September 2020 Program Updates
Thank you to all Participating Contractors for your hard work throughout what has proven to be a very unusual and unprecedented year. We are excited to see so many projects moving into construction, and just want to take a moment to acknowledge you and your teams for all the adjustments you have made this year to continue to serve customers and help bring energy efficiency into multifamily properties throughout Southern California.

As our state faces devastating wildfires and additional economic hardship brought on by the pandemic, the work you are doing to help Property Owners and tenants reduce energy use is more important than ever. The energy savings you generate through Multifamily Program projects directly impact the environment and economy in California.

Please read below for important reminders and, as always, if you have questions or need support on a project, reach out to your SoCalREN Multifamily Program Account Manager.
Remaining 2020 Incentive Budget
As of now, approximately 80% of the SoCalREN Multifamily Program incentive budget is remaining for 2020. Budget updates will now be included in monthly newsletters going forward. Please contact your Account Manager to see how you can take advantage of this year’s remaining incentive budget.
Announcements
As we continue to navigate the rest of the year with COVID-19, please visit the SoCalREN COVID-19 Impacts and Updates page for the latest information on field activities, links to State and local government resources, and other information related to the pandemic. 
Financing opportunities for participating customers are in development. Make energy-saving upgrades and enjoy below-market financing! Watch your inbox for more details on the Multifamily Financing Program. We will provide training, marketing materials, and additional support to help Participating Contractors offer financing to customers. 
Reminder: 2020 Submittal, Construction, and Close-Out Deadlines
As a reminder, and to ensure ample time to process your projects and incentive payments during 2020, the SoCalREN Multifamily Program has set several submittal and construction deadlines for the remainder of this year.

Please review the dates below and work with your Account Manager as needed to meet the deadlines.
  • 9/18/20: Last Day for site pre-inspection/assessment
  • 9/25/20: Last Day to commit projects for 2020 completion (signed reservation letter)
  • 11/24/20: Last Day to complete project construction
  • 12/11/20: Last Day to submit project close-out documentation (e.g. final invoices, permit forms, etc.)
Ordering Program Materials
As a Participating Contractor, you have access to program materials on the program resources page. We have added some materials such as:

You can also request customized marketing materials. We have recently added Spanish and Chinese translated versions of the Comprehensive Common Area Flyer. The SoCalREN Multifamily Program has developed COVID-19 letters and door hangers to help Participating Contractors and Property Owners inform tenants about the safety measures being followed. These materials are available at no cost to you or your customers.

To request materials, click here. If you’d like a step-by-step visual on how to request materials check out the video below.
Technical Tips: Prepping for Close-Out
We are excited to see many of your projects begin, continue, or finish construction. In order for the SoCalREN Program to process payment for 2020 projects in a timely manner, please make sure to have all close out documents uploaded to the Trade Ally Portal for each project. Below are the following documents that will be needed.

Installation Report File: Please make sure to fill out all the tabs in the excel file and provide all requested information.

Building Permit Form: As a reminder, all installed measures related to the SoCalREN Program must be included in this form even if a permit was not pulled. If a permit wasn’t pulled for a measure, please type “no” for the permit pulled question. If you know that permits won’t be pulled for a project, you may upload this at any time.

Itemized Invoice: Information on the system name, equipment model, quantity, and cost must be included for all equipment related to the SoCalREN Program. Please do not include equipment that does not relate to the SoCalREN Program.

Incentive Assignment Form: If the property is signing over the incentive to you, the contractor, please have the property representative fill out this form. If you know who will be receiving the incentive, you may upload this form at any time.

W-9: A W-9 form for the incentive recipient is needed. If the property is receiving the incentive, please submit the W-9 for the property. If you know who will be receiving the incentive, you may upload this form at any time.
Please reach out to your Account Manager for the most up to date Installation Report file, Incentive Assignment Form, Building Permit Form, Invoice Template documents and for any questions regarding close out.  
SoCalREN Energy Efficiency Learning Center 
Take advantage of the SoCalREN Energy Efficiency Learning Center (EELC). The EELC is available for you and your staff to take e-learning courses at your own pace from the comfort and safety of your home or office. The SoCalREN EELC is available to you at no cost as a Participating Contractor. The EELC offers a growing catalog of courses in a variety of categories including:
  • HVAC
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Commercial Energy Efficiency
  • Continuing Education Units
  • Building Performance Institute (BPI)
  • Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET)
  • North American Technician Excellence (NATE)

All these accredited courses are currently housed in the EELC. Currently, there are more than 80 active courses available. To access these courses, please email the SoCalREN team, and we will create a login for you and any staff members interested in taking advantage of this SoCalREN Program benefit. 
Connect With Us On Social Media
Have you followed us on social media? Keep up with Program updates, virtual events, and others news happening related to the Multifamily Program.
Social Media Project Close-Out Challenge
As we continue to close out 2020 projects, we encourage all Participating Contractors to participate in our social media project close-out challenge. Here is how to enter:
  • Take a photo onsite of one of your completed projects
  • Tag the location and SoCalREN and in the caption use the hashtag #SoCalRENCompletedProjects

Simple as that! You can post on any social media platform such as Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook to enter. Participating Contractors can submit as many photos as they want. On November 1, 2020 we will choose one random winner that used the hashtag, and they will receive a $50 Amazon gift card. The winner will receive notification the first week of November and will be announced in the November Newsletter. Good luck!
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