Contact
You can reach the Policy + Innovation Coordination Group Project Coordinator at:
This Workstream concluded its work in 2020.
Note: By joining the workstream, you will be invited to all the workstream meetings and you will be receiving all the documents related to the workstream.
At the initial workstream meeting, participants will identify critical gaps in ensuring equitable access to clean energy.
October 6, 2020, 4:30 pm – 6 pmPresenters
David Diaz (Bassett Avocado Advanced Energy Community) - Presentation Link
Sascha von Meier (UC Berkeley) - Presentation Link
Matt Belasco (Pittsburg Unified School District) - Presentation Link
Daniel Kammen (UC Berkeley) - Presentation Link
Stephanie Berkland (TRC Engineers, Inc.) - Presentation Link
Video Recording
Workstream participants will gain lessons learned from previous efforts on inclusive program design, and start working on a framework for increasing transparency, community involvement, and knowledge transfer in RD&D project design.
October 15, 2020, 4:30 pm – 6 pmPresenters
Amee Raval (Asian Pacific Environmental Network) - Presentation Link
Ram Narayanamurthy (EPRI) - Presentation Link
Alexandria McBride (City of Oakland) - Presentation Link
Mack W. Knobbe, Prajwal Gautam (SCE) - Presentation Link
Video Recording
With support from the Project Coordinator, workstream members will work to finalize a framework for equitable engagement and project design, and identify opportunities for coordination with EPIC projects.
December 3, 2020, 4:30 pm – 6 pmPresenters
Erik Stokes (California Energy Commission) - Presentation Link
Renee Cinar (SCE) - Presentation Link
Hana Creger (Greenlining Institute) - Presentation Link
Video Recording
This initiative will focus on bringing together EPIC projects and community leaders who have worked in Disadvantaged and Low-Income Communities to discuss areas for collaboration.
Stakeholders will work together to discuss and identify critical gaps for Disadvantaged and Low-Income Communities within EPIC project design.
Workstream participants will present and discuss opportunities for inclusive program design.
With support from the Proejct Coordinator, workstream members will work to develop a framework for equitable engagement and project design for RD&D projects.
This partnership area will aim to drastically improve the dialogue and leverage existing community knowledge for understanding critical differences and similarities in our California communities, how to engage in true partnership with communities, and how to maximize community benefit.
Equity is important in the process of developing and implementing EPIC and other energy programs. Program implementers face obstacles in understanding what disadvantaged communities actually need from a clean energy research, development & demonstration effort. This gap leads to difficulty in developing innovative research, development & demonstration projects that aren't just located in DACs and low-income communities, but actually work to overcome access and equity barriers in these communities. As our electric grid continues to transform and evolve, it is critical to consider the implications of new technologies and policies on disadvantaged communities.
The electric grid is complex and ever-changing, and so are community needs across California. It is imperative that we advance our energy economy in a way that is equitable and most effective for our diverse community needs. Inclusive energy program design will help us design the right energy programs and infrastructure for Californians while ensuring that low-income families are not left behind.
Who do communities trust? How do trusted messengers convery information to and about the community?
What resources and technical assistance do community organizations need to engage?
What technical assistance and support would be helpful?
What aspects of an RD&D project do community members and community-based organizations want to be involved in?
What challenges do low-income homeowners face in adopting clean energy technology?
What challenges rental and multi-family properties face?
What challenges do businesses in DAC and low-income communities face?
What are the intersections with public and personal health and safety?
What aspects made them successful? Or why did they fail?
What EPIC project challenges are still unresolved?
Who may be missing from the discussion and how can we go to them so they are included?
What structures can be put in place to empower communities to identify their specific community needs, and enable EPIC program investments and projects to address those needs?
How can we leverage existing financing programs to help DACs/Low-Income communities access clean energy?
If you would like to submit public comment for consideration as part of the Workstream, email it to us using the link below.
You can reach the Policy + Innovation Coordination Group Project Coordinator at:
