Not so very long-ago California transitioned to a new way of designing and delivering energy efficiency programs.  The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) D. 18-01-004 set forth direction for a new world order in which programs would be designed and delivered through competitive solicitation from third parties (3P).  With this came the preference, and standard practice, of pay-for-performance (P4P) contracts.  Contracts in which the implementer does not generate revenue to cover implementation costs unless projects are submitted and approved.

The SJVCEO successfully participated in the solicitation process as both a Prime and project team member across multiple responses. Our opinions are formed by our experiences that spanned a two-year process from ideation to contract award, as well as years successfully delivering programs to our communities.  As a small non-profit we are acutely aware of the pressures and barriers to participation in the current model.  We encourage the inclusion of other non-profits, Diverse Business Enterprises (DBEs), and local stakeholders in the delivery of energy efficiency programs and believe our experience can begin to address pathways for more inclusivity in energy efficiency program implementation.

We believe there is room for improvement in the process of contracting, especially the strong preference for P4P.  While P4P contracts shift risk from the contact holder, the burden and impact are passed on to the program participant, can inhibit innovation, and disproportionally impacts program participants in rural, hard-to-reach, and disadvantaged communities—the very people the SJVCEO is charged to serve. 

We were early supporters of the new solicitation model, and still believe that a free and competitive market can bring the state’s ambitious energy and climate goals to fruition, but we think adjustments need to be made.  We took a stance through the public comment process, and you can read our thoughts here.

Click here to open the “PAY FOR PERFORMANCE” Playlist!

Courtney’s Picks
While P4P remains a bit divisionary amongst EE stakeholders, concerts do not.  In fact, concerts are the opposite.  They bring diverse individuals together in a binding way—the love of music and performance.  Concerts have their own energy, their own identify that shifts from town to town, night to night.  Few concert experiences are summed up as, “oh, I saw so-and-so, it was nice.” No, a concert is often the jumping off point for an adventure, a ‘big fish’ story, an identity-forming experience.  Concerts give live to passion, and whether that happens in an arena of 70,000 or a lounge of 40 it’s all magic!

All the Small Things, Blink 182, CalPoly Rec Center (the old one), Loserkids Tour, November 3, 1999
Smart Woman (In A Real Short Skirt), Jimmy Buffett, Irvine Meadows Amphitheater, Don’t Stop the Carnival Tour, October 9, 1998. (Did Brian Wilson show up as a special guest and sing my most favorite Beach Boys song ever? Yep! Did I die? Nearly.)
I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues, Elton John, Caesar’s Palace, The Red Piano residency, 2006
Sweet Caroline, Neil Diamond, SaveMart Center, World Tour, New Year’s Eve 2008

Sam’s Picks:
Nothing can compare to hearing an artist you follow in a large setting while elbow to elbow with people. Over the last few years those experiences have been missing but I’m ecstatic to seeing they are coming back! My choices in this playlist come from performances that are engraved in my memory for one reason or another. Enjoy!

Sunday Morning, No Doubt, Bottle Rock Music Festival, 2017
Black Balloon, Goo Goo Dolls, Fresno Fair Music Series, 2018
Ride, 21 Pilots, Save Mart Center, 2018
Gin & Juice, Snoop Dogg, Bottle Rock Music Festival, 2017

Kelsey’s Picks:
I know I say this month over month, but this was one of the most difficult lists to come up with. I initially had 16 songs but had to narrow quite a bit. As Rochelle says below, some of my most memorable moments throughout my life have been at concerts. There is nothing quite like seeing your favorite artist for the first time OR stumbling on a concert that you would have initially never gone to. Whether it’s pop, rap, country, alternative, or somewhere in between, you can find me there! See below for maybe not my favorite songs, but certainly four of my most memorable concerts!

Anywhere but Here, Hilary Duff, Most Wanted Tour, Save Mart Center, 2004 (First concert EVER)
Clocks, Coldplay, Adventure of a Lifetime Tour, Levi Stadium, 2006
Forever-Garage Version, Mumford and Sons, Not So Silent Night Music Festival, 2019
My Hero, Foo Fighters, Save Mart Center, 2021 (most recent concert)

Rochelle’s Picks:
Some of the most memorable moments of my life have been at concerts. Listening to the artist bring the record to life is pure magic and often a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was difficult to choose just 4 but here are songs from some of my favorite moments.

Before I Let Go, Frankie Beverly and the Maze, Pechanga Arena, 5th Annual San Diego Soul Music
Festival, 2016
Purple Rain, Prince, Save Mart Center in Fresno, Musicology Live Tour, 2004
Killing Me Softly with His Song, Fugees, Fresno State Amphitheater, Smokin Grooves Tour, 1996
We Belong Together, Mariah Carey, Pearl Concert Theater in Las Vegas, Mariah Carey: Live in Las Vegas, 2009