Local and State Energy "Upgrade" leaders present at North Coast Green

I attended the North Coast Green Summit in Ukiah where I had the pleasure of hearing Panama Bartholomy speak about the launch of Energy Upgrade California - http://www.energy.ca.gov/ - it should be live on the website any day. This state program is designed to accelerate energy efficiency retrofits by providing a central database for financing, rebates, certified contractors, jobs, job training, marketing and outreach all in one place. There's a very large outreach program planned at the state level to stimulate consumer action.

As pointed out by Kevin Gilleran, Gilleran Energy Management, these incentive programs are pro jobs and pro energy efficiency, creating an instant win for local economies and long term savings for all. There was concern raised about the effects that Prop 23 could have on the growing clean tech and energy efficiency sectors so get educated before November.

Liz Yager from the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP) explains the Sonoma County program as Mendocino County is waiting to roll out a similar program. These PACE program are currently on hold as officials work out the details, and judging from the room today there's broadbased support to see these programs move forward. Another opportunity to get involved - call your elected officials and let them know you support efforts for a cleaner economy.

Thank you to Ron Verdier, Verdier Architects, for the passes to this event. A great job by the organizers and thank you to the speakers and sponsors who provide the funding and time.