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1 RiversideCA.gov1
RiversideCA.gov
TREE POWER PROGRAMCity CouncilFebruary 24, 2026 Public Utilities RiversideCA.gov2
BACKGROUNDProgram established in 2001Program goals:1. Conserve energy (164 kWh/tree)2. Reduce summer cooling costs3. Enhance the City’s green spacesRPU electric customers receive $40 per qualified shade treeCustomers can receive up to six trees1. Five trees through regular rebate 2. One through March back of bill 1 2
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2 RiversideCA.gov3
BACKGROUND
Dual Marketing ApproachTree Power Rebate Program(up to 5 trees per year)Free Shade Tree Coupon Campaign(1 free tree per year) RiversideCA.gov4
TREES DISTRIBUTED
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 202514,000 13,984 15,340 12,446 16,970 12,657 13,708 12,794 11,312 11,680 11,24002,0004,0006,0008,00010,00012,00014,00016,00018,0003 4 2/2/2026
3 RiversideCA.gov5
DISCUSSIONBACK-OF-BILL CAMPAIGNOriginally Launched in 2001as a physical coupon for customers to redeem at the nurseryCampaign Goals:1. Reach all residential customers2. Increase program participation3. Spur local economic stimulusQR Code Coupon printed on the back of the March bill for redemption at:1. Louie’s Nursery2. Parkview – Chicago3. Parkview – Jackson RiversideCA.gov6
DISCUSSIONNEW BACK OF BILL CAMPAIGN
Beginning March 1, 2026, RPU Electric Customers will be using the new software to claim their free tree. Customers will have the choice to access the new software using three different methods:1. Scan QR Code on the back of March electric bill2. Utilize RPU rebates website 3. Access to the new software will be provided on a tablet at each participating nursery 5 6
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DISCUSSION
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DISCUSSION
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PURCHASE ORDERS FOR PARTICIPATING NURSERIES
Purchase Order AmountAverage Number of Trees 2024 and 2025 Nursery$92,690.00 2,015Louie's$150,788.00 3,278Parkview Chicago$235,106.00 5,111Parkview Jackson$478,584.00 10,404 Total RiversideCA.gov10
That the City Council:1. Approve the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Tree Power Program Free Shade Tree Coupon Campaign in the amount of $478,584; and2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to issue purchase orders and change orders to Parkview Nursery, 4377 Chicago Avenue; Parkview Nursery, 3841 Jackson Street; and Louie’s Nursery, 18550 Van Buren Boulevard based on the variable product demand of each nursery for the Tree Power Program’s Free Shade Tree Coupon campaign in a collective amount of $487,584.RECOMMENDATIONS9 10