A small-town store with a big BayREN energy win in Sonoma

When Bodega Country Store owner Ariel Coddington began looking for ways to reduce rising utility bills and ongoing maintenance costs, one piece of equipment stood out: the store’s walk-in cooler with a 20-year-old refrigeration system. 

That’s where BayREN’s Refrigerant Replacement (BRRR) Program stepped in and provided rebates and technical assistance for a new remote condensing unit, evaporator coils, pipe insulation, door closer, and a more environmentally friendly refrigerant, covering 80% of costs. In addition to having a more reliable and efficient system that requires less maintenance, Coddington will save an estimated $450 in utility costs each year. The new refrigerant will result in 1,305 fewer pounds of greenhouse gas emissions from potential leaks annually.  

Sonoma County's Bodega Country Store serves as a local hub offering groceries, locally made products, and everyday essentials to the rural community and the BayREN program was a boost.

“As a store in a remote area, we rarely see programs like this,” Coddington said. “The BRRR rebate provided support I wouldn’t have had otherwise and helped me so much with my small business. The contractor and the crew were highly professional.”

In addition, the BRRR Program provided Coddington with a free maintenance training, helping ensure Coddington knows how to operate the equipment and maintain peak performance. The training equips store owners and managers with simple, do-it-yourself tips that can prevent breakdowns, improve efficiency, and extend the life of refrigeration equipment.

Programs like BRRR are essential to reaching small businesses that have typically been underserved by past incentive programs, particularly those in low-income and disadvantaged communities. By partnering closely with County government staff, the BRRR Program is able to connect with local, small businesses in need of refrigeration upgrades that may lack access to traditional financing or resources.

Food and floral businesses can sign up now to be notified when the program becomes available in their Bay Area county at www.bayren.org/chill. 

BayREN — administered by the Association of Bay Area Governments —  offers regional energy programs, services and resources that promote energy savings, while helping local governments evaluate ways to come into compliance with state energy code.