WRCOG pushes expanded IREN business plan to CPUC, seeks roughly $180 million to boost incentives and workforce

The Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) Executive Committee on Feb. 2 received a briefing on the Inland Regional Energy Network (IREN) and a proposed business plan that would seek significantly larger California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) funding to expand incentives, workforce training and technical assistance.

Casey Daley, WRCOG director of energy and environmental programs, told the committee the CPUC application is due March 16 and that the business plan seeks funding for 2028–2031 (with an eight‑year forecast to 2035). "We're ready to go," Daley said as he reviewed the timeline and aims of the proposed plan.

Why it matters: WRCOG serves as the administrative lead for IREN in the Inland Empire and uses CPUC funds to help public agencies identify and implement energy upgrades. A larger funding award would increase available incentive pools and staffing to help cities, counties and special districts move projects forward.

What staff presented: Corita Camacho, senior analyst supporting IREN, described IREN's public‑sector pathway: collecting agency energy data, producing an energy roadmap, conducting on‑site audits, preparing initial measures lists and—when agencies secure upfront funding—issuing "cash for kilowatts" incentive reimbursements after…