In July 2012, the County entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN), a collaborative partnership among the nine Bay Area counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma Counties) and led by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), for the purpose of facilitating the implementation of building energy efficiency programs throughout the Bay Area. On May 5, 2015, a Restated and Revised MOU was approved by the County in order to better define the roles and responsibilities of ABAG and the counties participating in BayREN.
Since 2013, all BayREN counties have been receiving CPUC grant funding each calendar year to provide marketing, education and outreach for the following four energy efficiency programs: (1) Single-Family, (2) Multi-Family; (3) Building Codes and Standards; and (4) Energy Efficiency Financing. Both the Single-Family and Multi-Family programs offer free technical services and financial incentives (rebates) if owners/contractors make specific energy efficiency improvements to existing residential structures. The Building Codes and Standards program offers various resources (including training) to support local government officials with building energy code compliance and enforcement. The Energy Efficiency Financing program focuses on marketing various financing options to diverse commercial and residential consumer markets throughout the Bay Area. Continued implementation of energy efficiency programs is consistent with the County's Climate Action Plan adopted in 2015.
The proposed subcontract agreement between ABAG and Contra Costa County will allow the County continued access to CPUC grant funds awarded to ABAG in order to offer and raise awareness about BayREN subprograms throughout Contra Costa County. The amount specified in the agreement is not to exceed $152,093 and will cover the period of January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017. These funds are to cover County costs associated with the implementation of these grant programs for both incorporated and unincorporated areas of the County. Technical services and rebates offered by BayREN for these activities are directly administered by ABAG and are funded separately.
Under the subcontract, the County must indemnify the other counties and ABAG for claims alleging intellectual property infringement related to materials the County prepares. The County also must indemnify the CPUC and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) for claims that arise from the County's performance of its obligations under the subcontract.
The County will not receive funding to participate in BayREN activities or provide the associated energy efficiency program services to local residents and property owners.