Driving Clean Energy with California’s RES-BCT Program

Aerial view of a solar photovoltaic (PV) installation in a rural area surrounded by fields and water features. The title "Smart Savings with RES-BCT Program" is prominently displayed, with a subtitle reading "City of Atwater | Merced County, CA | Solar PV 1.7 MW | RES-BCT Project." The image highlights clean energy infrastructure and the environmental benefits of renewable energy projects.

California’s Renewable Energy Self-Generation Bill Credit Transfer (RES-BCT) program is transforming how local governments, universities, and public agencies approach energy generation and cost savings. This innovative program allows eligible entities to generate renewable energy at one site and allocate the resulting bill credits across multiple accounts within their jurisdiction.

By enabling energy cost offsets across multiple facilities—even if generation occurs at a single location—the RES-BCT program helps municipalities significantly reduce their overall energy expenditures while advancing their sustainability goals. The maximum capacity for a generating system under RES-BCT is 5 megawatts (MW), making it an ideal solution for mid-sized clean energy projects.

Key Benefits of RES-BCT

  • Cost Savings Across Facilities: Bill credits generated at a central renewable energy site can be distributed to offset electricity costs across other facilities, leading to citywide cost reductions.
  • Environmental Impact: Entities participating in the program contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting California’s ambitious climate goals.
  • Economic Efficiency: The program creates opportunities for public agencies to invest in clean energy infrastructure, yielding long-term financial and environmental benefits.

Atwater’s Commitment to Clean Energy

One municipality leading by example is the City of Atwater in Merced County, which implements a two-phase renewable energy project under the RES-BCT program. The project includes a 1,728 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), coupled with other installations for a total capacity of 3,588 kW. These systems are expected to reduce the city’s electricity spending by 45%, generating $3.7 million in net savings while achieving environmental benefits equivalent to removing 1,095 cars from highways annually.

BEI’s Role in Accelerating Clean Energy Projects

Atwater partnered with ENGIE, a global leader in energy solutions, to bring this project to life. BEI Construction is providing engineering and construction services for the initiative, including delivering critical milestones on an accelerated timeline. BEI field crews achieved substantial completion of the project in less than 60 days, showcasing their ability to meet ambitious deadlines without compromising quality.

“We’re pleased to be involved in this high-profile program that will have a major impact, not only on Atwater but on all of Merced County,” says Dominic DiMare, Principal, BEI Construction. “California’s RES-BCT program gives cities across the state a unique opportunity to migrate to clean energy and reduce energy costs. It’s also an opportunity for us to leverage our full-service solar and energy storage capabilities.”

About ENGIE

ENGIE is a leader in the Net Zero energy transition, providing renewable energy and low-carbon energy solutions to help customers worldwide achieve their clean energy goals. It operates in three business sectors: low-carbon electricity generation, energy infrastructures, and customer solutions. ENGIE aims to help the world reach Net Zero carbon by 2045. Operating in 70 countries, the company is the world’s number one supplier of energy services.

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