Clean Energy Access: LA County TECH Grant: Round 2

The Clean Energy Access (Phase 2): LA County TECH (CEA-LAT) Grant is a funding initiative administered by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) through its Equity and Access (E&A) Grant Program. The grant program is grounded in the principles of environmental and social justice, specifically targeting systemic disadvantages faced by under-resourced communities in California. These communities, particularly in Los Angeles County, including the Aliso Canyon Disaster Area and the San Fernando Valley, experience higher exposure to pollution, economic underinvestment, and limited access to affordable, clean energy solutions. To address these disparities, the CPUC established the CEA-LAT Grant as a continuation of its legislative directives under AB 157 and Resolution M-4875, drawing funds from the Aliso Canyon Recovery Account. The primary objective of the CEA-LAT Grant is to support community-based organizations (CBOs) in educating and facilitating access to the Technology for Equipment and Clean Heating (TECH) Clean California initiative. This statewide initiative promotes the adoption of low-emissions heat pump technologies and supports building decarbonization, especially within low- and moderate-income households. The grant aims to fund outreach, education, and program navigation assistance that connects eligible households with the TECH program’s benefits, such as rebates and incentives for installing energy-efficient heating, cooling, and water heating systems. Rather than funding infrastructure or equipment, the CEA-LAT Grant emphasizes capacity-building, community engagement, and the removal of barriers that prevent communities from accessing clean energy solutions. Eligible applicants must be California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are not operated by local governments or acting as fiscal sponsors. The funded projects must exclusively serve Los Angeles County, with priority given to organizations situated in or serving the Aliso Canyon Disaster Area and San Fernando Valley. Applicants must have a proven history of community engagement and a deep understanding of the cultural and infrastructural needs of the populations they aim to serve. Examples of eligible activities include conducting culturally relevant educational workshops on heat pump benefits, facilitating TECH application navigation, providing staff training on decarbonization policies, evaluating the effectiveness of outreach efforts, and collaborating directly with TECH implementers such as Energy Solutions. The grant will award up to $200,000 per organization, drawn from a total fund of $1.9 million allocated for grants (with an additional $100,000 allocated for program administration). Applications are accepted in competitive cycles, with the second cycle opening on February 2, 2026 and closing on April 30, 2026. Applications are reviewed based on a 100-point scoring system, split between a 65-point narrative section and a 35-point supporting documentation section. For requests under $150,000, awards are made ministerially by CPUC staff. For larger requests, a Resolution process requiring 2–3 months is followed. Awardees will receive grant agreements outlining deliverables, terms, and compliance expectations, with funding encumbrance required by June 30, 2027 and project completion by April 1, 2030. Application submission requires a project narrative, IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, budget table, workplan table, and two letters of support. Applications must be submitted electronically to [email protected], and full formatting requirements are detailed in the official guidelines. Reporting is mandatory every six months for the duration of the project, with an additional final report due at project completion. Recipients may also be invited to monthly check-in meetings with CPUC staff. The CEA-LAT Grant represents a targeted and strategic investment in equitably expanding access to clean energy solutions, focusing on education, engagement, and support rather than physical infrastructure.

Clearly define target community and align project with TECH goals; provide citations and metrics as part of evaluation plan; follow CPUC scoring rubric.