Redwood Coast Energy Authority Partnership to Help Local Non-Profits

The Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) today announced a partnership with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and the Mel & Grace McLean Foundation to help local nonprofit organizations lower their energy bills.

Known as the “Humboldt Non-Profit Energy Efficiency Project,” this effort will combine available rebates from the Redwood Coast Energy Authority with grants from McLean Foundation and PG&E’s Charitable Contributions Program, to cover the entire costs of energy efficiency lighting upgrades for ten Humboldt County nonprofit organizations, in 19 locations.

Organizations served by this partnership cover a wide range of services, including Open Door Clinics, Dell Arte, St. Vincent DePaul, North Coast Children’s Services, and the American Cancer Society.

RCEA estimates that the energy efficient lighting installed will save the non-profit organizations approximately $30,000 per year, and reduce the connected load by about 100 kilowatts.  

In addition to reducing operating expenses for these community organizations, according to RCEA calculations the energy efficiency improvements will also assist with efforts to slow climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about 100,000 lbs of CO2 equivalents per year.

“PG&E is delighted to partner with the McLean Foundation in supporting these community organizations that provide so many needed services to our customers,” said Ian Caliendo, PG&E Public Affairs Representative.

Maureen Hart, RCEA Program Manager, who worked with McLean Foundation and PG&E to fund the Humboldt Non-Profit Energy Efficiency Assistance Project, said “Paying for the energy efficiency improvements for these non-profits means they will receive benefits from the grants year after year. It is the grant that keeps giving. The savings will, after 5 years, total at least $150,000 that can be redirected to support client services or offset operational costs.” 

“It is wonderful that Gene Lucas, Leigh Piere-Oetker, and the McLean Foundation Board of Directors really understand the importance of this project. And with the PG&E Charitable Contributions Program matching the McLean Foundation grant, it means 19 locations will have their energy efficient lighting installations done for free by local electrical contractors!”

According to Gene Lucas, Chief Executive Officer of the McLean Foundation, “This is one of the highest caliber grants that we have made.  The effect of the funding goes on as long as the non-profit occupies that place of business.  That’s hard to top.”

Other non-profit organizations in Humboldt County should contact RCEA to see how they can receive energy efficiency rebates and grant benefits. “We will continue to look for ways non-profits can save money through energy efficiency improvements.”  Hart said.

RCEA is a Joint Powers Association representing seven municipalities (the Cities of Arcata, Blue Lake, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, Trinidad and Rio Dell), the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District and the County of Humboldt.  RCEA's 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.

| Back | Next |