Town officials want to help locals save money and become more energy and cost efficient before it’s too late.

Loomis councilman Gary Liss said a number of energy conservation financial incentives will soon expire, so the Town of Loomis and PlacerSustain are co-hosting an energy fair from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 20, at the Loomis Train Depot.

“The Federal government is offering 30 percent payments for businesses that install solar, but that program ends in December. There are upcoming deadlines for residential and commercial incentives for solar and energy efficiency,” Liss said.

During the energy fair, residents, business owners, and property owners can talk directly with energy organizations and private solar contractors; get information about public and private financing; and learn about typical energy project costs and investment returns.

Participants include PG&E, Energy Upgrade California, the Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technology, Sierra Economic Development Corp, Sierra Energy Watch, and mPower. Solar energy contractors will also be in attendance.

Darrell Johnson, a PG&E manager, said during the 3-hour open house PG&E representatives will help residents learn how to use the new smart meter to monitor their energy usage online. He said a staff member will help non-business customers with energy efficiency programs and rebates; and another will offer expertise on solar interconnection for business customers. Jeffrey Bordelon, PlacerSustain president, said the energy fair is part of the Shed to Shed Energy Initiative, launched by the town in cooperation with PlacerSustain. He said the goal is “to assist local businesses and property owners explore the various energy conservation and solar assistance programs that are presently available.”

According to their website, PlacerSustain is a nonprofit group founded in May 2010, to support the creation of a community sustainability network in Placer County. The website states the “mission is connecting people and inspiring collaboration to build healthy communities and thriving local economies."

Representatives from Energy Upgrade California, the new energy efficiency program, will also be at the fair. Energy Upgrade California is a collaboration between the California Energy Commission, the Public Utilities Commission, utilities, local governments, non-governmental organizations and the private sector.

According to their website, the group’s goal is “to promote and finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects for homes and businesses, reduce energy use and help train contractors and building professionals. The website provides property owners with easy-to-use tools and resources “to help them improve their energy and water efficiency, save money and increase building comfort.”

For more information, call the town at 652-1840.

ENERGY FAIR

What: Find out about energy-saving incentives, financing and programs

Who: For residents and businesses

When: 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 20

Where: Loomis Train Depot, 5775 Horseshoe Bar Rd.

Sponsored by: Town of Loomis and PlacerSustain

Information: 652-1840