Since 1991 Jesus Baltran’s father has owned and operated Yas’ Market in Gardena, a corner grocery store that offers produce, fresh meats and hot food. During the last four years, Baltran has been managing the market—a popular stop for families in the community.

Last fall, Eleanor Murphy, energy programs project coordinator for the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG), stopped by Yas’ Market to share information about an opportunity being offered through the SBCCOG’s partner, the SoCalREN. The new program enabled small businesses in the Gardena community to receive no-cost energy equipment upgrades. These upgrades could save businesses like Baltran’s an average of $4,000 per year in energy bill savings.

Customers at Yas’ Market say the new LED lighting makes them feel safer.

“I had my doubts at first because I thought it was a sales pitch, but when she explained it further she made me comfortable, and I realized, ‘Oh this is the real thing,’” Baltran said. “If she hadn’t visited my store, I never would have heard about it.”

By enrolling in the Food Desert Energy Efficiency Equity program offered through SoCalREN’s commercial energy efficiency programs, Baltran’s business qualified to receive exterior LED lighting upgrades, two tankless water heaters and a new cooler—all at no cost.

Baltran’s customers often stop by the market on their way home from work. This winter, Baltran says that they have already commented on how much brighter the parking lot is, thanks to the new LED lighting.

“The lighting has made a huge difference. A lot of families stop by, sometimes close to 9 or 10 p.m. They say the lighting makes them feel safer and more comfortable.”
The new cooler has enabled Baltran to offer his customers an expanded variety of milk, cheese and other dairy products that he couldn’t previously offer.

Two space-saving tankless water heaters, obtained through the program, now supply Yas’ Market with hot water.

Two wall-mounted tankless water heaters save space in the market’s storage area. Instead of continually burning energy to keep water hot at all times, tankless water heaters heat water instantly only when needed. They can increase energy efficiency by up to 34%, which provides long-term savings through lower utility bills.

Through the SBCCOG’s on-foot canvassing, 24 small businesses in the Gardena area have enrolled in the program and received upgrades. These costs have collectively saved 340,000 kilowatt-hours of energy and reduced annual energy costs by approximately $102,000—savings that small business owners can reinvest into their operations to better serve their communities.

“We’re so proud to partner with the SoCalREN and the SBCCOG to bring these resources directly to our businesses,” said Tasha Cerda, mayor of the City of Gardena. “Gardena is steadfast in becoming a greener, cleaner city and solidifying our commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship. Our hope is that it encourages other businesses to participate in the future.”

Business owners who participated in the program received comprehensive support from dedicated business energy advisors like Murphy, who guide them through every step of the process—from initial assessment through installation and beyond.

“This personalized approach helps build trust and ensures businesses receive upgrades tailored to their specific needs,” said Murphy.

Benefits for participating businesses include:

  • Reduced monthly utility bills.
  • Upgraded, efficient equipment that improves operations and customer experience.
  • Enhanced capacity to stock and sell fresh, healthy food options.
  • Improved store appearance and safety through exterior upgrades.
  • Ongoing support from local Business Energy Advisors who understand the community.

Building on the success in Gardena, the SoCalREN commercial programs have now served nearly 80 small businesses throughout Southern California, strengthening their operations while contributing to the environmental and economic health of their neighborhoods. •

For more information on these programs, visit socalren.org/commercial