Energy Efficiency
South Bay Energy and Climate Recognition Program
The South Bay Energy and Climate Recognition Program recognizes cities in the South Bay for their efforts in pursuing energy efficiency initiatives and sustainability related tasks. This program is provided through partnership between the SBCCOG and the SoCalREN.
Business
Businesses can save money while protecting the environment by implementing energy efficiency measures
Multi-Family
South Bay Cities Council of Governments is partnering with SoCalREN to assist multi-family owners with energy efficiency strategies
Residential
Residents can save money by implementing energy efficiency
- SoCalGas – Rebates and Incentives (Residential)
- Southern California Edison (SCE) – Rebates & Incentives
Public Agency (SoCalREN)
The South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) partners with Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN) to help public agencies save energy and money through customized support and resources. Participating agencies are leading their communities on the
pathway to greater sustainability.
Through this partnership public agencies can access four major programs:
- What is SoCalREN?
- SoCalREN Fact Sheet
- Metered Savings Program
- Pathway to Zero
- Project Delivery Program
- Revolving Savings Fund
- SoCalREN Kits for Kids Program
- SoCalREN Enrollment Form
Check out some of SoCalREN’s media resources below, as well as additional content on their Resources webpage:
Energy Tracking and Tools
Under the California Energy Benchmarking Program (AB802), property owners are required to submit benchmarking reports of buildings over 50,000 SqFt, as well as campuses of buildings with over 50,000 SqFt combined, by June 1st of each year. SBCCOG works with cities to satisfy these requirements by benchmarking their properties in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, an online tool used to track and assess energy, water, and waste consumption.
- Energy Star: Benchmarking Tools
- SoCalGas: Benefits of Benchmarking
- SoCalGas: Guide to Benchmarking Your Building
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Simplified Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Calculator
- EPA: GHG Equivalencies Calculator
- EPA: Energy Efficiency in Government Operations and Facilities
Financing
Whether it be through local utilities or statewide incentives, there are many opportunities for public agencies to finance energy efficiency projects.
Residential
Residents can save money by implementing energy efficiency
- SoCalGas – Rebates and Incentives (Residential)
- SoCal Edison – Rebates & Incentives
SoCalREN – the South Bay Cities Council of Governments partners with Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN) to help public agencies save energy and money through customized support and resources. Participating agencies are leading their communities on the pathway to greater sustainability.
Through this partnership public agencies can access four major programs:
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Annual Savings of
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 13,671,113 kWh |
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 62,221 therms |
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$1,616,497 in Direct Install value |
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 10,828 tons CO2 |
$2,938,966 in incentive cashResources
On-Bill Financing
SoCalGas offers qualified local government customers zero percent loans to finance the purchase and installation of eligible energy efficiency upgrades. Repayments are made in monthly installments added to the utility bill.
SoCalGas: On-Bill Financing
SoCalREN: Revolving Savings Fund
IBank, California’s Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank
IBank finances public infrastructure projects in California. IBank established the California Lending for Energy and Environmental Needs (CLEEN) Center to help drive energy-related projects for state and local governments.
California Energy Commission Low-Interest Loans
The Energy Commission accepts loan applications on a first-come, first-served basis for projects with proven energy savings. The current rate for local government projects is 1 percent, but agencies are advised to contact the CEC before applying to learn information on the most current funding availability.
Database of State Incentives for Renewable and Efficiency (DSIRE)
DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University and is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Take advantage of opportunities to save energy and money, from turning off lights and equipment to updating entire building systems. Here are links to energy-efficiency resources:
SoCalGas: Energy Saving Programs
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Energy Efficiency in Government Operations and Facilities
EPA: Simplified Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Calculator
EPA: GHG Equivalencies Calculator
Energy Star: Benchmarking Tools
SoCalGas: Benefits of Benchmarking
SoCalGas: Guide to Benchmarking Your Building
Free seminars and training are available from the utilities and other agencies, including SoCalREN, SoCalGas, and the California Statewide Energy Efficiency Collaborative (SEEC).
SoCalREN: Register for Training Notifications
SoCalGas: Education and Training
SEEC: (register to view free trainings) Recorded Trainings
City of Rancho Palos Verdes – Ordinance No. 579 Non-residential exterior lighting addressing shielding, color temperature, emissions based on lumens, and glare: Ordinance No. 579
California Statewide Energy Efficiency Collaborative (SEEC) offers guides to energy-efficiency best practices for local governments: Energy Best Practices – note: must register to access resources
Institute for Local Government “Sustainability Best Practices Framework” draws upon practical experiences of cities and counties throughout California: Sustainability Best Practices Framework
City of Phoenix Energy Management Program: City of Phoenix, Energy Management/Capital Reinvestment Plan
AB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act, requires the state to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. AB 32 will help California reach its energy efficiency goals.
As part of its implementation of AB 32, the Air Resources Board (ARB) is working on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from multiple sectors of California’s economy. More information on the sectors regarding control measures, reduction strategies, working groups, protocols and other pertinent information can be found here: Economic Sectors Portal
Building Energy Use Benchmarking and Public Disclosure
AB 802 establishes new statewide building energy use benchmarking with public disclosure. It requires utilities to provide energy data for covered buildings to owners upon request, and it requires the state Energy Commission to establish a benchmarking and public disclosure program for specified buildings. AB 802, which replaces the current time-of-transaction building energy disclosure program, is slated to take effect in 2017.
Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act
SB 350, the California Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act, expands the state’s renewable energy and energy efficiency goals. It requires California to generate half of its energy from renewable sources by 2030 and double energy efficiency in homes and workplaces by the same year.
Existing Building Energy Efficiency Framework
AB 758, California’s Existing Building Energy Efficiency Framework, addresses the need to improve energy performance of existing buildings. AB 758 requires the California Energy Commission (CEC), in collaboration with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and stakeholders, to develop a comprehensive program to achieve greater efficiency in existing buildings while meeting the needs of energy users and building owners.
SB 375, California’s Sustainable Communities Act, was enacted to reduce emissions through regional transportation and land use planning. SB 375 will help local governments create more sustainable communities while complying with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations to reduce GHG emissions.
California’s Long-term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan
Follow this link to find answers to the top questions related to the strategic plan.
Local Government Solution Center
The Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) Solution Center is an information portal for state and local governments to learn about clean energy policies and projects. EERE is an office of the U.S. Department of Energy.
2016 California Energy Efficiency Standards
The CEC has adopted the 2016 Building Energy Efficiency Standards that go into effect Jan. 1, 2017. These new building codes are intended to reduce energy costs, save consumers money and increase comfort in new and upgraded homes and workplaces. The standards are a step closer to California’s zero net energy goals which require buildings to produce as much energy as they consume. The zero net energy target for new residential construction is 2020, and the target for new commercial buildings is 2030. The new standards encompass California Title 24 regulations and CalGreen building codes.
California Public Utilities Commission Energy Efficiency
Follow the link to learn more about the CPUC’s Energy Efficiency Programs
Utility Services Offered
The Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN), a SBCCOG partner, harnesses the collective power of residents, businesses, and the public sector to achieve an unprecedented level of energy savings across Southern California.
SoCalGas, a SBCCOG partner, provides rebates, incentives, tools, and other programs to help government agencies conserve energy and save money.
We are here to help cities qualify for and obtain all eligible utility rebates. Our energy team handles the paperwork of incentive applications which saves time for city staff and can provide incentive cash to public agencies. Contact us to work with our energy engineer.
SoCalGas: Rebates and Incentives