FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 18, 2010

Contact: Jim Leddy · (707) 565-2190
jleddy@sonoma-county.org

County Tops State in New Energy Funding

Sonoma County Application Ranked 4th Statewide

SANTA ROSA, Calif. - On February 10, 2010, the County's application for State Energy Program (SEP) funds was approved by the California Energy Commission. The County's application was the 4th highest ranked in the state and one of only five applications funded statewide. The monies will be used to augment the efforts of the innovative Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP). Sonoma County also received two additional awards through strategic partnerships.

Board of Supervisors Chair Valerie Brown said, "These awards reinforce the innovative leadership and forward thinking the County has shown in launching the Energy Independence Program. It also clearly demonstrates the Board's commitment to bringing in new dollars at a time when there are scarce resources. We know that energy efficiency efforts aren't just good environmental policy but are good for our economy."

Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector Rod Dole said "These funds will strengthen our program and support our Board's aggressive goals of reducing green house gases and producing local green jobs."

Sonoma County's $2,537,000 award will fund home energy audits, enhanced water conservation efforts, and augment the leveraging of additional funds. The SEP Award will create a more sustainable program overall by increasing effectiveness. The funding comes from SEP Municipal Energy Financing Program and originated in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Stimulus bill). SCEIP is a first of its kind energy and water conservation program launched in March 2009 by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and has to date put over $20 million dollars into the local economy in home and business energy and water conversation projects.

In addition to the funds that Sonoma County directly received, the North Coast Energy Independence Program has received funding to duplicate the successful Sonoma County Energy Independence program model. This $4.3 million dollar application was the result of a joint effort of Sonoma, Mendocino, Del Norte, Trinity, Siskiyou, and Humboldt counties. This award will create an innovative energy and water retrofit program based on the highly successful and innovative SCEIP.

Finally, the Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority will receive approximately $1,195,000 as a partner in a regional residential State Energy Program proposal led by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). The funds will support energy efficiency home retrofits for the new Countywide Retrofit/Renewables Program, which will debut in April and help property owners identify their energy savings opportunities, find certified contractors, and access a financing package that includes rebates and incentives as well as financing options such as the SCEIP. The new Countywide Retrofit/Renewables program will partner with existing efficiency, solar, and financing providers and programs to deliver retrofitting benefits such as reduced energy costs, increased comfort, and better indoor air quality. The Countywide Retrofit/Renewables program was initiated through block grant funds contributed by the County of Sonoma and cities of Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, and Petaluma and is coordinated by the Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority with support from the Climate Protection Campaign.

The County of Sonoma is comprised of 26 departments and agencies that provide a full range of services to the community. It encompasses over 1,600 square miles and is home to more than 475,000 residents. Sonoma County government has a history of providing excellent and responsive public service while operating under sound fiscal principles. Located less than one hour north of San Francisco, Sonoma County combines in one location the beautiful Pacific coastline, award-winning wineries, majestic redwoods, historic towns, fine dining, and a wide variety of entertainment and cultural activities.