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 Utilities

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.

Enchanted Rock

Grant in 2024
Enchanted Rock, Ltd. is a Texas-based company that specializes in the development, operation, and management of electric microgrids aimed at assisting commercial and industrial clients in mitigating the physical and financial risks associated with electricity. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Kemah, Texas, the company focuses on designing and installing reliable microgrids, particularly in the Greater Houston area. Enchanted Rock utilizes proprietary natural gas designs to build cost-effective systems that provide backup power and enhance business continuity. Their services extend to municipalities, government entities, water authorities, and private businesses, ensuring that clients remain resilient during unexpected power outages while promoting civic responsibility.

Form Energy

Grant in 2023
Form Energy, Inc. is a company focused on developing long-duration energy storage systems aimed at transforming the electric grid by enabling the reliable use of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Established in 2017 and based in Somerville, Massachusetts, Form Energy is known for its innovative iron-air battery technology, which allows for the storage of electricity over extended periods, making renewable energy more dispatchable throughout the year. This technology not only helps to replace conventional fossil fuel-based generation but also enhances transmission capacity without the need for new infrastructure. By facilitating deep decarbonization of the electric system, Form Energy plays a significant role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting a sustainable energy future.

Nuvve

Grant in 2023
Nuvve is a company accelerating the electrification of transportation through its proprietary vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. Its Grid Integrated Vehicle, GIVe platform enables bidirectional charging to support efficient integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, and to refuel next-generation electric vehicle fleets. The company focuses on enabling flexible grid operations and reducing the cost of EV ownership while enhancing grid resilience and renewable energy utilization.

EVCS

Grant in 2023
EVCS, founded in 2018 by entrepreneurs Gustavo Occhiuzzo and Ian Vishnevsky, specializes in providing electric vehicle charging stations, addressing the growing demand as electric vehicle ownership increases. The company aims to make electric vehicle ownership more convenient by offering a comprehensive solution that includes the design, procurement, and installation of charging stations. By leveraging public and private grants, rebates, and other financial incentives, EVCS optimizes benefits for site owners while minimizing costs. This innovative approach has facilitated the company's expansion from California to Washington, with plans to extend its services across the country. As a B Lab Certified Benefit Corporation, EVCS is committed to promoting clean and carbon-free transportation, enhancing accessibility to affordable public EV charging.

Yotta Energy

Grant in 2022
Yotta Energy Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Austin, Texas, specializes in the manufacture of innovative solar storage solutions. The company's flagship product, SolarLEAF, is a modular energy storage device that integrates with photovoltaic panels, designed to lower costs and enhance the resiliency of energy storage systems. By significantly reducing the soft costs associated with the design, installation, and maintenance of energy storage, SolarLEAF provides a more efficient alternative to traditional centralized systems. Additionally, Yotta Energy offers SolarPLEXUS, a gateway that optimizes the operation of SolarLEAF units and facilitates connectivity within the system. Their software platform further aggregates energy data to support utilities in managing grid operations and enables system owners to effectively manage their power and reduce expenses.

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.

EVmatch

Grant in 2021
EVmatch, Inc. is a technology company based in Redwood City, California, that specializes in electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. Founded in 2016, the company offers an online application that enables users to locate, reserve, and pay for charging stations. Its platform features online mapping, a proprietary pricing algorithm, and payment processing capabilities, making it easier for renters, multi-dwellers, and property owners to access EV charging. EVmatch focuses on enhancing the reliability and accessibility of EV charging by connecting drivers to underutilized public charging stations and facilitating the sharing of private charging networks. The company's integrated solutions include Level 2 smart charging stations and a patented EV charging adapter, providing a flexible and unified approach to managed and shared charging in communities.

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.

Caban Systems

Grant in 2019
Caban Systems, founded in 2017 and based in San Mateo, California, specializes in the design and manufacture of modular lithium-ion energy storage systems tailored for the telecommunications industry. The company focuses on providing software-enabled solutions that enhance energy management for off-grid and weak-grid telecom sites. By utilizing intelligent lithium-ion battery packs, Caban Systems aims to prevent downtime and lower the total cost of ownership and maintenance for telecom towers. This approach not only helps clients save on energy expenses but also contributes to reduced emissions, making it a valuable partner for telecommunication companies and mobile network operators.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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