The Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to design the Finance Equity Program for the Northern California Rural Regional Energy Network (NREN). The NREN Finance Equity Program is a cross-cutting program intended to equitably support North Coast and Sierra Nevada communities through technical assistance and loans that encourage and accelerate the implementation of energy efficiency projects. The successful proposer will provide support for the design of the program, including key finance program components (outreach, technical assistance, loan types/terms/processes, operating analysis), and a program timeline. The NREN spans 17 rural counties across California, serving approximately 1.6 million people over 29,421 square miles. The NREN was approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in late September 2024 and is formed by four partners: Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA), Lake Area Planning Council, Mendocino Council of Governments, and Sierra Business Council. RCEA is the designated Portfolio Administrator for the NREN. The program is designed to fill gaps in current financing offerings for hard-to-reach and underserved customers in rural communities.