Nevada County, CA — Sierra Energy Reimagined (SERi), a local nonprofit advancing clean energy solutions and community resilience, is celebrating its second anniversary with the launch of its Home Energy Wise (HEW) Program. Across California, utility bills are rising faster than most household incomes. Residential electricity rates are now roughly 1.8 times the national average, and in Northern California, PG&E customers have seen electricity costs increase by over 60% since 2020!
From Awareness to Action — SERi’s Home Energy Wise Program
The Home Energy Wise Program is an integrated approach to help residents, both renters and homeowners, better understand their energy rates and usage, take simple actions to conserve energy or switch energy use to that time of day when rates are lowest, and invest in cheap home energy efficiency improvements (air sealing, insulation, and energy efficient appliances) that will rapidly pay back through reduced expenses. SERi also keeps current on the latest rebates, incentive programs and discounts offered by PG&E, Pioneer Community Energy and other organizations like the Northern Rural Energy Network (NREN) and TECH Clean CA. The goal is simple: help households take manageable steps that can result in meaningful savings — potentially hundreds of dollars per year depending on current energy use.
The Home Energy Wise Program is free to the public and consists of community workshops, access to free energy efficiency kits and remote home energy assessments (both offered by NREN) and an optional visit by trained Home Energy Coaches. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all advice, these volunteers provide personalized guidance, identify where energy is wasted most, and help prioritize improvements that deliver the greatest savings. SERi offers a matching amount (up to $200, while supplies last) for energy efficiency improvements paid for by the homeowner or renter.
Take the Home Energy Wise Challenge
As Sierra Energy Reimagined enters its third year, the organization invites residents to participate in workshops, take the Home Energy Wise challenge, request energy coaching visits, and take advantage of available free resources. To kick off the new program, SERi invites the public to attend one of two upcoming workshops.
March 7 | 9:30 – 11:00 AM
Madelyn Helling Library, Nevada City
April 1 | 1:30 – 3:00 PM
Grass Valley Senior Center
Workshop participants will have a chance to win a portable induction cooktop and each participant will receive a FREE Energy Efficiency Kit (including lightbulbs, smart power strip, energy use monitor, faucet aerators and weatherization materials).
Registration: https://www.sierraenergyreimagined.org/event-details
Free Energy Efficiency Kits from Northern Rural Energy Network (NREN)
A key partner in the Home Energy Wise effort is the Northern Rural Energy Network (NREN), which provides
- Free energy efficiency kits delivered by mail
- Free home energy assessments (phone or in-person)
Access to energy efficiency rebates
Energy efficiency kits may include LED light bulbs, water-saving aerators, advanced power strips, energy monitors, and other tools designed to reduce energy use immediately.
Note that energy efficiency kits and energy assessments are funded by California Public Utilities Commission-mandated energy efficiency program that uses public purpose energy funds paid by utility customers. In other words, these items have been paid by PG&E and Pioneer customers. Get yours now!
Sierra Energy Reimagined
Founded in 2024, SERi’s mission is to support residents in reducing fossil fuel use, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthening local resilience — while ensuring that solutions are affordable and inclusive. In just two years, the organization has built strong local collaborations, hosted educational forums, and launched community outreach campaigns focused on clean energy awareness and actions. As energy costs continue to rise across California, SERI is sharpening its focus on what matters most to households: saving energy and saving money. By turning rising energy costs into practical action, Sierra Energy Reimagined is helping Nevada County residents take control of their utility bills today while building a more resilient future.
“Our work is about empowering neighbors with knowledge, tools, and support,” SERi’s board members note. “Energy resilience starts at home, and when we act together as a community, we multiply the impact.”
Learn more at www.sierraenergyreimagined.org