SoCalREN: 2025 Q1 Update

SoCalREN Quarterly Update

March 2025

Powering Up for a Bold & Bright 2025

As we kick off 2025, we’d like to give a HUGE shoutout to our dedicated network of industry trailblazers in our energy efficiency world. At SoCalREN, we remain committed to providing the most up-to-date industry news and continue to share the successes of our partners and community members.

Introducing the Community-Based Design Collaborative

SoCalREN is proud to launch the Community-Based Design Collaborative (CBDC) to bring community voices into energy efficiency program design. This initiative supports the CPUC’s Environmental & Social Justice Action Plan and builds on SoCalREN’s long-standing commitment, spanning over a decade to helping Southern and Central California save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and achieve sustainability goals.

The CBDC partners with nine community-based organizations (CBOs) across Los Angeles, Kern, San Bernardino, and Ventura Coun tie s to create impactful energy programs. By collaborating with these organizations, we ensure energy solutions are shaped by the communities they serve—especially in underserved, hard-to-reach, and low-income areas.

Together, we’re building a future where energy programs are more relevant, equitable, and effective. Stay tuned as CBDC works to develop innovative solutions that address local needs and create lasting benefits.

ACES Expands Opportunities in South Los Angeles

Diego Cocon, ACES Program Coordinator attending a recruitment and enrollment event at Augustus Hawkins High School in South Los Angeles.

We’re thrilled to announce the expansion of the ACES program to Augustus Hawkins and Thomas Jefferson high schools through our partnership with LA Trade Tech College! This semester, thirty-five students have enrolled in new courses in architecture and environmental design, demonstrating the community’s strong interest in ACE pathways. This success is a testament to the dedication of ACES staff, school counselors, and college partners, who worked tirelessly to make these opportunities accessible and guide students through the enrollment process. We’re excited to see these students take their first steps toward careers in sustainability and design!

Traci Watson, President of NAMCSC, teaches the PATC program cohort about Back-Office Operations and the importance of managing the day-to-day administrative aspects of a company.

ECC SoCal Partners with NAMC: Project Administration Training & Certification Program (PATC)

This month, ECC SoCal has partnered with the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC SoCal) to offer a customized program designed to empower contractors with the essential skills to enhance their business operations and support lasting success.

Over 20 participants from different stages of business development are following a hybrid learning schedule covering topics such as Labor Compliance, Bonding, Business Development, Understanding Local Hire, and more!

GPC Partnership with Youth Mentoring Connection

We are excited to have partnered with Youth Mentoring Connections (YMC) in Los Angeles to engage and inspire young individuals who may be interested in the GPC Program and pursuing a rewarding career in the green energy sector. Our collaboration with YMC aims to introduce youth to the growing opportunities in this industry and help them explore sustainable career paths that align with their skills and passions.

In February, we had the privilege of hosting an interactive workshop for youth involved with YMC. This session provided participants with a comprehensive overview of the green energy sector, covering the latest trends, innovations, and the importance of sustainability. We also took the time to address any questions they had about the various training programs we offer, including how these programs can serve as steppingstones toward certification and career advancement.

Launch of the Small Hard-to-Reach Multifamily Direct Install Program

As of January 2025, we've officially launched our new Small Hard-to-Reach Direct Install Program, designed to bring energy efficiency upgrades to multifamily properties in underserved areas. The program aims to overcome barriers such as language, income, and geographic barriers, ensuring that energy-saving solutions are accessible to everyone.

The SoCalREN multifamily team is looking forward to the Flow Expo and Housing California Expo this month.

In collaboration with Rinnai and the Council for Affordable & Rural Housing (CARH), the SoCalREN multifamily team attended the CARH mid-year conference in Santa Barbara.

Fun Fact: The SoCalREN Multifamily had a project complete in Goleta/Santa Barbara, so it was a full-circle moment sharing the case study flyer with the conference attendees!

CONNECTION IS KEY 🔑

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission.

Together, we can achieve great things and continue to make a positive impact on our communities.

Social Media

Welcome to the #SoCalREN community! Aside from our website, keep up with program updates, virtual events, and other program-related news happening across all sectors via social media.

Don’t forget to share, follow, and repost!

Instagram: #SoCalREN, invite your friends to join our community for access to program updates, EE tips, and other news related to the program, in bits and bytes.

Facebook: Facebook fans, become a true follower and react to the latest updates.

LinkedIn: Stay connected and engage with us on LinkedIn!

YouTube: Check us out on YouTube shorts, or browse our longer form videos to see what we've been up to.

Cheers to us, #SoCalREN!