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.

Jonah Steinbuck

Director

Past deals in Utilities

Quino Energy

Grant in 2025
Quino Energy specializes in the manufacture of cost-effective batteries utilizing a unique technology based on quinones dissolved in water. The batteries, derived from low-cost coal tar and wood tar, are designed for long-duration energy storage of 5 to 12 hours, making them more efficient than competing technologies. The company has licensed this innovative quinone flow battery technology from Harvard University, where it was initially developed. Quino Energy aims to provide scalable and long-lasting grid energy storage solutions that support a fully renewable energy future. Its storage services cater to various applications, including grid resiliency, microgrids, and renewable energy storage, accommodating needs from individual homes to large solar farms.

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. specializes in the development, ownership, and operation of electric microgrids designed to assist commercial and industrial clients in managing risks associated with electricity. Founded in 2006 and based in Kemah, Texas, the company operates primarily in the Greater Houston area, providing services that include the design, project management, installation, and commissioning of microgrids. Enchanted Rock also focuses on various aspects of distributed power, such as electrical interconnection, energy market integration, and control technologies, alongside the maintenance of natural gas backup power systems. Their microgrid solutions aim to protect clients from unexpected power outages, ensuring business continuity and supporting civic responsibilities across municipalities, government entities, and various businesses.

Form Energy

Grant in 2023
Form Energy, Inc. specializes in the development of long-duration energy storage systems aimed at enhancing the reliability of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Founded in 2017 and based in Somerville, Massachusetts, the company focuses on creating low-cost battery systems, including its innovative iron-air battery technology, which allows for energy storage over extended periods. This capability enables the dispatch of renewable energy throughout the year, effectively replacing traditional fossil fuel-based generation and contributing to the decarbonization of the electric grid. Additionally, Form Energy offers Formware, a capacity expansion software tool designed to optimize energy management. The company's technological advancements are rooted in research from MIT and are supported by various investors committed to sustainable energy solutions.

Nuvve

Grant in 2023
Nuvve Holding Corp specializes in accelerating the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) by harnessing its proprietary Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology. The company's core business involves lowering the cost of EV ownership while facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. Nuvve achieves this through its intelligent, bidirectional charging solutions offered via its Grid Integrated Vehicle (GIVe™) platform, primarily serving electric vehicle fleets in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Denmark.

Nikola Motor Company

Grant in 2023
Nikola Motor Company is an electric vehicle manufacturer based in Salt Lake City, Utah, founded in 2014. The company specializes in developing hydrogen fuel cells, battery electric trucks, and associated energy solutions, with the goal of transforming the transportation industry on a global scale. Nikola gained significant attention for its ambition to revolutionize the trucking sector through innovative electric and hydrogen fuel cell technologies. Initially, the company focused on creating zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell trucks designed for long-haul commercial use, with a range of up to 1,200 miles. Additionally, Nikola planned to establish hydrogen refueling infrastructure to support its vehicles, further enhancing its commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.

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.

EVgo

Venture Round in 2023
EVgo Services LLC, established in 2010 and headquartered in Los Angeles, specializes in operating a network of fast-charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) across the United States. The company's infrastructure is compatible with all fast-charge capable EV models, providing up to 90 miles of range in just 30 minutes. EVgo partners with various businesses and organizations, such as grocery stores, automotive manufacturers, and local governments, to strategically place its charging stations, ensuring convenience and accessibility for EV drivers.

Yotta Energy

Grant in 2022
Yotta Energy Inc. specializes in manufacturing innovative solar storage solutions, primarily through its flagship product, the SolarLEAF. This modular battery storage device integrates seamlessly with photovoltaic (PV) panels, offering passive thermal regulation to enhance efficiency. The SolarLEAF is designed to minimize the soft costs associated with the design, installation, and maintenance of energy storage systems, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional centralized solutions. Additionally, Yotta Energy provides SolarPLEXUS, a gateway that enables the automated management and optimization of individual SolarLEAF units. The company also offers a software platform that aggregates energy potential from various systems, aiding utilities in grid management and helping system owners optimize their power usage and reduce costs. Founded in 2016 and based in Austin, Texas, Yotta Energy aims to enhance energy control and resilience through its innovative technologies.

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. Established in 2011, the company has developed a patented technology that transforms sewage sludge into clean water, renewable energy, and sustainable building products. Headquartered at the Beall Applied Innovation Center on the UC Irvine campus, Gate 5 has partnered with the Santa Margarita Water District to construct a demonstration plant at their Chiquita Water Reclamation Facility in Orange County, California. The company's innovative approach not only addresses waste management but also contributes to public health and environmental protection. Gate 5 has received recognition and funding from organizations such as the California Energy Commission and the US Department of Energy for its impactful technology.

EVmatch

Grant in 2021
EVmatch, Inc. is an electric vehicle charging company that offers an online application to locate and reserve charging stations. Founded in 2016 and based in Redwood City, California, its platform facilitates online mapping, booking, and payment processing, while also utilizing a proprietary pricing algorithm to estimate charging costs. The company aims to enhance EV charging reliability, accessibility, and interoperability, serving renters, multi-dwellers, and property owners. By integrating Level 2 smart charging stations and a patented EV charging adapter, EVmatch provides a flexible solution for managed and shared charging, allowing users to access underutilized charging stations and expand public charging networks through the availability of private chargers.

Salient Energy

Grant in 2021
Salient Energy is focused on the commercialization of a novel zinc-ion battery developed from research at the University of Waterloo. This innovative battery technology is designed for electricity storage in the grid, offering a safer and more sustainable alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries. Salient Energy's proprietary cathode materials uniquely incorporate zinc into their crystal lattice, resulting in a relatively high energy density. This advancement allows for the use of traditional battery designs compatible with existing manufacturing processes, making it feasible to produce these batteries in current facilities worldwide. Consequently, Salient Energy's products provide a cost-effective, long-lasting solution for energy storage, catering to the needs of electric industry stakeholders.

BoxPower

Grant in 2020
BoxPower Inc. is focused on enhancing power and energy resilience through its innovative ecosystem of modular products. The company develops solar microgrid software and hardware to optimize performance and facilitate the deployment of microgrids. BoxPower offers a range of services, including project development, system design and engineering, installation, monitoring, and maintenance for integrated solar, battery, and backup generator systems. This approach allows clients to achieve faster deployment and lower costs for commercial and utility microgrid projects. BoxPower has operated in diverse locations, from Alaska to Puerto Rico, supporting clients in disaster relief, rural electrification, medical clinics, utilities, remote agriculture, and off-grid commercial applications. To date, the company has offset over 40 million pounds of carbon dioxide and provides 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.

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.
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