LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Northern Rural Energy Network, or NREN, a program of the Lake Area Planning Council, launched recently in Lake County 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.

NREN Lake is partnering with senior centers throughout Lake County this summer to provide free energy efficiency kits to their clients during regularly scheduled luncheons.

These energy efficiency kits contain about $100 worth of products such as LED bulbs, a smart power strip, water aerators, rope caulking, window film and more to help seniors start saving energy at home right away.

Lake County PG&E ratepayers are eligible for the free kits and can be requested via the NREN website at https://northernren.org/energy-efficiency-kits/.

Seniors will also be able to sign up for a free home energy assessment at the luncheons. These assessments will be conducted over the phone starting in August and will provide a free report with specific energy efficiency solutions and opportunities tailored to their homes and budgets to save energy and cut their utility bills.

Lake County ratepayers are eligible for a free home energy assessment and can be requested by emailing Ryan O’Neill at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

“These kits are a great way to start saving energy and reduce utility bills. For example, the kits contain eight LED bulbs. Just replacing eight light bulbs with LEDs can save a customer up to $200 a year on average,” said Lisa Davey-Bates, executive director of the Lake Area Planning Council. “We look forward to working with the senior centers and serving their clients, some of the hardest hit when it comes to rising utility bills.”

Upcoming events include:

• Lakeport Senior Center: Wednesday, June 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Clearlake Senior Center: Tuesday, July 1, 10 a.m. to noon.
  • Middletown Senior Center: Tuesday, July 15, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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 NorthernREN.org.