1. The County partners with the Tri-County Regional Energy Network to offer rebates that help residents upgrade home appliances and make energy-efficient improvements. What types of rebates are currently available, and how can residents find out if they qualify?
Every home is unique, and that’s what makes the residential program flexible! Whether you’re replacing an old heating system or adding air conditioning to beat our warmer summers, there are options for all residents. Getting started is easy, just fill out an https://www.3c-ren.org/for-residents/ or check out our list of enrolled contractors. If you live in a property managed by someone else, ask your property manager to reach out and explore upgrades for the entire complex. It’s all about finding improvements that fit your budget and lifestyle!
2. In addition to rebates, 3C-REN, working closely with the Ventura County Sustainability Division offers trainings and workshops focused on energy efficiency and sustainability. Can you share what types of trainings are available and who they’re designed for?
Our trainings are designed for local building professionals, contractors, HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, engineers, architects or anyone curious about high-performance buildings. Topics range from energy code essentials to interactive sessions like “Contractor Hour,” where experts answer questions about heat pump water heaters and more.
I want to take a moment and highlight the fact that these training previously anyone interested had to either travel to a utility training center in Irwindale, Bakersfield or San Francisco but for5+ years now 3C-REN offer them locally and free.
I especially enjoy our in-person training, they’re a chance to see equipment up close and connect with instructors and peers. Want a sneak peek? Explore our https://www.3c-ren.org/on-demand-trainings/. These are great for recent grads looking for a profession or seasoned professionals looking to sharpen their skills!
3. Ventura County’s Climate Action Plan is preparing for a five-year update. Why is this update important, and what can residents expect as the County looks ahead to its next phase of climate action?
We’re thrilled to be updating the Climate Action Plan! When the Board adopted greenhouse gas reduction goals in 2020, it set the stage for big changes. Over the past five years, the County has taken important steps, including expanding residential energy efficiency incentives, installing more electric vehicle charging stations, adopting a green purchasing policy, and providing community education about the impacts of extreme heat. At the same time, real progress comes from individual choices and actions, and residents have played a critical role through everyday decisions that reduce energy use, transportation emissions, and waste. Check out the dashboard here https://ecap.venturacounty.gov/
This update will be informed by the County’s 2024 greenhouse gas inventory, which shows how our carbon pollution has changed since the initial inventory in 2015. Reviewing this data helps us understand where our efforts are paying off and where we need to focus more attention and resources moving forward. The update will also highlight what residents, and the County have accomplished together, while outlining next steps such as pursuing grant opportunities, supporting alternative transportation, exploring sustainability in agriculture, and expanding climate programs. It’s about celebrating progress and planning for what’s next for an even greener future.
4. Electric vehicle charging stations continue to expand throughout Ventura County. Can you provide an update on where charging stations are currently located, what’s in development, and how residents can find stations near them?
Great news for EV drivers! Ventura County now has 40,492 registered Zero Emission Vehicles. To keep up with demand, we currently offer 298 public DC fast charging ports and 1,295 Level 2 ports. And we’re not stopping there, over the next three years, we’ll add 42 more DC fast chargers and 378 Level 2 chargers, focusing on city and county parking lots and multi-family housing. We are also working with GSA to be sure there is employee charging, the new solar upgrades will give us an opportunity to explore installing more options for employees that want to plug in while at work. Need a charger today? Find one easily at https://www.plugshare.com.
5. For residents who want to get involved but aren’t sure where to start, what are a few simple actions, big or small, that individuals and families can take to reduce energy use, learn more about sustainability, or take advantage of County-supported resources.
Start small or pick one action at a time, it makes a big difference!
- Shift appliance uses to non-peak hours: This saves money and reduces strain on the grid. Light smarter: Turn off unnecessary lights or add motion sensors. You can opt for the 100% Green Power tier to ensure all your electricity comes from renewable sources.
- Plan your trips: Combine errands to cut down on driving.
- Lawn Equipment: Trade in gas-powered leaf blowers, check our Air Pollution Control District for discounts https://www.vcapcd.org/lawn-garden-equipment/
- In the Kitchen the kitchen is often the largest source of household plastic waste due to food packaging and storage. Consider replacing plastic cling wrap with beeswax wraps or reusable silicone bowl covers. For coffee, use a reusable pod or a French press to avoid plastic coffee pods.
- Shopping habits: continue to bring your own produce bags to the grocery store. When ordering takeout, explicitly ask the restaurant to exclude plastic cutlery, straws, and napkins from your order.
