: socalren.org/join
• Let your city know to speak with a SoCalREN project manager to access opportunities!

LADWP’s Cool LA Initiative Offers Air Conditioner Rebates Up To $275 as Summer Heat Intensifies

As temperatures rise across the region, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has ramped up efforts to help customers beat the heat and stay cool with its popular Cool LA initiative, offering rebates of up to $275 on air conditioners for income-qualified customers.  

This year’s increased rebates will continue to help LADWP customers purchase energy-efficient window, wall, and portable air conditioners (ACs) to help lower indoor temperatures to a safer level during extreme heat conditions. Income-qualified customers can purchase up to two air conditioner units per LADWP customer account through the Cool LA Marketplace instant online rebates at cool-ladwp.enervee.com. 

SoCaGas Facilitates Rebates on ENERGY STAR

Solar Thermal Water Heating Systems

Solar Water Heaters Versus Solar Electric Energy Generators

Solar water heaters are often confused with solar electric energy generators (such as solar Photovoltaic Modules (PV) panels). Instead of generating electricity, they collect thermal energy from the sun to produce the hot water needed in homes, offices, and even industries. And they do this in a way that is over three times as efficient as PV modules and won’t take up a large amount of space on your roof.



If you have a solar water heating system in your home, it is helpful to understand the basic way it works. There are several different types and designs of solar water heaters. But in the end, they all do the following things:

• Collect thermal energy from the sun
• Use the collected solar energy to heat your water
• Store any extra energy for use later when you need it. 

How to Get a REBATE on a Certified Solar Thermal System

Receive a $2,500 to $5,000 rebate on ENERGY STAR certified solar thermal systems with a natural gas water heater backup. Must have a Solar Uniform Energy Factor (SUEF) of 1.8 or greater. In addition, a new installation of an ENERGY STAR certified water heater in conjunction with the solar installation is required. Limit one per household.

Mail-In Application: Complete the appropriate form and mail to: SoCalGas, Residential Solar Thermal Water Heater Rebate, P.O. Box 512670, Los Angeles, CA 90051-0670.

2025 Application: Download the 2025 Residential Solar Thermal Water Heater Rebate Application (PDF) for purchases installed January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025. Must be postmarked by December 31, 2025, to be eligible for the rebate.

Learn more about solar water heaters.

L.A. Metro to Allocate $2.9 Billion in

Transit Funds for Mobility Projects

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) announced that its Board of Directors approved $2.9 billion in Fiscal Year 2026 transit fund allocations to help municipal and local transit operators access federal, state and local funding.



“The $2.9 billion in Fiscal Year 2026 transit fund allocations represents almost 30% of Metro’s budget and will ensure continued mobility improvements throughout Los Angeles County, including those areas, such as Avalon, Lancaster and Santa Clarita, that Metro doesn’t currently serve directly,” said Metro Board Chair and Whittier City Council Member, Fernando Dutra.

As the Regional Transportation Planning Agency for Los Angeles County, Metro provides oversight and distributes State and Federal pass-through grants. These grants along with funding from locally imposed and collected sales taxes provide an immediate infusion of resources to 66 transit operators and 89 local jurisdictions for a wide range of local transportation improvements.

Learn more about funding of transportation projects, programs, and services throughout Los Angeles County, please visit: 2026 Transit Fund Allocations.

Join us for the Next Bixby Marshland Tour August 2

The Bixby Marshland, a 17-acre marsh, is located to the northwest of the A.K. Warren Water Resource Plant (formerly the Joint Water Pollution Control Plant) near the intersection of Figueroa Street and Sepulveda Boulevard in the City of Carson. The marsh was restored by the Sanitation Districts and reopened to the public in 2009. Now that the marsh has been rejuvenated, a large variety of plants, birds, fish, and animals call the Bixby Marshland home. 

The marshland is open the first Saturday of each month from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Docents are onsite to provide tours to those interested or self-guided tours are also available.

Discover, Learn and Get Involved

with West Basin's Public Programs

Tour a Water Recycling Facility Virtually or In Person

WRD offers a variety of engaging tours that teach about water recycling, groundwater replenishment and basin management including virtual tours and regular in-person tours of its flagship facility, the Albert Robles Center for Water Recycling and Environmental Learning (ARC). 

The ARC facility encompasses an advanced water purification facility, a fully digital learning center and water-efficient demonstration gardens. Please see an overview of the facility in this brochure: ARC Brochure 2023_Digital small.pdf.

If you are interested in attending a public tour, please view the scheduled tours below and use the link to sign up. 

ARC PUBLIC TOURS

ARC Public Tours offers the chance to see the full ARC facility including the fully digital learning center and water-efficient demonstration gardens. Tours are free to attend and fun for the whole family, however registration is required. Please register by clicking the RSVP link below.

​​​​​​​

• August 16, 2025: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
• October 11, 2025: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

RSVP HERE FOR YOUR TOUR today!

Visit our booth at these upcoming South Bay events

where we will be providing information about local water- and energy-saving programs, and other opportunities to help the residents of our subregion.

Upcoming SBCCOG Outreach Events

Job Opportunities

Metro is seeking qualified candidates to join one of the nation’s largest and most innovative transportation systems.

• DIGITAL SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN
• DIRECTOR, CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT (RAIL STATIONS)
• DIRECTOR, DIVERSITY AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY (PLA/CCP/WORKFORCE)
• SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ANALYST

For a full lists of Metro job openings visit their career page here.



To learn more about

the South Bay Environmental Service Center (SBESC),

click here.

Contact Martha Segovia

310-371-7222 or

martha@southbaycities.org

 Links to Partner Resources En Español:

• Metro - "El Pasajero"

Disclaimer

This newsletter is a collaboration of articles written by the partners of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) and is published as provided.