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Take the Next Step Toward a Clean Energy Future with SoCalREN’s Pathway to Zero

Take the Next Step Toward a Clean Energy Future with SoCalREN’s Pathway to Zero

Did you hear? SoCalREN is once again offering comprehensive energy decarbonization services to public agencies! Keep reading to learn how we can support your agency.

SoCalREN’s Pathway to Zero Program helps public agencies move closer to a clean energy future—at no cost! Whether you’re just beginning your sustainability journey or expanding your current efforts, Pathway to Zero provides the resources and expertise to make your next project a success.

What’s Included

When you participate, your agency receives:

  • Comprehensive audits of energy efficiency (EE) and distributed energy resources (DERs)
  • Customized recommendations for energy efficiency, electrification, solar, battery storage, EV charging, and more
  • Dedicated project management support which includes technical analysis, incentive applications, and financing assistance
     

Who Qualifies

To be eligible for Pathway to Zero, facilities must be:

  • Pursuing an energy efficiency (EE) project alongside other clean energy decarbonization measures (such as solar, battery storage, or EV infrastructure)
  • Located in an underserved ZIP code 

If you’re unsure whether your facility qualifies, the SoCalREN project team can assist you in confirming eligibility. Contact us at info@socalren.org

Unlock Funding with the Federal Direct Pay Program

If your agency has recently completed—or is planning to complete—a solar, battery storage, or EV infrastructure project, there’s even more good news ahead. The federal Direct Pay program allows public agencies to receive cash payments covering up to 30% of eligible project costs, with bonus credits available for projects in underserved or energy community sites.

Through Direct Pay, tax-exempt entities such as cities, school districts, and special districts can convert clean energy tax credits into direct cash payments, a benefit previously limited to private sector projects.

Important: Filing Deadline Approaching

Agencies that placed clean energy projects in service during the July 2024– June 2025 fiscal year must file by November 15, 2025, to secure Direct Pay benefits. Use the guide below to determine the correct filing date for your agency:

StepConditionDeadlineThings to Note
Step 1: Identify your fiscal/tax yearCalendar Year (January–December)May 15File for projects placed in service the previous calendar year
 2025 Fiscal Year (July 2024–June 2025)November 15, 2025File for projects placed in service the previous fiscal year
 2026 Fiscal Year (October 2025–September 2025)February 15, 2026File for projects placed in service the previous fiscal year
Step 2: Consider the flexibility optionAgencies without a prior federal filing history (no income tax return / Form 990 filed)May adopt the Calendar Year (May 15) filing schedule regardless of the agency’s fiscal yearMust maintain adequate books and records to reconcile any difference between the fiscal and calendar year

For additional details on this filing option, please connect with SoCalREN and reference the IRS guide section.

Ready to Get Started?

Don’t wait. Contact SoCalREN today (info@socalren.org) to schedule your Pathway to Zero audit or confirm your eligibility for Direct Pay funding.