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High Sierra Energy Foundation marks 20 years; outlines REN partnerships and local programs for Mono County
Summary
High Sierra Energy Foundation presented a 20th‑anniversary update to the Mono County Board, highlighted statewide public-purpose funding distributed by the CPUC and their role in the Central California Rural Regional Energy Network (CCR REN) — a $36 million, four‑year program — and described local programs including scholarships and heat pump water‑heater support.
The Mono County Board of Supervisors received a 20th‑anniversary presentation from the High Sierra Energy Foundation on Nov. 20, 2025. Executive director Pam Bolt and program staff summarized two decades of work promoting energy efficiency, distributed-energy programs and community outreach in Mammoth Lakes, Mono and Inyo Counties.
Highlights of the presentation: - High Sierra is a founding member of a Central California Rural Regional Energy Network (CCR REN) and a regional partner of Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN). Staff said the CCR REN was approved in September 2024 with a $36,000,000 budget for a four‑year cycle to serve a multi‑county area and is deploying programs to reach hard‑to‑serve customers. - Program activities in the Mono County area include supporting geothermal and heat‑pump projects, providing residential and commercial outreach, workforce training (energy audits and workforce education for at‑risk youth), energy code coaching for building officials and providing small business electrification incentives through implementers. - The foundation reported nearly $20,000 in scholarships to local students pursuing trades, support to Mammoth High School construction/trades programming (including heat pumps and solar charging stations), and assistance to workforce housing multifamily retrofits in Bridgeport. - Staff introduced AmeriCorps/Civic Spark fellows and other new staff who will expand capacity to deliver local programs and training.
County supervisors thanked the organization for past work that enabled projects including wall-battery installations at local fire stations and for educational events such as Earth Month partnerships. High Sierra staff said they hope to expand outreach and program delivery in Mono County by 2026 and work with the CAO and county staff on affordability and CPUC advocacy.
What’s next: The foundation will continue coordinating with county staff on code‑and‑standards training, workforce development and potential partnerships through CCR REN and SoCalREN funding. Supervisors encouraged continued outreach to Bridgeport and June Lake to tie energy efficiency resources to fire‑hardening and rebuilding assistance.
Quotes: "We were just approved, in September '24 with a $36,000,000 budget for 4 years," said a High Sierra presenter describing the REN award. "We hope to bring some of those resources, at least in training or however we can, to our community members who are going to be rebuilding."
