Regional BayREN programs offer Santa Rosa rebates, technical help and contractor training
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Summary
Sonoma County Transportation and Climate Authority staff briefed the Santa Rosa Climate Action Subcommittee on BayREN programs that provide rebates, technical assistance and workforce training; key offerings include a single‑family program covering 80% of eligible project costs (up to $8,000) and a paused multifamily incentive pool set to reopen in early 2026.
Anna Oliva, a veteran program specialist with the Sonoma County Transportation and Climate Authority, told the City of Santa Rosa Climate Action Subcommittee that the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) runs a portfolio of residential, commercial and public‑sector programs funded through a California Public Utilities Commission public‑goods charge on ratepayer bills.
"BayREN will also cover 80% of the project costs up to $8,000," Oliva said, describing a new single‑family program launched in late July that focuses on weatherization, energy‑efficiency measures and limited health and safety upgrades for moderate‑income single‑family homes. She said homeowners or renters are expected to pay the remaining 20% of project costs, capped at $1,000.
The program offers a free energy assessment and a project advisor who helps homeowners with planning, permitting and connecting to contractors, Oliva said. She reported that, to date in Santa Rosa, the program has scheduled 77 site visits, completed 58, advanced 48 projects to participation agreements, has 29 installations in progress and eight completed projects as of mid‑October. BayREN aims to serve about 100 homes countywide in its first year.
Oliva also outlined the Bay Area Multifamily Building Enhancement (BAMB) program, saying it provides no‑cost technical assistance, rebates and a contractor referral process; qualifying projects must install at least two energy‑saving measures and achieve at least a 10% reduction in energy use. She said 14 properties in Santa Rosa (883 units) have participated; the program’s incentive cap has been reached and the program is paused until early 2026 with refreshed incentives planned.
For businesses and municipal buildings, Oliva described BayREN commercial offerings — including a refrigerant replacement program for small food and floral businesses and a pay‑for‑performance business program — and a codes and standards service that provides no‑cost technical assistance for local government staff. She said the program’s targeted decarbonization showcase can provide up to $100,000 in gap funding for select municipal building projects and that the second round of applications opens at year‑end with a mid‑March 2026 deadline.
Council members asked about multifamily eligibility, contractor recruitment and outreach. Oliva said BayREN intends to focus outreach on smaller, ‘‘mom‑and‑pop’’ buildings (under 50 units) while maintaining interest forms and application assistance online. On contractor recruitment, she said BayREN coordinates with local community choice aggregators, the Bay Area Air District and regional builder groups and attends trade‑group meetings.
City staff and council members discussed ways to promote BayREN offerings locally, including newsletters, the city’s climate action web page and a future council briefing. Oliva said BayREN will host webinars and office hours for staff and is available to provide jurisdiction‑specific program data and tailored outreach support.
The subcommittee did not take formal action on the presentation. Staff said they will follow up on promotion and coordination opportunities with BayREN and return to the council or subcommittee where appropriate.
