Privacy Policy

Effective Date: November 1, 2026

The Central California Rural Regional Energy Network (CCR REN) respects the privacy of individuals who visit and interact with our website. We are committed to protecting personal information, maintaining transparency about our information practices, and providing accessible public resources in accordance with applicable laws.

This Privacy Policy explains how information may be collected, used, maintained, and disclosed through the CCR REN website (the “Website”).

1. About CCR REN

The Central California Rural Regional Energy Network (CCR REN) supports an equitable and affordable clean energy transition for underserved rural communities throughout Central California.

CCR REN is administered by the County of San Luis Obispo and funded by California utility ratepayers under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).

The Website provides public information about energy efficiency programs, educational resources, workforce development opportunities, and community initiatives.

2. Information We Collect

Depending on how visitors interact with the Website, CCR REN may collect the following information.

Information You Voluntarily Provide

When you contact CCR REN or submit information through the Website, we may collect:

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Telephone number

  • Organization or professional affiliation

  • Information included in inquiries, messages, or submitted forms

  • Information provided when requesting program resources or assistance

Automatically Collected Information

When visitors access the Website, certain technical information may be collected through website hosting, security, or analytics services, including:

  • Internet Protocol (IP) address

  • Browser type and device information

  • Operating system

  • Pages visited and navigation activity

  • Date and time of visits

  • Referring websites or search engines

  • General geographic information derived from technical data

This information may be used to understand Website usage, maintain security, and improve the accessibility and performance of public resources.

3. How We Use Information

CCR REN may use information collected through the Website to:

  • Respond to public inquiries and requests for assistance

  • Provide information about energy efficiency programs and resources

  • Facilitate communication with residents, businesses, and community organizations

  • Support program administration and public outreach

  • Improve Website navigation, functionality, and accessibility

  • Monitor Website performance and technical security

  • Maintain records as required by applicable laws and administrative policies

  • Fulfill legal, regulatory, and public accountability obligations

Personal information is used for legitimate public program and administrative purposes, consistent with applicable law.

4. Cookies and Website Analytics

The Website may use cookies and similar technologies to support functionality, maintain security, and understand how visitors interact with online resources.

These technologies may collect information about Website traffic, navigation patterns, browser characteristics, and general usage trends.

CCR REN may use this information to evaluate Website performance and improve the delivery of public information.

Visitors can manage or restrict cookies through their browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect Website functionality.

Where required by applicable law, additional notice or choices regarding cookies and tracking technologies will be provided.

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

CCR REN does not collect personal information through the Website for the purpose of selling it to commercial data brokers.

Information may be shared when reasonably necessary for legitimate public program operations, including with:

  • The County of San Luis Obispo and authorized administrative personnel

  • Participating public agencies and program administrators

  • Authorized contractors and technical service providers

  • Website hosting, security, and analytics providers

  • Government or regulatory authorities when required by law

Information may also be disclosed in response to lawful requests, legal obligations, or applicable public records requirements.

CCR REN does not authorize service providers to use personal information for unrelated purposes except as permitted by applicable agreements or law.

6. Public Records and Government Transparency

As a county-administered public program, certain records maintained in connection with CCR REN activities may be subject to the California Public Records Act and other applicable disclosure requirements.

Information submitted through the Website, including correspondence and inquiries, may become part of records maintained by the administering public agency.

While CCR REN takes privacy considerations seriously, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed for information subject to lawful public disclosure.

Certain categories of personal information may be protected from disclosure under applicable exemptions or privacy laws.

Visitors are encouraged to avoid including unnecessary sensitive personal information in general Website communications.

7. Data Security

CCR REN seeks to maintain reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards to protect information collected through the Website.

These measures may include access controls, secure website connections, system monitoring, and other appropriate security practices.

However, no electronic communication or data storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Visitors should exercise discretion when submitting personal information through online forms or email communications.

8. Data Retention

Information collected through the Website may be retained according to applicable County of San Luis Obispo records retention schedules, program administration requirements, and relevant laws.

Retention periods may vary depending on the nature of the information, the purpose for which it was collected, and applicable public records obligations.

Information may be preserved when necessary to comply with legal requirements, audits, regulatory oversight, or other authorized administrative purposes.

9. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on applicable law and the nature of the information collected, visitors may have rights to request information about the collection, use, or disclosure of their personal information.

Individuals may contact CCR REN to:

  • Ask questions about Website privacy practices

  • Request correction of inaccurate information, where permitted

  • Inquire about information maintained through Website communications

  • Report privacy or security concerns

  • Request assistance understanding applicable privacy rights

Certain requests may be subject to identity verification, public records requirements, legal exceptions, or administrative procedures.

To submit a privacy-related inquiry, contact CCR REN using the information provided below.

10. Children's Privacy

The Website is intended to provide public information and educational resources to the communities served by CCR REN.

CCR REN does not knowingly solicit personal information from children under the age of 13 through general Website forms without appropriate authorization or another lawful basis.

If information involving a child is identified and requires special handling under applicable law, CCR REN will take appropriate steps to address the matter.

11. External Websites and Third-Party Links

The Website may contain links to external government agencies, utilities, community organizations, educational institutions, and other third-party resources.

These external websites may maintain separate privacy policies and information practices.

CCR REN is not responsible for the privacy, security, or content practices of independently operated websites.

Visitors are encouraged to review the privacy policies of external websites before submitting personal information.

12. Website Accessibility

CCR REN is committed to providing accessible digital information and resources.

We strive to maintain a Website that supports individuals with disabilities and users of assistive technologies, consistent with applicable accessibility requirements.

Visitors who experience difficulty accessing Website content or need assistance obtaining information in an alternative format may contact CCR REN for support.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

CCR REN may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in Website functionality, information practices, administrative requirements, or applicable laws.

Any revisions will be published on this page with an updated effective date.

Visitors are encouraged to review this policy periodically.

14. Governing Law

Information practices associated with this Website are subject to applicable federal and California laws, including relevant privacy, public records, and government administration requirements.

Nothing in this Privacy Policy is intended to limit rights or protections established by applicable law.

15. Contact Information

For questions about this Privacy Policy, Website information practices, or privacy-related concerns, please contact:

Central California Rural Regional Energy Network (CCR REN)

Administered by the County of San Luis Obispo

Email: info@ccrren.org
Phone: (833) 227-7360
Website: www.ccrren.org

Last Updated: November 1, 2026