Clean Power Alliance (CPA), California’s largest community choice energy aggregator, has launched two new initiatives aimed at bringing emerging clean energy technologies and customer-focused program ideas to market.
The organization opened a 2026 Clean Energy Innovation Solicitation alongside a separate Program Innovation Request for Information to encourage developers, entrepreneurs and industry partners to propose new solutions that could strengthen the state’s transition to cleaner electricity.
The initiatives target different parts of the energy system.
One focuses on new power generation and energy storage technologies, while the other seeks ideas for customer programs that improve energy savings, resilience and community participation. Additionally, Clean Power Alliance said the efforts are designed to complement its existing procurement process by supporting projects that may not fit traditional competitive solicitations.
Chief executive officer Ted Bardacke said innovation remains essential to building a cleaner, more reliable and more affordable electricity system. He said the organization wants entrepreneurs and technology developers to help shape the next generation of clean energy solutions.
The Clean Energy Innovation Solicitation opened for submissions on June 29. Developers have until mid-December to submit proposals, and Clean Power Alliance expects to notify applicants of decisions in early 2027. Meanwhile, the Program Innovation Request for Information will gather ideas that could eventually lead to separate competitive procurement opportunities.
Unlike the organization’s traditional Requests for Offers, the innovation solicitation welcomes earlier-stage technologies. The program targets renewable electricity, carbon-free generation, energy storage and other advanced energy solutions. These could eventually strengthen Clean Power Alliance’s electricity portfolio or operations.
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New initiative backs clean energy technologies and customer innovation
Additionally, eligible projects must be located within California Independent System Operator (CAISO) territory or be able to deliver electricity to the CAISO grid. Project sizes must range between one megawatt and 50 megawatts, and developers must expect commercial readiness no later than 2037.
Clean Power Alliance said fossil fuel generation paired with carbon capture technology does not qualify for the current solicitation.
The organization hopes the initiative will help promising technologies move closer to commercial deployment. Consequently, selected developers can choose between receiving a formal letter of support or pursuing an agreement that could lead to negotiations for a future power purchase agreement after reaching specific development milestones.
Vice president of power supply Lindsay Descagnia said the solicitation reflects the organization’s commitment to expanding California’s clean energy sector. She said Clean Power Alliance wants to create opportunities for emerging technologies that improve grid reliability, advance the state’s clean energy objectives and deliver lasting value to local communities.
California has continued expanding renewable electricity generation while adding more battery storage to improve grid reliability. However, many newer technologies struggle to secure financing or commercial agreements during their early development stages. This is because utilities typically favour proven systems with established operating records.
The innovation solicitation attempts to bridge that gap by offering developers a pathway toward future commercial partnerships without requiring immediate full-scale power purchase agreements. Additionally, the approach could help promising technologies demonstrate their capabilities before competing in larger procurement programs.
The separate Program Innovation Request for Information shifts attention from electricity generation to customer services.
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Proposals could include tech that reduces household energy use
Instead of seeking new power projects, it asks businesses and organizations to propose programs or partnerships that provide direct benefits to customers across Clean Power Alliance’s service territory.
Those proposals could include technologies or services that reduce household energy use. This could lead to reduced electricity costs. Furthermore, CPA said submissions could lead to future procurement opportunities if they demonstrate practical value for customers and the organization.
Senior director of programs Joanne O’Neill said innovation extends beyond buying electricity. She said the request seeks practical ideas and partnerships to help customers save money, strengthen energy resilience and become more active participants in the state’s evolving electricity system.
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