California Energy Commission

The California Energy Commission serves as the state's primary energy policy and planning agency, established by the Legislature in 1974 and headquartered in Sacramento. Its responsibilities encompass forecasting future energy needs, maintaining historical energy data, and licensing thermal power plants with capacities of 50 megawatts or greater. The Commission promotes energy efficiency by establishing appliance and building standards, collaborating with local governments to ensure compliance. It also supports public interest energy research and the development of renewable energy technologies through various incentives, including those for solar systems in new home construction and small wind installations. Additionally, the Commission implements the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program and coordinates the state's response to energy emergencies. Through these initiatives, the Commission aims to provide Californians with affordable, reliable, and environmentally sustainable energy choices.

Courtney Smith

Chief Deputy Director

Jonah Steinbuck

Director

Past deals in Energy

Quino Energy

Grant in 2025
Quino Energy specializes in manufacturing innovative battery systems that utilize organic quinone molecules dissolved in water for long-duration energy storage. Licensed from Harvard University, their technology offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional batteries for commercial and grid applications.

ChargePoint

Grant in 2024
ChargePoint operates the world's largest electric vehicle (EV) charging network, offering public charging stations, consumer subscription plans, and utility grid management technology. Its app enables users to find, start, and track charging sessions.

Valley Clean Energy

Grant in 2024
Valley Clean Energy is an electricity provider focusing on clean electricity, product choice, and greenhouse gas emission reductions.

Sacramento Municipal Utility District

Grant in 2024
SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity to Sacramento County for more than 75 years. It was founded in 1946.

EnergyHub

Grant in 2024
EnergyHub is a company focused on enhancing energy management for consumers while fostering a stronger connection between homeowners and utility providers. It develops innovative software technology that allows users to utilize smart devices, such as thermostats and water heaters, to create virtual power plants. This approach not only helps stabilize the electrical grid but also supports the integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. By offering simple and cost-effective tools, EnergyHub aims to empower consumers to reduce their energy consumption and save money, addressing contemporary energy challenges effectively.

Ev.energy

Grant in 2024
Ev.energy is a London-based company established in 2018, specializing in smart charging software for electric vehicles (EVs). Its platform optimizes EV charging during off-peak hours, tracks energy usage and costs, supports solar energy integration, and enables drivers to schedule and monitor charging via an app, thereby reducing both costs and carbon emissions.

Yosemite Clean Energy

Grant in 2023
Yosemite Clean Energy is a clean energy service company that transforms forest and agriculture wood waste into zero-emission fuel.

Next Energy Technologies

Grant in 2023
Next Energy Technologies specializes in transparent photovoltaic nano-coatings that enable windows to convert ultraviolet and infrared light into electricity. This innovative technology allows buildings to generate renewable energy on-site while maintaining transparency and efficiency, even in challenging lighting conditions. By integrating these coatings directly into dual-pane windows, Next Energy Technologies eliminates the need for additional encapsulation, reducing costs for clients. The company's solutions facilitate the transformation of standard windows and glass facades into effective energy producers, contributing to the advancement of net-zero energy building standards.

Gradient

Grant in 2023
Gradient’s mission is to cool the world by transforming every home to be more comfortable and healthy for the people who inhabit it — without compromising the environment. Today, heating and cooling equipment emits more greenhouse gas emissions than the entire transportation sector, and expansion in the use of cooling is projected to double these emissions in the next 30 years. However, comfortable buildings are critical for health and productivity, especially among communities that are vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Gradient’s vision is a future where everyone has access to comfortable buildings that are fully decarbonized. Our launch product is a direct-to-consumer high-efficiency and low-carbon heat pump.

Dash2Energy

Grant in 2022
DasH2Energy is a renewable energy company specializing in the development of hydrogen solutions. It caters to the Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), Power-to-gas, and Energy Storage markets, providing low-cost, green hydrogen to support these sectors. The company constructs renewable energy microgrids to facilitate the production of hydrogen, aiming to reduce carbon intensity in transportation and power-to-gas applications.

CALSTART

Grant in 2022
CALSTART works with business, fleets, and government to develop and implement clean, efficient transportation solutions. They believe that economic and environmental improvement must go hand-in-hand. They achieve this by focusing on four key activities that together provide the unique combination to support a growing industry.

EPRI

Grant in 2022
The Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI) conducts research and development relating to the generation, delivery and use of electricity for the benefit of the public.

