The California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) approved $4.3 billion in investments for energy efficiency efforts from 2024 through 2027, along with a forecasted budget of $4.6 billion from 2028 through 2031.

Roughly 14% of the budget will be channeled to programs that target disadvantaged and underserved communities to ensure equitable access to energy efficiency programs.

The four areas of investment will be:

1. Resource acquisition through energy savings,
2. Market support,
3. Equity for underserved communities, and
4. Codes & standards (newly added).

Programs are expected to expand from residential energy efficiency to include electrification and energy storage. Overall, the funds will go to programs run by PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, SoCalGas, Marin Clean Energy, and five regional energy networks.

The CPUC’s decision also approved a new regional energy network called ‘Rural REN,’ aimed at providing energy efficiency services to underserved communities in rural areas in Central and Northern California. This network will cover many regions that have the state’s lowest participation rates in energy efficiency programs, and have received fewer economic benefits from them compared to urban areas.

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David Shiller

David Shiller is the Publisher of LightNOW, and President of Lighting Solution Development, a North American consulting firm providing business development services to advanced lighting manufacturers. The ALA awarded David the Pillar of the Industry Award. David has co-chaired ALA’s Engineering Committee since 2010. David established MaxLite’s OEM component sales into a multi-million dollar division. He invented GU24 lamps while leading ENERGY STAR lighting programs for the US EPA. David has been published in leading lighting publications, including LD+A, enLIGHTenment Magazine, LEDs Magazine, and more.

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