Energy Efficiency

California has led the nation in energy efficiency programs since the 1970s. Due to the state’s efficiency programs, per capita energy use has remained flat, while the rest of the US has increased by about 33 percent. More information on the impacts of current Energy Efficiency Programs can be found here.

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.13-11-005 - Establishes a proceeding in which to fund the current energy efficiency portfolios and address various related policy issues.
• 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.23-08-005: Energy Efficiency Goals for 2024-2035
  • D.23-06-055: Authorization of Energy Efficiency Strategies, Budgets, and Portfolios for 2024-2031
  • D.19-12-021: Frameworks for Energy Efficiency Regional Energy Networks and Market Transformation
• For more proceeding information, see Energy Efficiency Proceeding Activity

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:

• 2020 EE Policy Manual
• Portfolio Administrator-Filed Reports 

• Rolling Portfolio Program Guidance
• Links to Portfolio Administrators
• Publications, Evaluations, and Reports

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) 
• Rural Regional Energy Network (serves rural populations in four regions: North Coast, Central Coast, San Joaquin Valley and Sierra) 
• 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)

 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