-3C-REN sets forth eight-year vision for serving Central Coast communities with energy efficiency opportunities tailored to the region-
San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura, Calif. – July 11, 2023 –3C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network), a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura that delivers energy-saving programs, had its $155 million, 8-year business plan approved by the California Public Utilities Commission. The plan permits 3C-REN to continue operating four successful existing programs and launch three new programs to fill gaps in energy efficiency services for commercial and public sector buildings, and the agricultural
sector.
“3C-REN’s vision is to build a resilient energy ecosystem that supports climate goals, and the
approval of the business plan allows us to continue to do just that for the next eight years,” said
Ventura Board of Supervisors Chair Matt LaVere. “We are really excited about the opportunity
to not only continue our successful home and workforce programs while we expand to offer
integrated energy savings and decarbonization programs for commercial buildings. These will
expand our investments in a sustainable local economy.”
The three new programs include technical support for the agriculture sector, energy efficiency
for small and medium-sized businesses in leased or rented facilities, and help identifying energy
savings and resilience opportunities for commercial and public sector buildings.
3C-REN will continue its popular Energy Code Connect, Building Performance Training, Single
Family Home Energy Savings and Multi-Family Home Energy Savings programs throughout the
tri-county region.
In 2022, the Building Performance Training program helped upskill over 1,000 local workers
across the region. The Energy Code Coach program has been able to establish the region as a
leader in California Energy Code and Green Building Standards compliance, enforcement, and
comprehension. The Home Energy Savings programs are making energy efficiency and
electrification upgrades affordable for multifamily property owners and single-family
homeowners – including a Lompoc resident who received a heat pump water heater for free.
“3C-REN is key to helping County residents take individual actions to help meet our Climate
Action Plan goals,” said Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors Chair Das Williams. “The
expansion of energy efficiency and decarbonization programs this funding enables will support
an even more sustainable economy.”
The new business plan is guided by local and state energy efficiency goals, including Santa
Barbara County’s aim to achieve 50% reduction of communitywide greenhouse gas emissions
by 2030 and Ventura County’s goal to emit 41% less than 2015 levels by 2030.
The three Central Coast counties have worked together since July 2014 to provide energy efficiency financing and outreach services within the counties, 25 incorporated cities, and 63
special districts of the tri-county region. In 2018, 3C-REN was approved by the California Public
Utilities Commission to become a Regional Energy Network (REN) dedicated to serving hard-to-reach customers.
“I’m proud to be part of this tri-county effort that benefits both our residents and the business
community. 3C-REN has a lot going on now and a bright future ahead,” said Bruce Gibson, San
Luis Obispo County District 2 Supervisor.
For more information and current and new programs, visit www.3c-ren.org.
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About 3C-REN
3C-REN (The Tri-County Regional Energy Network) is a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. 3C-REN takes a holistic approach to improve energy efficiency and develop workforce in the tri-county region. These efforts reduce energy use,
strengthen local job markets and support climate goals. For more information or to start saving
energy today, visit www.3c-ren.org
