Equity and Access Public Participation Grant

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) administers the Equity and Access (E&A) Grant Program, which was originally created in 2022 through the Budget Act of 2022 (AB 179). The program initially included three separate grant accounts, but all initial funding was either awarded or reallocated by June 2024. However, in September 2024, the California Legislature allocated new funding of $2,000,000 to the program under the Budget Act of 2024 (AB 157), drawing from the Aliso Canyon Recovery Account.

The new funding supports the Clean Energy Access (Phase 2): LA County TECH (CEA-LAT) Grant, which is designed to provide grants to Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) in Los Angeles County. These grants fund outreach and education activities related to the Technology for Equipment and Clean Heating (TECH) Initiative. The initiative focuses on building decarbonization, healthy homes, electrification technologies, and the health impacts of these technologies. Projects that specifically serve the Aliso Canyon Disaster Area and the San Fernando Valley will be prioritized for funding.

The proposed CEA-LAT Grant guidelines, including the program structure and application requirements, are currently pending approval via Resolution M-4875. Members of the public may submit comments on the resolution until March 20, 2025, by emailing stephanie.green@cpuc.ca.gov, sarah.thomas@cpuc.ca.gov, or capacitygrants@cpuc.ca.gov. If approved, grants of up to $200,000 will be available for eligible CBOs to conduct outreach and engagement activities related to the TECH Initiative.

Only California tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code are eligible to apply for this grant. All funded projects must be located in Los Angeles County, with a preference for projects serving the Aliso Canyon Disaster Area or the San Fernando Valley. Allowable activities include conducting community outreach and education, training staff to support outreach, evaluating project impacts, and coordinating with the TECH Initiative implementer. Full eligibility and program requirements are outlined in the proposed CEA-LAT Grant Guidelines, specifically on pages 14 through 44.

Applications for the CEA-LAT Grant will be accepted once the resolution is approved, but specific opening and closing dates are not provided in the available content. Questions about the program may be directed to capacitygrants@cpuc.ca.gov. Interested organizations are also encouraged to subscribe to the Equity and Access Grant Program email list for further updates and announcements.