LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lake County’s residents are set to benefit from a new program that means to help them save money through bolstering their energy efficiency.

The Northern Rural Energy Network, or NREN, launched this month across 17 Northern California counties as a direct response to the unique issues and urgent needs of underrepresented rural California energy customers.

NREN is part of a statewide initiative of regional energy networks focused on helping communities address rising utility costs through the adoption of energy efficiency programs targeted at rural customers.

Lake Area Planning Council, Mendocino Council of Governments, Redwood Coast Energy Authority and Sierra Business Council are the four partners who have come together as NREN to provide energy efficiency programs and services to rural Californians while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

These four organizations collectively serve 17 rural Northern California counties and together will ensure that statewide energy efficiency dollars reach rural customers more effectively.

NREN will initially focus on residential programs that will help community members reduce energy costs and make their homes more comfortable and affordable.

Services include residential rebates for energy efficiency improvements such as heating, cooling and appliances, free home energy assessments conducted over the phone and free energy efficiency kits.

The energy efficiency kits include easy-to-use items such as light bulbs, water-saving aerators, power strips, energy monitors and other resources that can help customers reduce their energy use right away.

Upcoming NREN programs that will be launched throughout this year and next include incentives for small businesses and public buildings, micro- and gap-financing opportunities, a workforce education and training component for local contractors and codes and standards resources for public agencies.

“We are pleased to be a partner in the NREN effort to provide critical energy efficiency programs to Lake County residents, businesses and local governments. For every $1 invested in energy efficiency, communities reap $8 in benefits. We look forward to working with all Lake County communities on this important initiative,” said Lisa Davey-Bates, executive director of the Lake Area Planning Council.

Developed by rural agencies and organizations for rural communities, NREN delivers innovative approaches to reduce energy use and expand the adoption of energy-saving resources across Northern California’s vast rural regions.

More information on NREN's services can be found at https://northernren.org/.