Northern Rural Energy Network outlines free kits, rebates and loan plans for Lake County residents

The Lake County Board of Supervisors heard a presentation from the Northern Rural Energy Network on energy-efficiency programs planned for county residents. Jennifer Brennan, energy program manager for NREN, said the initiative — approved by the California Public Utilities Commission and operating under the Lake Area Planning Council (LAPC) — will roll out a package of residential, commercial and public-building programs aimed at reducing energy use and customer bills.

The programs matter because organizers said many rural customers are unaware of state- and federal-funded incentives and tax credits that could lower household energy costs. “We are a new program under the LAPC,” said Jennifer Brennan, Energy Program Manager, Northern Rural Energy Network. “This is a California Public Utilities Commission approved initiative. We are one of four entities that are implementing energy-efficiency programs in Northern California.”

NREN said its initiative will cover 17 rural Northern California counties and will implement seven flexible program tracks in Lake County: residential education and outreach; residential rebates; a finance program aimed at low- or zero-interest loans; public-agency and public-building measures;…