The Central California Rural Regional Energy Network (CCR REN) was approved by the CPUC in late 2024 and is delivering innovative and equitable programs to the 14 rural counties it serves.  For too long, these communities have been neglected by energy efficiency programs available in California’s more urban regions, and CCR REN is here to change that.

Current programs offered through CCR REN include Codes & Standards (C&S), Commercial, Residential, and Workforce Education & Training.  Within these sectors, the CCR REN strives to ensure energy efficiency programs are reaching customers who are underserved and hard-to-reach. Rural Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) are expected to deliver the same regulatory services as their urban counterparts but often with far fewer resources and with staff who sometimes wear multiple hats across two or more departments. 

The C&S program targets the needs of these communities with relevant courses and code coach services to ensure they receive the benefits of energy savings through code compliance. “The energy code is complex. Our offerings simplify the information and bridge the knowledge gap needed to increase compliance with code,” shares Pam Bold, the lead for the CCR REN C&S program. 

Covering a wide swath of central California, the C&S program serves Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Kern, Inyo, and Mono Counties. This territory encompasses varied and often extreme conditions across multiple climate zones, each with distinct energy code needs. The program’s service territory includes 96 AHJs, and eligibility extends to private sector builders and design professionals of any scope or size.

Central Californians interested in learning more about the Energy Code are invited to register for upcoming Codes & Standards trainings. All courses are free, virtual, and tailored to be relevant to climate zones in the CCR REN territory. The training in March will be “Heat Pumps in Cold Climates,” followed by “Hot Climates: Best Practices for Residential Energy Compliance” in April. Recordings of past trainings are available on demand, and participants who attend the live, virtual sessions may be eligible to earn CEUs through the International Code Council and American Institute of Architects.

Another free service available is the Energy Code Coach, which offers personalized support to AHJs and building professionals navigating the energy code. Submit questions by phone at (833) 227-7360 or through a simple online form to receive expert guidance within one to two days. Code Coaches can also provide specialized training, virtual meetings, field visits, and more.

To learn more about the CCR REN and its programs, visit www.ccrren.org. Ideas for training content or discussion about rural needs are also encouraged and can be submitted via email to info@ccrren.org.