Key Resources for Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency and conservation includes a wide range of strategies and actions. Here are some key resources that can help you explore the range of opportunities and determine what fits well for your city or county.

• ILG Whitepaper on Financing Sustainability Efforts
• Overview of Utility Energy Efficiency Support and Financing Programs
  California utilities and state agencies offer a variety of programs to support and finance local government energy efficiency efforts. This page provides a starting point for understanding what programs and resources are available to help.
• California Energy Commission Energy Partnership Program
  For communities seeking financial help with greening public buildings, the California Energy Commission offers low-interest loans up to $3 million per project for incorporation of energy-saving components in planned buildings or retrofits to existing facilities. Free technical assistance is also available to cities and counties for energy efficiency planning for public facilities.
• California Energy Commission Energy Efficiency Financing
  The California Energy Commission's Energy Efficiency Financing Program provides financing for schools, hospitals and local governments through low-interest loans for feasibility studies and the installation of energy-saving measures.
• CoolCalifornia.org
  This new one-stop-shop for all Californians, developed by the California Air Resources Board, is filled with quick, easy-to-use and reliable tools that Californians need to save money and reduce their impact on the climate.
• Flex Your Power
  Flex Your Power offers a information about energy efficiency, climate change, and a database of energy conservation rebates, incentives and services searchable by California zip code.
• Energy Upgrade California
  This site, sponsored by the California Energy Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission, offers a database of energy-related rebates and incentives for residents, businesses, and local governments.
• DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency)
  DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
• Solar Powering Your Community: A Guide for Local Governments
  The U.S. Department of Energy developed this comprehensive resource to assist local governments and stakeholders in building sustainable local solar markets. The guide introduces a range of policy and program options that have been successfully field tested in cities around the country.

The Energy Efficiency & Conservation section of this Web site has other resources that can help, along with examples from a variety of cities and counties throughout California.