The Benefits of Clean Energy Research

The deadly and destructive fires of the past few years along with the findings from the California Fourth Climate Change Assessment highlight some of the impacts California can expect if greenhouse gas emissions are not drastically reduced.

To help meet the state’s climate goals, new clean energy solutions are developed and commercialized to decarbonize the electricity sector. The EPIC program invests more than $130 million annually. EPIC-funded research is helping to:

  • Expand the use of renewable energy.
  • Build a safe and resilient electricity system.
  • Advance electric technologies for buildings, businesses, and transportation.
  • Enable a more decentralized electric grid.
  • Improve the affordability, health, and comfort of California’s communities.
  • Support California’s local economies and businesses.

Broader Participation Equals Greater Innovation

The Energy Commission is committed to increasing diversity in the energy sector, and women-owned, minority, disabled veteran, and LGBTQ business enterprises are encouraged to apply for funding opportunities.

The Energy Commission is also committed to ensuring all Californians benefit from clean energy research. It has minimum funding allocations of 25 percent of EPIC technology demonstration and deployment investments to sites located in, and benefiting, disadvantaged communities and an additional minimum 10 percent to sites located in, and benefiting, low-income communities.

Visit the links below to learn more about the EPIC program.

The EPIC program, which the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) established in 2012, supports public interest investments in clean energy research.

Ratepayers from the state’s three largest investor-owned utilities – Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) – fund the program.

The Energy Commission manages 80 percent of the program, with PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E administering the remainder.

 

Upcoming Events

March 22, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Remote Access Only
CEC staff will hold one Pre-Application Workshop to discuss this solicitation with potential applicants. Participation is optional but encouraged. The Pre-Application Workshop will be held remotely.
March 28, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Remote Access Only
CEC staff will hold one Pre-Application Workshop to discuss this solicitation with potential applicants. Participation is optional but encouraged. The Pre-Application Workshop will be held remotely.
March 29, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Remote Access Only
CEC staff will hold one Pre-Application Workshop to discuss this solicitation with potential applicants. Participation is optional but encouraged.  The Pre-Application Workshop will be held remotely.
April 5, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Remote Access Only
CEC staff will hold one Pre-Application Workshop to discuss this solicitation with potential applicants. Participation is optional but encouraged. The Pre-Application Workshop will be held remotely.

Past Events

1 - 10 of 104 events
February 6, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Remote Access Only
February 2, 2024 | 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Remote Access Only
January 29, 2024 | 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Stanford University
January 18, 2024 | 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Remote Access Only
December 12, 2023 | 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Remote Access Only
December 6, 2023 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Remote Access Only
November 15, 2023 | 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Remote Access Only
Oct 03 2023
October 3, 2023 09:00 AMOctober 4, 2023 02:00 PM
Remote Access Only

Contact

Energy Research and Development Division
ERDD@energy.ca.gov

Visit Empower Innovation to form partnerships for funding opportunities.

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Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) Program