Looking for ways to control energy costs? Cut down waste? Conserve resources? You have an ally in your struggle and you may not even know it. Meet the Redwood Coast Energy Authority. Their excellent website contains more information than we can squeeze in here, but their amazing array of services may make them your business’s new best friend.
The Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) is a Joint Powers Authority whose members include the County, the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District and the cities of Arcata, Blue Lake, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, Rio Dell and Trinidad. Their purpose is “to develop and implement sustainable energy initiatives that reduce energy demand, increase energy efficiency, and advance the use of clean, efficient and renewable resources available in the region.” Who pays for it? California utility customers and the program is administered by PG&E and the state Public Utilities Commission. Lots of players, but all you need to do to get started is submit their online application or visit their new local office at 633 3rd Street in Eureka, or call them at 269-1700. Here are some of the services they offer:
-Replacing your old light bulbs with LED or compact fluorescent lights, and replacing your old neon “OPEN” sign with a more efficient LED model.
-Assessing your business’s lighting, refrigeration, process equipment, heating and ventilating systems and other energy-saving opportunities at your business. They will even generate a report with available incentives, recommendations and a financial summary.
-They can hook you up with start-to-finish project management, incentives paid directly to contractors, assistance with zero-interest financing of your utility bill, negotiated discounts with qualified contractors, and more. Did I mention that all these services are FREE or at REDUCED COST?
You can get started by visiting the office at 633 Third Street in Eureka, by calling them at (707) 269-1700 or by submitting this form by email or snailmail. Be sure to save the form to your computer before you fill it out. Their email address is info@redwoodenergy.org.
The RCEA is involved in many other projects including developing a Comprehensive Action Plan for Energy for the county, also available on the website. They are coordinating the North Coast Plug-in Electrical Vehicle Project to promote and develop greater use of “PEV”‘s in the area, in which there is enormous interest (checked gas prices lately?) and are working with the HSU Schatz Energy Research Center, GHD and PG&E to this end. They have also received a $1.75M grant from the State to be used for a biomass power system on the Blue Lake Rancheria, energy upgrades throughout the Mad River Valley and infrastructure for those PEV’s (charging stations)!
These projects will have enormous impact on our lives and how we do business. Take advantage of these programs and get involved. You’ll be glad you did.