3C-REN is Growing
It’s an exciting time for the Tri-County region! Earlier this summer, the California Public Utilities Commission approved a whopping $155 million for 3C-REN programs over the next eight years. 3C-REN will launch energy efficiency programs in three new sectors:
- Commercial buildings
- Public sector buildings
- Agricultural facilities
The new programs will provide technical support for the agricultural sector, energy efficiency solutions for small and medium-sized businesses in leased or rented facilities, and help identify energy savings and resilience opportunities for commercial and public sector buildings. The new programs will run in addition to our popular Energy Code Connect, Building Performance Training, and Single- and Multi-Family Home Energy Savings programs.
To help run these programs 3C-REN will be hiring new staff! Do you want to work on innovative solutions that help achieve our local climate goals? Keep an eye on our staff page for opportunities to join the team in 2024.
Stay Cozy with a Heat Pump
Pumpkin spice lattes are here, which means cooler weather is just around the corner. As we prepare to make our homes cozy, let’s keep energy efficient heat pumps in mind. Heat pumps are a great way to stay warm and remove natural gas from your home, and they can be three to four times more energy-efficient than typical furnaces.
Heat pumps are also more affordable than ever with federal tax credits, state incentives, and 3C-REN incentives which can be combined to “pump up” your savings. Connect with a contractor to access 3C-REN incentives. Or become a 3C-REN verified contractor.
If you’re on a discounted utility rate or your primary language is other than English, or you work with customers who meet those criteria, you may be eligible for higher incentives.
And since heat pumps also have cooling benefits (they deliver air conditioning too), you’ll be glad you made the switch when warmer weather calls for lemonade!
What's New
Last courses for 2023
- The Q4 calendar is live! Sign up for FREE online and in-person classes on Embodied Carbon, Residential Compliance Forms, HERS Measures and more. Make your plan today.
Click for savings
- Our new online tool allows you to find the programs and incentives that are tailored specifically to you! Find them here.
Permitting party is posted
- Our latest Forum is ready for on-demand viewing. What’s energy-friendly permitting? Check it out here.
TECH incentives are back – and big
- TECH offers contractor incentives of $3,100 – $5,300 to replace existing water heaters with heat pumps. Stack with 3C-REN incentives and tax credits for big savings!
Code Coach Corner
Are you in the minisplit fan club? They can be an easy way to help a project meet Title 24 compliance thresholds, but there are important impacts to project design and construction to take into account.
Learn how to implement the VCHP credit in our latest blog post.
Upcoming Events
Carbon-Free Homes: Features, Benefits, Valuation
November 8 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Register Here
High Performance Homes: Valuation 2
November 14 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Register Here
The Power of Existing Buildings
November 14 @ 12:15 pm – 1:30 pm
Register Here
Clean Energy Homes: How Realtors earn stellar referrals while boosting profits
November 15 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Register Here
All 3C-REN programs and services are free to participants in the tri-county region.
3C-REN offers ICC CEUs and AIA LUs for many of our educational events.
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