Electric Program Investment Charge 2023 Annual Report

The Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) is California's premier electricity sector research and development program. EPIC drives innovation and advances science and technology in energy efficiency, load flexibility, renewable energy and advanced clean generation, transportation, grid transmission and distribution, and energy-related environmental protection, among other areas important to California’s electricity system. EPIC is funded by a ratepayer surcharge from the state’s investor-owned utilities and its investments deliver benefits back to ratepayers. EPIC is overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and administered by the California Energy Commission (CEC) and investor-owned utilities. CEC-administered EPIC investments support applied research and development, clean energy demonstration and deployment projects, and market facilitation activities that both benefit electricity ratepayers and lead to technological advancements, which, in turn, can overcome key barriers to the state’s statutory energy goals.

This report outlines the progress and status of CEC activities funded by EPIC from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023. The report was prepared in accordance with applicable CPUC decisions and California Public Resources Code Section 25711.5.