Smart Grid: California Stimulus Toolkit - Smart Grid News - Grid Modernization and the Smart Grid

The ARRA directs the states to focus SEP funding on energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. Monies will be directed to energy efficiency retrofits of buildings and industrial facilities, and to support renewable energy projects. The Energy Commission’s eligible energy programs will include: implementing building and industrial energy efficiency programs; establishing and expanding financial incentives or loans for energy efficiency; expanding renewable distributed generation programs; expanding renewable energy programs; promoting regional cooperation; facilitating sharing of best energy practices; increasing coordination with utilities including promulgation of measurement and verification methodologies.

On June 3, the California Energy Commission established the “Ad Hoc Committee on the ARRA” to develop guidelines that will govern the administration and award of federal funds received for both the implementation of the State Energy Program (SEP) and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. Technical questions about the proceeding should be addressed to John Sugar at 916-654-4563 or via e-mail at jsugar@energy.state.ca.us.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant

State allocation: $351.5 million

California was allocated $351.5 million for local governments to use for projects and programs to reduce total energy use. About $302 million goes directly to large cities and counties. The remaining $49.6 million is distributed through the Energy Commission office to smaller cities and counties. Interested parties are encouraged to contact their local city or county directly for ways to partner for the Block grant funding and assist local governments meet these goals. The Energy Commission will make 60 percent of these funds available to small cities and counties through a competitive grant program. The remaining 40 percent can be expended at the Energy Commission's discretion.

Energy Commission staff is discussing this program with stakeholders and has started developing application materials and evaluation criteria. ListServers have been set up so that local governments and others can register to receive program updates and information.

For more information:

http://www.energy.ca.gov/recovery/blockgrant.html

Contribution of Cost Share for Transportation Related Recovery Act RFPs

Expected allocation to state: $176 million

· California Energy Commission (CEC) requests proposals for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Cost Share. Through this RFP, the CEC will contribute cost share to applicants who are submitting proposals to the Federal government in response to a transportation-related Recovery Act funding opportunity announcement. All projects must be based in California. Eligible Recovery Act solicitations include, but are not limited to: Transportation Electrification, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Research-Electric Drive Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative, Clean Cities, and Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction.

Contact:

Sarah Williams

skawilli@energy.state.ca.us

Green Jobs Training

· Project is targeted for research, labor exchange, and job training projects to prepare workers for careers in energy efficiency and renewable energy as defined the the Green Jobs Act: energy efficient building, construction, and retrofitting; renewable electric power; energy efficient and advanced drive train vehicles; biofuels; energy efficiency assesments; and manufacturing of sustainable products using sustainable processes. DOL intends to post the RFPs no later than 6/30/09. For more information, go to www.grants.gov

CALIFORNIA UTILITIES

Regulatory Authority

California Public Utilities Commission

Private companies

Pacific Gas & Electric Co

PacifiCorp

San Diego Gas & Electric Co

Sierra Pacific Power Co

Southern California Edison Co

The California Utilities and Transportation Commission does not have ratemaking authority over these Cooperatives, Municipals or PUDs:

Municipals:

City of Anaheim

City of Burbank Water and Power

City & County of San Francisco

Turlock Irrigation District

Political Subdivisions:

Imperial Irrigation District

Modesto Irrigation District

Sacramento Municipal Utility District

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