By Rural, For Rural
The Northern Rural Energy Network (NREN) officially launched in early 2025 and is funded through the California Public Utility Commission. NREN provides energy efficiency program services to PG&E, Pioneer Community Energy, Sonoma Clean Power, and Redwood Coast Energy Authority customers in 17 Northern California counties.
Initially focusing on incentives for energy-efficient appliances and heat pumps, NREN offerings will grow to include innovative financing offerings, workforce education and training, home and business energy assessments and upgrades, support for contractors and building officials addressing energy codes and standards, and more.
Redwood Coast Energy Authority and the Northern Rural Energy Network
RCEA is the lead administrator of NREN and leads a group of four NREN partners in implementing a wide range of programs across the North Coast and Sierra Nevada regions. As the NREN Lead Portfolio Administrator, RCEA is responsible for ensuring that energy dollars reach rural customers whom statewide programs have underserved.
RCEA was selected to lead this effort because of its more than two decades of experience implementing energy efficiency programs in Humboldt County and its expertise in rural energy concerns.
RCEA is a natural fit to lead the Northern Rural Energy Network, with staff who are both expert in running energy efficiency programs and deeply rooted in our rural communities.
-Stephen Kullmann, Director of Customer Programs
NREN Vision
Northern Rural Energy Network is committed to empowering our communities with the tools, knowledge, and support to make informed and cost-effective energy decisions. We’re proud of our rural roots and are focused on bringing equal access to resources and opportunities to all.
NREN Partners
Northern Rural Energy Network is a partnership of four distinct organizations that came together to strengthen energy efficiency programming for rural Northern Californians, ensuring our regions have access to the same opportunities and services provided in more urban areas of the state. NREN partners include: Redwood Coast Energy Authority, Mendocino Council of Governments, Lake Area Planning Council, and the Sierra Business Council.
What is a Regional Energy Network?
Regional Energy Networks (RENs) are designed to fill gaps in service left by other California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)-regulated Energy Efficiency Programs. RENs focus on underserved regions, customer segments, and program types or delivery methods that may not be addressed by traditional utility programs. Unlike other energy efficiency efforts, RENs are not bound by the same cost-effectiveness requirements, allowing for more flexibility in reaching hard-to-serve communities. First launched in 2012 with BayREN and SoCalREN, there are now seven RENs across California. RCEA is proud to serve as the administrator of the Northern Rural Energy Network, supporting rural and tribal communities in the North State.
