Expanding Impact Across the Central Coast
In 2024, 3C-REN significantly expanded its impact across California’s Central Coast.
The Home Energy Savings program saw remarkable growth—single family home projects increased by 62% and the number of apartment units served increased 430%! Heat pump water heater (HPWH) installations surged 665%, driven by incentive stacking with TECH Clean California and supported by our specialized workforce training programs. Our combined efforts prevented 656 metric tons of CO2e emissions—the equivalent of taking 153 gas-powered cars off the road for a year!
Workforce development grew alongside these achievements. Our Building Performance Training program hosted 115 events, engaging over 2,000 professionals and students, with one in four participants returning for more education. Focus on HPWHs deepened through eight in-person sessions for local plumbers and a new partnership with SunWork Renewable Energy Projects, which offers paid, hands-on HPWH installation experience.
3C-REN’s code support program, Energy Code Connect, delivered 25 specialized trainings and supported 142 technical assistance cases, its highest engagement yet. These efforts are preparing the local building departments and professionals for the upcoming 2025 Energy Code changes that will be adopted January 1, 2026.
Serving equity customers remained central to 3C-REN’s mission, with 41% of single-family home projects and 85% of multifamily projects benefiting Equity Target households, or those living in underserved or disadvantaged communities. And 54% of Building Performance Training attendees and 37% of Energy Code Connect attendees were from Equity Target communities.
In 2024, 3C-REN also proudly launched three new initiatives—Commercial Energy Savings, Agriculture Energy Solutions, and Energy Assurance Services—while continuing to strengthen partnerships, cross-promote educational opportunities, streamline referrals, and ensure that Central Coast residents benefit from a seamless and collaborative energy ecosystem.
Why Are Energy Bills in California Rising?
Californians are facing rising energy bills—and many are asking what is driving the increase. While the answer is complicated, there are a few key factors.
One major driver is the growing cost of hardening utility infrastructure to reduce wildfire risk. As climate change fuels more frequent and intense fires, utilities are investing heavily in disaster-prevention upgrades. Payouts for costly fires sparked by utility lines are a related expense. PG&E filed for bankruptcy in 2019 after paying out $25.5 billion in fire-related liabilities. For damages related to the Thomas fire and Montecito debris flow, Southern California Edison ratepayers will cover $1.6 billion.
Another factor is the increasing demand on the electric grid. As the economy shifts away from fossil fuels and toward electrification, and as AI-driven data centers consume more power, utilities must expand grid capacity. Sources also cite clean energy investments, solar net energy metering and utility profits as cost contributors.
While lawmakers consider options to manage energy costs, customers can take some control with energy efficiency. 3C-REN offers financial incentives for energy-saving upgrades for residential and commercial customers in the tri-county region—with higher rebates for underserved customers. When old equipment fails, take the opportunity to switch to high-efficiency models that cut energy use and save you money over time.
Still have questions about how the various programs work together? We can help! Get in touch with us at info@3cren.org.
What's New?
- The Spring calendar is live! Sign up for FREE online and in-person classes on EVs, HVAC systems, ADUs and more. Register today.
- Energy Code Connect will soon launch a no-cost HERS Rater and EPA 608 Certification Training! To learn more contact Danica Resurreccion at info@3c-ren.org.
- Commercial Energy Savings no longer requires annual energy usage limits to enroll in the program. Fill out an interest form to learn more about saving money at your business.
Code Coach Corner
3C-REN Online Regional Forum
All 3C-REN programs and services are free to participants in the tri-county region.
3C-REN offers ICC CEUs and AIA LUs for many of our educational events.
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