Energy Efficiency

California has led the nation in energy efficiency programs since the 1970s. Due to the state’s long standing efficiency programs, per capita energy use has remained flat, while the rest of the US has increased by about 33 percent.

The CPUC regulates investor-owned utility (IOU) ratepayer-funded energy efficiency programs. The CPUC works with the IOUs, other portfolio administrators, and vendors to develop programs and measures to transform technology markets within California using ratepayer funds.

CPUC's role in regulating Energy Efficiency

Proceeding Information

Rulemaking R.25-04-010 - The new Energy Efficiency proceeding for oversight of energy efficiency portfolios, policies, programs and evaluation.
Rulemaking R.13-11-005 - Recently closed Energy Efficiency proceeding.
Application A.22-02-005 et al. - Applications from nine EE Portfolio Administrators requesting approval of strategies, programs and budgets for 2024-2031.
Major Recent Decisions:
- D.25-11-023: Decision approving initial tranche of energy efficiency market transformation initiatives
- D.25-08-034: Energy Efficiency Goals for 2026-2037
- D.23-06-055: Authorization of Energy Efficiency Strategies, Budgets, and Portfolios for 2024-2031 and 2028-2031
- D.23-04-035: (VEA) - Viable Electric Alternative Decision
- D.21-05-031: Established Total System Benefit (TSB) as the goals metric and assesses energy efficiency potential and goals policy decision and modification of portfolio approval and oversight process.
- D.19-12-021: Frameworks for Energy Efficiency Regional Energy Networks and Market Transformation
- D.18-05-041: Energy Efficiency-Business Plan Decision (2018-2025)
For more proceeding information, see Energy Efficiency Procurement and Solicitations

Key Data and Reports:

CPUC's California Energy Data and Reporting System (CEDARs) - for viewing up-to-date savings, budgets, expenditures, and cost effectiveness of California's EE programs
California Electronic Technical Resource Manual (eTRM) - an online application that serves a repository for all statewide deemed measures for California
Evaluation Studies Public Document Search - view current master evaluation plan, search research plans, draft reports, and provide comments on active documents
CalMAC - California Measurement Advisory Council (CALMAC) - library of program evaluation and research reports on EE and other clean energy programs

Energy Efficiency Resources:

Rolling Portfolio Program Guidance
Links to Portfolio Administrators
Publications, Evaluations, and Reports
Response to Recommendation (RTR) Materials
- RTR Tracker - spreadsheet tracking RTR due dates and submittals
- RTR Process - document detailing the RTR communication and follow-up process
- RTR Template - example RTR document (unfilled)

Information for Consumers

If you are looking for EE Programs for your home, business or property, please see the webpage of the EE Program Administrators that serve your area:

Pacific Gas & Electric EE Programs (serves Northern California)
Marin Clean Energy Programs (serves Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano Counties)
Bay Area Regional Energy Network (serves Bay Area)
Tri County Regional Energy Network (serves San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties)
Northern Rural Energy Network (serves Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, El Dorado, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Mariposa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sierra, Sutter, Tuolumne, and Yuba Counties)
Central Rural Energy Network (serves Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Mono, Monterey, San Benito, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Stanislaus, and Tulare Counties)
Southern California Edison (serves Southern California)
Southern California Gas Programs (serves Southern California)
Southern California Regional Energy Network (serves Southern California)
San Diego Gas and Electric Programs (serves San Diego County and Southern Orange County)
San Diego Regional Energy Network

If you have been contacted by a CPUC evaluation contractor and wish to verify that the request is legitimate, click to access current active surveys.

New Vendor Inquiries - IOU processes for considering new energy efficiency technology and program ideas
Income Qualified Assistance Programs - Assistance for qualified households to save energy and reduce monthly bills.

Archive Energy Efficiency page - click here