Clearlake Council Unanimously Backs Regional Energy Network Proposal

Clearlake — The City Council voted unanimously to authorize the mayor to sign a letter of support for a proposed rural Regional Energy Network (REN) that would bring energy-efficiency programs, rebated measures and workforce training to rural communities.

Lisa Davey Bates, executive director of the Lake Area Planning Council, and Steven Coleman of the Redwood Coast Energy Authority presented the proposal and asked Clearlake to provide a letter of support through the Lake Area Planning Council. Coleman said the REN would rely on existing CPUC public goods charge funds and would impose no additional cost or workload on the city while enabling locally tailored programs.

The presenters said the five-year plan covers seven programs with an approximately $96 million budget across participating regions and would include residential audits and rebates, nonresidential incentives, training and a finance program offering zero-interest loans for qualified projects. Coleman said Redwood Coast Energy Authority would act as the program administrator and that Lake County staff would have an opportunity to participate as subcontractors.

Vice Mayor Perdock, who served on the Lake APC executive committee, recommended support and said it would benefit departments and residents. Council moved to approve the letter and authorize the mayor to sign; the motion passed unanimously.

Next steps outlined by presenters included an MOU between Lake APC and Mendocino County COG, a full business-plan filing in March and a planned program start in January of the following year if approved by the CPUC.