This solicitation is part of the Community Energy Reliability & Resilience Investment (CERRI) Program, which invests in deployment projects across California that increase community energy reliability and resilience, support California’s climate and energy policies, improve energy justice and equity, and create good-paying jobs. Funding for this program was authorized under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Section 40101(d).
In recent years, California has experienced increased electrical system outages caused by climate-related events such as increased wildfires, heat waves, and storms, or through public safety power shutoffs (PSPS). These events, as well as aging infrastructure, threaten grid reliability, public health and safety, economic prosperity, communities, and ecosystems. They also pose disproportionate consequences for the most vulnerable populations in both rural and urban areas.
The intent of this solicitation is to invest in projects that increase the electric reliability and resiliency of communities in California by reducing outage frequency, duration, magnitude, and associated community impacts, while bolstering California’s workforce and promoting equity. To factor in equity considerations, the program prioritizes projects located in low-income communities, California Native-American tribal territories, and disadvantaged communities and requires applicants to partner with a community-based organization (CBO) or tribe.
The CERRI Program is designed to prioritize projects that will generate the greatest community benefit by reducing the likelihood and consequences of electrical system outages. As such, projects that are close to shovel-ready, have initiated the environmental review process, or leverage otherwise stranded assets or existing infrastructure will be scored favorably. The objectives are oriented around four main themes outlined below. These themes are not listed in rank order.
- Energy reliability and resilience: Reduce the frequency, duration, and magnitude of power outages and strengthen communities’ ability to function during power outages by providing day-to-day and emergency services for its constituents.
- Community Benefits: Ensure that the benefits of clean, safe, affordable, and reliable energy are shared by all, particularly communities with critical energy reliability and resilience needs.
- Advancement of Energy and Climate Goals: Support California’s energy modernization and climate goals.
- Workforce Development and Labor: Create high-quality jobs with strong labor standards and protections that attract and train a skilled workforce for lasting careers in the clean energy industry.
Amount Available and Minimum/ Maximum Funding Amounts
There is up to $64,000,000 available for grants awarded under this solicitation. The total, minimum, and maximum funding amounts for each project group are listed below.
Project Group | Available Funding | Minimum Award | Maximum Award | Minimum Match Funding |
Group 1: Large Entities | $51,000,000 | $10,000,000 | $25,500,000 | 109% |
Group 2: Small Entities | $13,000,000 | $4,000,000 | $9,500,000 | 33.33% |
Match Funding Requirement
Group 1 (Large Entities): Match funding is required in the amount of at least 109 percent of the requested project funds.
Group 2 (Small Entities): Match funding is required in the amount of at least 33.33 percent of the requested project funds.
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