Gate 5

Grant in 2021
Gate 5 is an environmental infrastructure company focused on sustainably managing organic wastewater solids. It has developed scalable, patent-protected technology to transform sewage sludge into clean water, renewable energy, and sustainable building products. The company is headquartered on the UC Irvine campus, and has pursued real-world deployment through a demonstration project at the Chiquita Water Reclamation Facility in Orange County, California, in partnership with the Santa Margarita Water District. Gate 5's technology and approach have earned recognition from the California Energy Commission and the U.S. Department of Energy through grants and awards. In addition to sewage sludge, the company offers solutions that convert food and animal wastes into reusable resources, supporting public health and environmental protection.

Salient Energy

Grant in 2021
Salient Energy is focused on commercializing an innovative zinc-ion battery developed from research at the University of Waterloo. This battery technology is designed for efficient electricity storage in the power grid, boasting a proprietary cathode that incorporates zinc within its crystal lattice, rather than merely reacting on the surface. This unique approach results in a battery with a relatively high energy density, making it a competitive alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Salient Energy's batteries are not only safer and longer-lasting but also compatible with existing manufacturing processes, allowing for production in current battery factories worldwide. The company's goal is to provide the electric industry with sustainable and reliable energy storage solutions.

CleanSpark

Grant in 2020
CleanSpark is a Bitcoin mining company that has positioned itself as a leader in the sector since its inception in 2014. Originally focused on promoting energy independence for homes and businesses, the company shifted its expertise towards creating sustainable infrastructure for Bitcoin mining in 2020. CleanSpark aims to support financial independence and inclusion through its operations, which are powered by low-carbon energy sources such as wind, solar, nuclear, and hydroelectric power. The company emphasizes trust and transparency, fostering strong relationships with employees and the communities it serves, while contributing to a more sustainable future. Bitcoin mining is the sole focus of CleanSpark's business activities, allowing it to concentrate on enhancing its operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.

BoxPower

Grant in 2020
BoxPower specializes in developing solar microgrid software and hardware, optimizing performance and accelerating deployment. They offer project development, system design, installation, monitoring, operations, and maintenance services for integrated solar, battery, and backup generator systems. BoxPower serves diverse clients, including disaster relief efforts, rural electrification projects, medical clinics, utilities, remote agriculture, and off-grid commercial sectors. As of now, they have offset over 40 million pounds of carbon dioxide and provided power to more than 5,000 individuals and businesses.

ZYD ENERGY

Grant in 2019
ZYD Energy Inc., Davis-based building efficiency company.

Element 16 Technologies

Grant in 2019
Element 16 Technologies operates in the energy industry, specializing in high-temperature heat energy storage systems. Their innovative technology uses a molten sulfur mixture to enhance energy efficiency and reduce waste heat in cogeneration plants, thereby decreasing carbon footprint for commercial and industrial facilities.

Primus Power

Grant in 2019
Founded in 2009, Primus Power designs and manufactures electrical energy storage systems. Its core product is EnergyPod, a flow battery system offering scalable capacity from 25kW to 25MW for stationary grid-scale applications. With a lifespan of up to 20 years, these safe and low-maintenance zinc-bromine batteries serve commercial, industrial, data center, microgrid, and utility customers worldwide.

California Clean Energy Fund

Grant in 2018
New Energy Nexus, formerly known as the California Clean Energy Fund, is a non-profit organization established in 2004. Based in California, the company focuses on supporting venture capital investments in clean energy and renewable companies in various regions including North America, Southeast Asia, and East Africa. New Energy Nexus plays a vital role in promoting sustainable energy solutions and fostering innovation in the clean energy sector through its investment initiatives.

Element 16 Technologies

Grant in 2018
Element 16 Technologies operates in the energy industry, specializing in high-temperature heat energy storage systems. Their innovative technology uses a molten sulfur mixture to enhance energy efficiency and reduce waste heat in cogeneration plants, thereby decreasing carbon footprint for commercial and industrial facilities.

Terzo Power Systems

Grant in 2018
Terzo Power Systems specializes in the development and design of advanced electrohydraulic pump systems tailored for both on- and off-highway mobile vehicles, as well as industrial applications. The company’s flagship product, Hydrapulse, features a complete electro-hydraulic system that incorporates built-in intelligence, functioning as a fully integrated power-on-demand hydraulic power unit. This energy-efficient solution consists of an electronically controlled motor and pump assembly, all within a compact footprint, establishing it as a leader in hydraulic performance. By leveraging innovative technology, Terzo Power Systems aims to enhance operational efficiency for its clients, ultimately enabling them to increase revenues and reduce costs.

