Public Agency Energy Efficiency
In addition to reducing energy consumption of their facilities, public agencies play a vital role in reducing energy demand and energy consumption.  Local governments enforce Title 24 building standards that drive energy demand of commercial and residential buildings.  Local governments also establish local policies that can promote energy efficient practices.

The following programs are being pursued by the VCREA to assist local government agencies to achieve the highest level of energy efficiency and savings:

Energy Education & Technical Trainings
Case Studies
Utility Bill Tracking & Management 
Energy Policies
Public Facility Audits & Project Identification 
Energy Finance
Energy Education & Technical Trainings

The first step to achieving a higher level of energy efficiency is education.  The VCREA will be working with energy experts to offer the Ventura County Public Agencies the best and most relevant information and education in order to enable them to achieve the highest levels of energy efficiency possible.  The VCREA will be conducting a series of energy efficiency workshops throughout Ventura County.  If you are interested in being alerted of these workshops register on this website to receive the newsletter.

 

Case Studies
VCREA has developed case studies on gym lighting and variable high frequency drives on local facilities. These studies can be used as the basis of project design and implementation. 

 

Utility Bill Tracking & Management
The VCREA can provide insight and assistance in tracking utility usage and cost. VCREA will help public agencies:

Set up tracking systems based on historical usage information as a way to establish baseline data, and update usage information for selected accounts.
Provide timely reports for decision makers relative to utility cost and use patterns.
Analyze data for any anomalies, problems or opportunities for energy improvements.
Provide forecast information for budget preparation.

 

Energy Policies
VCREA works with public agencies to develop and adopt policies and ordinances that encourage energy efficiency in all sectors of the community potentially resulting in savings of millions of dollars in energy costs.  By example, VCREA could work with local public housing authorities, hospitals and water agencies to assist with specific policies that promote energy efficiency.

 

Public Facility Audits & Project Identification
VCREA works with cities to undertake energy efficiency audits to identify potential energy savings projects. Additionally, VCREA is available to review facility plans, contract documentation, develop scopes of work, and locate funding sources to achieve energy efficiencies.

 

Energy Finance
VCREA tracks current funding and legislation regarding energy finance.

There are various methods to finance energy efficiencies and improvements. Consider the options of low-interest loans offered by the California Energy Commission; utility on-bill finance, rebates and incentives; federal and state grant programs; and, power purchase agreements for solar installations.

If you would like more information on these and other programs, please call the VCREA at (805) 289-3335 or email VCREA.Admin@ventura.org.