For immediate Release: October 19, 2020
Event Brings Together Clean Energy Innovators, Researchers and Entrepreneurs
SACRAMENTO – California Governor Gavin Newsom will provide a keynote address on October 19 during the 6th Annual Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) Symposium hosted by the California Energy Commission (CEC) in partnership with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E).
The virtual event, which will take place from October 19 to 21, brings together more than 1,000 clean tech innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs to discuss emerging technologies, share best practices, and connect about future projects and partnerships.
The symposium kicks off 9:30 a.m. shortly followed by Governor Newsom’s address. He will share insight into how EPIC, California’s premier clean energy research and development program, has driven $2.2 billion in private investment, created jobs, and advanced equity by deploying clean technologies in disadvantaged and low-income communities.
Launched in 2012, the EPIC program invests more than $160 million a year to drive clean energy innovation and entrepreneurship and improve the resiliency of the electricity system as climate impacts accelerate. Building on a record of success, EPIC was recently renewed by the CPUC for 10 years with nearly $1.5 billion in funding over that period.
EPIC investments in microgrids and demand response technology such as OhmConnect were essential in helping the state avoid further power outages during the August and September extreme heat events. The program also provided critical funding that led to a breakthrough in lithium recovery technology, the subject of a new Blue Ribbon Commission signed into law by Governor Newsom last month.
Other featured speakers for the three-day symposium include:
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State Senator Nancy Skinner
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State Senator Bob Wieckowski
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Assemblymember Autumn Burke
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Assemblymember Cristina Garcia
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California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot
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CEC Chair David Hochschild
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CEC Vice Chair Scott Janea A. Scott
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CEC Commissioner Andrew McAllister
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CPUC Commissioner Martha Guzman Aceves
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CPUC Commissioner Genevieve Shiroma
The symposium will include panel discussions, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and a virtual exhibit hall showcasing energy innovations. The evert also includes the inaugural California Energy Visionary Awards, a three-part rapid-fire, cleantech pitch competition and award show featuring some of the state’s most promising entrepreneurs.
The Governor’s address will be livestreamed at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHRuczwovxwDDWNb3SNUGGw
More about the free event, including registration and the agenda, is at: https://symposium.meetatepic.com/home.
Learn more about EPIC at: Electric Program Investment Charge, 2019 Annual Report
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About the California Energy Commission
The California Energy Commission is leading the state to a 100 percent clean energy future. It has seven core responsibilities: developing renewable energy, transforming transportation, increasing energy efficiency, investing in energy innovation, advancing state energy policy, certifying thermal power plants, and preparing for energy emergencies.