Willdan Group

Grant in 2017
Willdan Group is a provider of professional technical and consulting services, primarily serving utilities, private industry, and public agencies across various levels of government. The company operates mainly within the Energy and Engineering and Consulting segments, generating most of its revenue from the Energy sector. Its services encompass a wide range of offerings, including audits, surveys, program design, master planning, benchmarking analysis, design engineering, construction management, and performance contracting. Willdan Group also focuses on advancements in software and data analytics to enhance its service delivery. The company is dedicated to key markets such as energy, infrastructure, municipal engineering, economic analysis, and homeland security, with all revenue generated from domestic sources.

Element 16 Technologies

Grant in 2017
Element 16 Technologies operates in the energy industry, specializing in high-temperature heat energy storage systems. Their innovative technology uses a molten sulfur mixture to enhance energy efficiency and reduce waste heat in cogeneration plants, thereby decreasing carbon footprint for commercial and industrial facilities.

Wexus Technologies

Grant in 2015
Wexus Technologies specializes in optimizing energy and water resources using IoT technology and utility data. Its Wexus platform enables businesses to automate tasks, access real-time usage data, reduce operational expenses, and enhance sustainability.

Crimson Renewable

Grant in 2014
Crimson Renewable Energy is California’s largest producer of high-quality, ultra-low carbon biodiesel and a leading participant in the future of advanced biofuels and transportation fuels. We provide highly reliable delivery and superior customer service combined with flexible contract structures for duration and pricing. Crimson also provides the flexibility and financial dependability that is highly valued by its supply chain partners.

Primus Power

Series C in 2014
Founded in 2009, Primus Power designs and manufactures electrical energy storage systems. Its core product is EnergyPod, a flow battery system offering scalable capacity from 25kW to 25MW for stationary grid-scale applications. With a lifespan of up to 20 years, these safe and low-maintenance zinc-bromine batteries serve commercial, industrial, data center, microgrid, and utility customers worldwide.

Propel Fuels

Grant in 2012
Propel Fuels, Inc. is a fuel station operator based in Sacramento, California, established in 2004. The company specializes in providing a range of fuels, including diesel, renewable fuels, and flex fuels, primarily in California and Washington. Propel Fuels aims to empower consumers by offering access to clean, American-made fuels that positively impact the economy and environment. Its network of retail stations spans various locations, including cities in California such as San Diego, Anaheim, and Oakland, as well as sites in Washington like Seattle. Additionally, Propel Fuels features the CleanDrive platform, which tracks carbon emissions reductions, enabling customers to quantify the environmental benefits of choosing renewable fuels over traditional petroleum options.

Propel Fuels

Grant in 2010
Propel Fuels, Inc. is a fuel station operator based in Sacramento, California, established in 2004. The company specializes in providing a range of fuels, including diesel, renewable fuels, and flex fuels, primarily in California and Washington. Propel Fuels aims to empower consumers by offering access to clean, American-made fuels that positively impact the economy and environment. Its network of retail stations spans various locations, including cities in California such as San Diego, Anaheim, and Oakland, as well as sites in Washington like Seattle. Additionally, Propel Fuels features the CleanDrive platform, which tracks carbon emissions reductions, enabling customers to quantify the environmental benefits of choosing renewable fuels over traditional petroleum options.

Propel Fuels

Grant in 2010
Propel Fuels, Inc. is a fuel station operator based in Sacramento, California, established in 2004. The company specializes in providing a range of fuels, including diesel, renewable fuels, and flex fuels, primarily in California and Washington. Propel Fuels aims to empower consumers by offering access to clean, American-made fuels that positively impact the economy and environment. Its network of retail stations spans various locations, including cities in California such as San Diego, Anaheim, and Oakland, as well as sites in Washington like Seattle. Additionally, Propel Fuels features the CleanDrive platform, which tracks carbon emissions reductions, enabling customers to quantify the environmental benefits of choosing renewable fuels over traditional petroleum options.

Primus Power

Grant in 2005
Founded in 2009, Primus Power designs and manufactures electrical energy storage systems. Its core product is EnergyPod, a flow battery system offering scalable capacity from 25kW to 25MW for stationary grid-scale applications. With a lifespan of up to 20 years, these safe and low-maintenance zinc-bromine batteries serve commercial, industrial, data center, microgrid, and utility customers worldwide.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.