Local Governments, State and Federal Agencies, and Tribal Nations

SoCalREN’s Public Agency Programs are here to help you modernize your facilities and plan for energy resilience. This year, SoCalREN is offering low- to no-cost energy efficiency upgrades for qualifying agencies, making it easier to begin the path toward energy efficiency. SoCalREN provides energy assessments, facility audits, and expert technical support—empowering your agency to reduce energy use, lower costs, and reinvest in community services.

SoCalREN offers incentives for the following measures and more:

• High-efficiency heat pump water heaters
• Natural gas tankless water heaters*
• Pipe insulation
• Faucet aerators
• Boiler replacements
• Gas dryer modulating valves
• Demand control ventilation for single-zone HVAC
• Variable speed drive (VSD) for HVAC fan controls
• Sports lighting
• Whole facility lighting and controls
• Energy management system upgrades

*Gas replacement is only recommended when electrification is not viable.

No-cost, direct installation of select measures is available for facilities in underserved zip codes. Don’t see equipment listed above that you’re interested in upgrading? Don’t worry– SoCalREN will support your agency and help identify various energy efficiency opportunities.

Equipment Eligibility will be assessed based on the equipment data provided.

Program Benefits

SoCalREN delivers end-to-end energy efficiency project services tailored to the needs of enrolled public agencies. Participating agencies receive:

• On-site energy assessments
• Installation of energy-saving equipment
• Expert project support, from scoping to implementation
• Financial analysis and financing application support
• Hassle-free procurement
• Support in sharing case studies and project successes

Why It Matters

Energy upgrades are a simple, innovative, cost-effective way to:

✓ Lower utility bills

✓ Free up funding for critical services like public safety, education, and community infrastructure

✓ Reduce carbon emissions and align with local sustainability goals

Project Delivery Process

SoCalREN provides project management support and coordinates every step of the way to ensure seamless delivery of services.

Want to save energy with SoCalREN?

Contact your SoCalREN Project Manager to let them know you’re interested.

Flexible Financing Options

Let SoCalREN help you stack incentives with additional funding and financing sources!

• SoCalREN Cash Incentives: Get quick and easy access to cash incentives for energy efficiency projects, with amounts determined by greenhouse gas emissions reductions–and doubled incentives for underserved agencies. Learn more here.
• Revolving Savings Fund: Offers an easy process, 0% interest rate, five-year loan term, and relatively quick allocation of funds. Learn more here.
• SCE & SoCalGas On-Bill Financing: 0% interest loans for energy upgrades, repaid through your monthly utility bill.
• California Energy Commission’s Energy Conservation Assistance Act (ECAA) Loans: Provides 1% interest rate loans, up to $3M max loan, for eligible energy projects at public agency facilities.
• … and more!

Energy Resilience Action Plan (ERAP)

Through the Energy Resilience Action Plan (ERAP), SoCalREN is helping public agencies enhance energy resilience and prepare for climate challenges through tailored resilience assessments. Public agencies across SoCalREN’s service territory are invited to take advantage of this opportunity.

Interested in starting an energy efficiency project with SoCalREN? Contact your SoCalREN Project Manager to let them know you’re interested

Success Story

Santa Ana Stadium Sports Field Lighting

Santa Ana worked with SoCalREN to upgrade 132 existing metal halide and incandescent bulbs to high-efficiency LED bulbs, resulting in $280,000+ in lifetime cost savings.

“The SoCalREN program services are an integral part of the city's planning and implementation of energy efficiency projects. These projects would not be implemented if not for this assistance."

- City of Santa Ana Energy Champion