UKIAH, 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 is holding a public forum on Tuesday, June 24, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Mendocino College Lake Center’s “Round Room” in Lakeport.

The forum is to help inform residents about how they can reduce energy usage and costs in their homes.

This is the first in a series of public forums to be held by NREN in Lake County over the next several months.

Titled, “How to Save Energy at Home: Cut Costs, Increase Comfort & Get Cash Rebates” will feature NREN staff highlighting NREN’s Lake County Residential programs and Russell Jonas of Jonas Energy Solutions will address overall residential energy efficiency strategies and heat pump technologies.

The program will also provide time for Q&A and networking with local contractors.

Attendees can also sign up for free energy efficiency kits and free home energy assessments at the forum.

“NREN’s residential programs were designed to provide immediate relief and long-term strategies to all Lake County residents when it comes to home energy bills,” said Lisa Davey-Bates, executive director of the Lake Area Planning Council. “These forums will help get the word out about how to get started, increase our knowledge base and identify programs and opportunities to take action to decrease energy usage.”

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 Northern Rural Energy Network.