The state Public Utilities and Energy Commissions have decided to pull the annual funding for Sonora´s Sierra Energy Center. The money from a line item on electric bills had been designated to fund public education and rebates for energy conservation investments in Tuolumne County.

Now, Economic Development Director Elizabeth Jones says, the money will be funnelled to State agencies for education programs in other parts of California.

That means a loss of 45 percent of the operation´s budget. She says there may be a way to revive some of the services, but it won´t happen right away.

Jones says her office has contacted state lawmakers in an effort to recover some of the program, but the short-term outlook isn´t encouraging.

The Energy Center had provided rebates for homeowners and businesses that invested in energy saving measures and general education in energy conservation.

By Jim Cumberland/KVML News Director