The California Public Utilities Commission is hoping to tackle climate change by increasing access to and awareness of clean energy in vulnerable communities.  

Grants are now available from CPUC which are designed to help inform underrepresented communities about technologies that can reduce carbon emissions, increase resiliency during climate events and lower consumer costs.  

The Equity and Access Grants Program was established by Assembly Bill 179, which initially earmarked $30 million in funding. It is designed to increase participation of underrepresented communities in CPUC decisions and processes and educate them about clean energy technology and incentive programs. The funding amount was later reduced by Gov. Gavin Newsom to $10 million. 

Programs are supported by three separate grant accounts that target different issues: public participation, equity engagement and education, and clean energy access. 

MIP, SGIP and TECH programs

The three programs are The Microgrid Incentive Program, or MIP, the Self-Generation Incentive Program, known as SGIP, and the Technology and Equipment for Clean Energy, referred to as TECH. 

MIP aims to foster the creation of electricity microgrids, which are interconnected power sources that can operate independently from a public utility grid. 

To be eligible, a microgrid must have more than one customer and be able to independently provide power for at least 24 hours, a capability known as “island mode.” 

SGIP is meant to provide funding to help support distributed energy systems on the customer’s end. Examples include wind turbines, waste heat to power, pressure reduction turbines, internal combustion engines, micro turbines, gas turbines, and fuel cells. 

TECH aims to incentivize the conversion to electric heat pumps in commercial buildings and residences. 

Eligible nonprofits, tribes, or tribal entities can engage in activities such as capacity building and workforce training, community engagement, and coordination with CPUC program managers. 

Other eligible initiatives are marketing, outreach, enrollment support, resource mapping and needs assessment, and project design and development. 

These groups can receive up to $15,000 for public participation activities; up to $200,000 for equity, engagement, and education, and up to $500,000 for clean energy access advancement. 

Grants are not able to be used for infrastructure or equipment buildouts but are dedicated to facilitating the planning of projects, community education and outreach. The grants are available through June 2025 and all funds must be spent by the end of June 2027. 

Applications are available online. Completed forms can also be emailed to capacitygrants@cpuc.ca.gov. Completed forms can also be mailed to Business and Community Outreach, Attn: Equity & Access Grant Program, California Public Utilities Commission, 505 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102.