Assembly Bill 1002 (Wright, Chapter 932, Statutes of 2000) authorizes the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to impose a surcharge on natural gas consumed in California to fund public interest research and development projects benefitting natural gas ratepayers. In 2004, the CPUC issued Decision 04-08-010, designating the California Energy Commission as the administrator for the research funds. The Energy Commission manages the Natural Gas Research and Development program, using competitive solicitations aligned with California’s climate, energy and safety policies to support energy-related research, development, and demonstration not adequately provided by competitive and regulated markets. Technical advisory committees inform technology development and deployment for each project, and research results are publicly available. The Energy Commission submits an annual proposed program plan and funding request to the CPUC for review and approval.
This Natural Gas Research and Development Program Proposed Program Plan and Funding Request for Fiscal Year 2019-20, describes the Energy Commission’s proposed natural gas research initiatives in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy infrastructure, including natural gas safety and integrity. The proposed research funding for Fiscal Year 2019-20 is $24 million, as well as a request for $8.1 million in one-time supplemental funds. The budget plan covers July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020. The recommendations are based on input from California stakeholders, research institutions, equipment manufacturers, and governmental partners, with several initiatives in this budget plan to benefit disadvantaged communities.
