Electric Program Investment Charge Program - EPIC

This program is funded by California utility customers under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission. 2025 EPIC Highlights The 2025 EPIC Highlights summarizes key takeaways from the 2025 EPIC Annual Report. Read More The Benefits of Clean Energy Research The deadly and destructive fires of the past few years along with the findings from the California Fourth Climate Change Assessment highlight some of the impacts California can expect if greenhouse gas emissions are not drastically reduced. To help meet the state’s climate goals, new clean energy solutions are developed and commercialized to decarbonize the electricity sector. The EPIC program invests more than $130 million annually. EPIC-funded research is helping to: Expand the use of renewable energy. Build a safe and resilient electricity system. Advance electric technologies for transportation. Enable a more decentralized electric grid. Improve the comfort of California’s communities. Support California’s local economies and businesses. Broader Participation Equals Greater Innovation The Energy Commission is committed to increasing diversity in the energy sector, and veteran, and LGBTQ business enterprises are encouraged to apply for funding opportunities. The Energy Commission is also committed to ensuring all Californians benefit from clean energy research. It has minimum funding allocations of 25 percent of EPIC technology demonstration and deployment investments to sites located in, and benefiting, disadvantaged communities and an additional minimum 10 percent to sites located in, and benefiting, low-income communities. Visit the links below to learn more about the EPIC program. Expand All Collapse All The EPIC Program 2026–2030 Investment Plan (EPIC 5) 2021-2025 Investment Planning (EPIC 4) Energy Research and Development Solicitations Contractor Information Diversity Commitment EPIC Administrators The EPIC program, which the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) established in 2012, supports public interest investments in clean energy research. Ratepayers from the state’s three largest investor-owned utilities – Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) – fund the program. The Energy Commission manages 80 percent of the program, with PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E administering the remainder. PG&E Research Programs SCE Research Programs SDG&E Research Programs CPUC Funding Opportunities CalSEED  - Provides small grant funding for entrepreneurs and researchers Funding Opportunities for Energy Research & Development How to Apply for EPIC Grant Funding Opportunities - PDF Request for Information Request for Information - Integrating Energy Efficiency and Carbon Management in Indoor Farming Systems - Due Date: August 7, 2026. Request for Information - DER Orchestration Research - Due Date: March 28, 2025. Request for Information - Entangled Debris Monitoring for Floating Offshore Wind Infrastructure - Due Date: September 13, 2024. Request for Information - Deep-Water High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Substations for Offshore Wind - Due Date: August 15, 2024. Request for Information - Solar on Uneven Terrain - Due Date: July 8, 2024. Request for Information - Geothermal Lithium - Due Date: September 15, 2023. Publications and Documents EPIC Investment Plan and Annual Reports Newest Research and Development Division Final Reports All Research and Development Division Final Reports Upcoming Events Sep 29 2026 2026 Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) Symposium September 29, 2026 | 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM Remote Access or In-Person