The CPUC strives to include the needs and voices of underserved and underrepresented communities in its decision-making processes. In 2022, the California Legislature appropriated $30,000,000 in the Budget Act of 2022 (AB 179) for capacity grants to Tribes and community-based organizations (CBOs) for participation in CPUC decision-making processes and supporting activities. The Equity and Access (E&A) Grant Program was created to implement this legislation.

The Equity and Access (E&A) Grant Program consists of three (3) grant accounts. The grant accounts include the “Public Participation Grant”, “Equity, Engagement, and Education Grant” and “Clean Energy Access Grant.” These accounts recognize the scope of activities envisioned by the authorizing legislation as well as ensure that application and reporting requirements are appropriate for the given level of funding.