Memorandum
Date: February 10, 2026
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Brad Rasmussen, Chair & District 4 Supervisor
Bruno Sabatier, District 2 Supervisor
Subject: Approve Letter of Support for Northern Rural Energy Network Business Plan Application to Expand Energy Efficiency & Programs
Executive Summary:
We are asking the Lake County Board of Supervisors to support the Northern Rural Energy Network’s Business Plan application to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) funding in 2028 through 2035
The Northern Rural Energy Network’s (NREN) Business Plan application is to continue and expand its energy efficiency efforts and programs in rural Northern California which includes Lake County.
Regional Energy Networks (RENs) were established by the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) to fill gaps in energy efficiency programs provided by California’s Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs). Customers in rural Northern California, including Lake County, have traditionally been unable to access statewide and IOU programs, contributing more to utility bill-funded efficiency programs than they receive in services while experiencing higher than average energy burdens.
NREN was established in 2024 by the Lake Area Planning Council, Mendocino Council of Governments, Redwood Coast Energy Authority, and Sierra Business Council as a direct response to a number of critical needs and began delivering energy efficiency services across 17 rural Northern California Counties in 2025. For Lake County these services include residential energy efficiency kits, home energy assessments and residential rebates for efficient appliances and other equipment. Furthermore, NREN is deeply committed to serving the 44 of California’s 109 recognized Tribes that are within NREN service territory.
With this 2028-2035 Business Plan application, NREN will continue offering programs begun in this current cycle, expanding its program profile to cover commercial, public, and other needs in Lake County. We look forward to supporting NREN in those efforts and encourage you to approve the 2028-2035 Strategic Business Plan Application.
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost: ________ Amount Budgeted: ________ Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ☒ Not applicable
☐ Fully Article X. <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI>- and/or Consultant Selection Policy <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Policy/Policies+$!26+Procedures+Manual/Ch4_2021v2.pdf>-Compliant (describe process undertaken in “Executive Summary”)
☐ Section 2-38 <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI> Exemption from Competitive Bidding (rationale in “Executive Summary,” attach documentation, as needed)
☐ For Technology Purchases: Vetted and Supported by the Technology Governance Committee <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Intranet+Forms/Information+Technology/AdvPlan.pdf> (“Yes,” if checked)
☐ Other (Please describe in Executive Summary)
Consistency with Vision 2028 <http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/Directory/Administration/Visioning/Vision2028.htm> (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☒ Well-being of Residents ☒ Public Safety ☒ Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Recovery
☒ Economic Development ☒ Infrastructure ☒ County Workforce
☒ Community Collaboration ☒ Business Process Efficiency ☒ Clear Lake
Recommended Action: Approve Letter of Support for Northern Rural Energy Network Business Plan Application to Expand Energy Efficiency & Programs.