Natural Gas Research and Development Program, Proposed Program Plan and Funding Request for Fiscal Year 2016-17

Assembly Bill 1002 (Wright, Chapter 932, Statutes of 2000) authorizes the California Public Utilities Commission to impose a surcharge on all natural gas consumed in California for funding energy efficiency programs and public interest research and development projects benefitting natural gas ratepayers. In 2004, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued Decision 04-08-010, which designated the California Energy Commission as the administrator for the research funds. The Energy Commission manages the Natural Gas Research and Development program, which supports energy-related research, development, and demonstration not adequately provided by competitive and regulated markets. Each year, the Energy Commission submits a proposed program plan and funding request to the CPUC for review and approval.

This staff report, Natural Gas Research and Development Program Proposed Program Plan and Funding Request for Fiscal Year 2016-17, describes the Energy Commission’s proposed research initiatives in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy infrastructure. The recommendations are based on input from California stakeholders, research institutions, and governmental partners. These initiatives were carefully chosen following an ongoing public outreach process that included administration of a questionnaire to California researchers seeking suggestions for research initiatives.

The proposed research funding for fiscal year 2016–17 is $24 million, and the budget plan covers the period from July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017.