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WRCOG reviews IREN business plan for 2028–2035, plans funding for solar, storage and workforce expansion
Summary
WRCOG staff presented a draft 2028–2035 business plan for the Inland Regional Energy Network (IREN) proposing continued focus on public sector programs, codes and standards, and workforce, a draft four-year budget chunk averaging about $10.5M/year (total ~$65.6M), inclusion of solar/storage/EV charging integration starting 2026–27, and expanded fellowship and workforce investments.
The Western Riverside Council of Governments received a presentation on the draft Inland Regional Energy Network (IREN) business plan for 2028–2035 and provided feedback on program priorities.
Casey Daley, WRCOG director of energy and environmental programs, said IREN — administered by WRCOG in partnership with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments and the San Bernardino Council of Governments — must submit its next business plan to the California Public Utilities Commission in February 2026 to secure funding beginning in 2028. The draft plan stays focused on three sectors: public sector programs, codes and standards, and workforce education and training.
Daley summarized program accomplishments and proposed investments: a target to expand the IREN fellowship program (from current cohorts toward 54 fellows per year in the next plan), a $10 million incentive pot for public-sector projects that save 10%+ ("Cash for Kilowatts"), and integration of solar, battery storage and EV charging into the public-sector technical assistance offering. Daley said the CPUC approved using some IREN funds to integrate solar and storage into public sector projects.
He flagged AB 39 (the Local Electrification Planning Act, described in the presentation as "LEPA"), a recently signed state law requiring jurisdictions with populations of 75,000+ to begin planning by 2027 and adopt general plan–level electrification plans by 2030; Daley said 27 of the region's 54 public sector agencies meet the 75,000 threshold and the plan proposes funding to help impacted jurisdictions comply.
Daley also described evaluation, measurement and verification (EM&V) work with Cal State San Bernardino and partnerships to bring additional California Energy Commission and other funds into the region (including the Equitable Building Decarbonization program). He noted current IREN four-year budget figures (approx. $65.6 million) and said staff will refine a zero-based budget for the February 2026 submission.
Committee members applauded adding solar and storage options for municipal facilities because of operational resilience (backup power during PSPS and disasters) and asked staff to prioritize outreach to public safety and critical facilities. The item was a receiving file; no committee action was requested at this meeting. Staff will continue stakeholder engagement and refine budget details ahead of the Feb. 2026 submission.
