LAKEPORT, Calif. – Energy efficiency professionals in Lake County have another opportunity to take advantage of free classes presented by Lake County Energy Watch on Thursday, May 19, which will give attendees tools to improve building performance.

Launched on Nov. 5, 2010, the “Lake County Energy Watch” program gives businesses, nonprofits, special districts, municipal facilities and residents new opportunities to achieve significant energy savings while saving money.

“Identifying Energy Efficient Upgrades and Incentives,” the second class to be offered, will be held Thursday, May 19, 9 a.m. to noon at the El Grande Inn, 15135 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake.

This half-day course, taught by Mark Jewell, whose experience includes over 25 years in commercial real estate and more than 15 years in energy efficiency, will explore the most time-efficient and cost-effective approaches to identifying energy-saving measures for your building, how the utility's incentive offerings can reduce cost and improve financial returns, and how properly evaluating the costs and benefits of proposed upgrades can help get these projects approved.

This free class includes a continental breakfast. Registration is required.

Visit the Lake County Watch Web page at www.energy.co.lake.ca.us, and select "Classes for Professionals" on the left-hand side of the page to register.

Upcoming classes include "Residential Lighting: Title 24 and Technology Update," and "Planning a Zero Energy New or Existing Home in California.

In addition to presenting classes for energy efficiency professionals, Lake County Energy Watch is partnering with Richard Heath and Associates to provide no- and low-cost lighting retrofits for government facilities - including city, state, and federal facilities located in Lake County - as well as to non-profit organizations, small businesses, and special districts.

RHA oversees the Energy Fitness Program, an energy efficiency program available to all non-residential Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customers in Lake County who use less than 200 kW of electricity per month.

The Energy Fitness Program offers lighting retrofits (remove and replace existing lighting for high energy efficient lighting) at no- or low-cost.

The retrofits include four and eight foot linear fixtures , high bay fixtures, Energy Star compact fluorescent lamps, LED exit signs or retro kits, occupancy sensors, vending machine controllers, faucet aerators, as well as additional LED and other cost effective savings measures.

Most of these measures are at absolutely no cost – including removal and installation – with just a few of the options requiring a nominal surcharge.

Lake County Energy Watch was awarded $10,000 by PG&E to assist nonprofit organizations in Lake County with paying any applicable surcharge for lighting retrofits. When non-profits receive services from RHA through the Lake County Energy Watch program, RHA will invoice Lake County Energy Watch on behalf of the eligible organization.

For residential customers, Lake County Energy Watch is helping to promote A.B.S, an Energy Partner Contractor with PG&E that can provide residents with free energy education and weatherization on homes, apartments, or mobile homes which can include attic insulation, weather stripping, caulking, energy-efficient lighting and refrigerators, window repair, and more.

Lake County Energy Watch is administered by PG&E using funding from California utility ratepayers under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.

Energy Watch partnerships are designed to help local governments and their communities lower their energy bills and enjoy a cleaner environment.

For more information about the Lake County Energy Watch program, contact Michalyn DelValle at 707-263-2221 or visit www.energy.co.lake.ca.us .