On November 1, 2016, the Sierra County Board of Supervisors approved the Energy Action Plan (EAP) developed by the Sierra Business Council* as the county's road map for achieving county-wide energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as the associated cost-savings from these efforts. To view the document, please click here: Energy Action Plan
.
This page lists several ways that you can take advantage of this report.

*This program is funded by California utility customers and administered by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS & BEST PRACTICES

We use energy every day in our homes and businesses to power our lights, appliances,  heating and cooling systems, and other electronic devices. Energy-efficient practices allow us to enjoy the comfort and performance of these modern conveniences while keeping our energy use and our utility bills low. Efficiency upgrades can make a substantial difference in your bills. For example, replacing outdated and inefficient bulbs with highly efficient LEDs is just one simple change that can save you money each month. Home weatherization improvements, like changing out single-paned windows with double or triple-paned windows, offer better insulation and can reduce the costs of heating or cooling your home.

Making your home or business more energy efficient is a straightforward process, and there are many rebate and incentive programs at your disposal. Click the following links to learn more about existing programs.

Sierra County is serviced by Pacific Gas & Electric Company, Liberty Utilities, and Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative.

Top 10 Quick and Easy Ways to Improve Home Energy Efficiency

1. Turn off lights, computers, appliances, TVs, etc. when they are not in use.
2.  Use energy saving light bulbs such as fluorescent or LED bulbs.
3.  Close window shades during the summer to preserve a cool atmosphere indoors, and     keep shades open during the winter to take advantage of the sun's warmth.
4. Use "Smart" power strips that don't draw phantom energy when appliances are not in use.
5. Invest in smart HVAC systems such as programmable thermostats, and install Energy Star appliances.
6. Weatherize your home by making sure windows, insulation, doors, etc. are up-to-date and all air leaks are sealed.
7. Install water-saving appliances, such as low-flow faucets and shower heads and water efficient toilets.
8. Wash only full loads of clothes in cold water and air dry on a drying rack.
9. Replace and/or clean filters to improve air flow and prevent your appliances from overworking.
10. Insulate your water heater and plumbing systems.

Liberty Utilities Conservation Tips
Liberty Utilities offers no-cost and low-cost conservation tips as well as room-by-room recommendations and seasonal recommendations.

PSREC Conservation Tips and Tools
Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative offers energy savings tips, tools and links to resources to help customers save energy.

Job Training Opportunities

Tax Exemption, Finance, and Grant Programs

Low Income Energy Efficiency Programs

Renewable Energy Programs

Residential Energy Efficiency Programs

Non-Residential Energy Efficiency Programs

Water-Energy Conservation Programs

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E)
PG&E offers incentives, rebates and educational resources to residents, businesses, non-profits and government agencies in Sierra County.

Liberty Utilities
Liberty Utilities offers energy conservation tips, free home, and business audits, commercial customer incentives, residential rebates and free energy efficient lightbulbs and other conservation measures at events and during audits.

Plumas-Sierra  Rural Electric Cooperative (PSREC)
PSREC offers free home energy audit surveys, do-it-yourself home energy audits, conservation tips and tools, energy-saving products for sale and rebates for residential, commercial and irrigation customers.

Sierra Business Council (SBC)
SBC administers the Sierra Nevada Energy Watch program, delivering cost-effective energy-efficiency projects and benchmarking services to businesses, non-profits, and government agencies in Sierra County. SBC also offers consulting services to government on energy and climate planning.

Plumas County Community Development Commission (PCCDC) Energy Services
PCCDC operates Sierra County's Home Energy Assistance Program services which offers assistance to eligible households on payments for wood, propane, fuel oil or electricity expenses.

TRC Energy Services
TRC Energy Services administers the California Advanced Homes program, which highlights best practices in energy efficiency, green building, and sustainability, and offers generous financial incentives to help builders and architects create environmentally friendly, energy-efficient communities for potential home buyers.

Cool California Funding Wizard
The wizard combs the internet weekly for funding opportunities to help support a sustainable future. You can set filters by funding type, category, eligible applicants or using keywords.

Energy Upgrade California
Energy Upgrade California is a state initiative to help Californians take action to save energy and conserve natural resources, help reduce demand on the electricity grid, and make informed energy management choices at home and at work. It is supported by an alliance of the California Public Utilities Commission, the California Energy Commission, utilities, regional energy networks, local governments, businesses, and nonprofits to help communities meet state and local energy and climate action goals.

Energy  Star
ENERGY STAR is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency voluntary program that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency. Through its partnerships with 18,000 private and public sector organizations, ENERGY STAR delivers the technical information and tools that organizations and consumers need to choose energy-efficient solutions and best management practices.