CPUC Approves Inland Regional Energy Network (I-REN)

CEA Member, Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG), takes the lead on newest Regional Energy Network in California.

On November 18, 2021, the California Public Utilities Commission approved the Inland Regional Energy Network (I-REN) as the newest Program Administrator to deliver energy efficiency programs in the Inland Empire.  With a budget of $65 million for program years 2022-2027, the I-REN will be providing Workforce Education & Training (WE&T), Codes & Standards (C&S), and public sectors related programs within all Riverside County and San Bernardino County areas.

Initiated in 2019, I-REN is made up of three Council of Governments (COGs) consisting of 52 cities, 78 unincorporated county areas, and 17 tribes, making up 11% of the population of California.  Acting as the lead COG, Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) has partnered with Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) and San Bernardino Council of Governments (SBCOG) to develop a Business Plan, or application, to become a Program Administrator and offer energy efficiency strategies to its member agencies to help combat climate change and assist in achieving the State of California’s ambitious energy efficiency goals.  As a collective, the COGs that make up I-REN have implemented energy efficiency services locally for the better part of a decade, and have established the skill sets, knowledge, and networks to identify and address the unique challenges and opportunities head-on. The issues and concerns of the region require a consistent local presence to help transition to a clean economy and to reduce energy use effectively.

I-REN has a vision which targets three sectors: 1) Public Sector, 2) Codes and Standards, and 3) Workforce Education and Training, with a strong focus on hard-to-reach communities and underserved communities within its jurisdiction. 

VISION

I-REN’s vision is to connect residents, businesses, and local governments to a wide range of energy efficiency resources to increase energy savings and equitable access throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

GOAL 1.

Build capacity and knowledge to enable local governments to effectively leverage energy efficiency services and to demonstrate best practices. (Public Sector Chapter)

GOAL 2.

Ensure there is a trained workforce to support and realize energy efficiency savings goals across sectors. (WE&T Chapter)

GOAL 3.

Work closely with local building departments and the building industry to support, train, and enable long-term streamlining of energy code compliance. (Codes and Standards Chapter)

I-REN is excited for the opportunity to administer regionally appropriate resources locally within the third-largest Metropolitan Statistical Area in the state and by leveraging existing local relationships the I-REN governing agencies are best suited to serve their respective communities. I-REN looks forward to working with its respective communities and with each of you during the program years of 2022 through 2027.

Learn more about WRCOG and their programs HERE