California’s work with environmental and social justice (ESJ) communities
CalMTA recognizes the historical inequities of energy efficiency investment and is using an equity lens in our approach to developing a market transformation portfolio for California that delivers benefits to environmental and social justice communities. The California Public Utilities Commission defines ESJ communities as “predominantly communities of color or low-income communities that are underrepresented in the policy setting or decision-making process, subject to a disproportionate impact from one or more environmental hazards, and are likely to experience disparate implementation of environmental regulations and socioeconomic investments in their communities.”
In addition to California’s energy and climate goals, CalMTA seeks to support statewide priorities on environmental and social justice and ensure market transformation initiative (MTI) outcomes reflect the needs and desires of the communities they benefit.
To this end, we are working with experts in the California market on equity program development and implementation to:
CalMTA has established an Equity Sounding Board to support our efforts, comprised of eight professionals who advocate for, or work within, ESJ communities who provide professional insight and feedback on MTI development. Building on the series of listening sessions conducted in 2023 and 2024 with CBOs, workforce education and training (WE&T) entities, and independent consultants focused on energy equity, this group guides CalMTA’s equity engagement, assists in identifying actions that would cause unforeseen harm, and acts as a ready resource for feedback on our work.
In addition to these initiative-level efforts, the company administering the CalMTA contract, Resource Innovations, has established firm commitments and actionable strategies to achieve “majority-diverse representation in our leadership, hiring, partners, and spend. This includes women, minorities, and additional diverse categories.” See Resource Innovations’ DEI page to learn more.
California has a strong commitment to ensuring that communities facing a disproportionate energy burden and historical inequities of efficiency investment enjoy the benefits of energy efficiency. In support of these statewide goals, CalMTA is working to apply an “equity lens” in development of the state’s first portfolio of energy efficiency
The equity focus adopted in recent years by energy efficiency resource acquisition programs across the country has been slower to manifest as a significant component of market transformation initiatives. Market transformation interventions typically focus on influencing supply chain entities that offer market leverage (e.g., manufacturers, distributors, contractors, retailers) rather than
The 2024 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings brought together more than 1,200 energy professionals last month to share their innovative work and collaborate on solutions to persistent challenges, centered on the theme Equity and Climate Action: Time to Deliver. During the conference, CalMTA team members were able to share
CalMTA recognizes the historical inequities of efficiency investment and is working to apply an equity lens in our approach to developing a market transformation (MT) portfolio for California that delivers benefits to environmental and social justice (ESJ) communities. Building on a series of listening sessions with organizations serving ESJ communities
CalMTA sends regular updates about progress on our work. Join our mailing list to stay up-to-date on the development of California’s market transformation plan.
Our Advisory Board meetings are always open to the public, and our informational webinars offer insight into the market transformation process. All available live or on demand.
We welcome your questions and suggestions.
Have questions or comments about CalMTA?
Use our contact form to connect with us, or reach out to:
CalMTA
Resource Innovations
719 Main Street, Suite A
Half Moon Bay, CA, 94019
(888) 217-0217
All Advisory Board meetings are open for public comment. If you’re unable to share your thoughts during an MTAB meeting, access our comment form to to provide your opinion.
Want to learn more? Sign up for our mailing list to receive twice-monthly updates about upcoming events, including Advisory Board meetings, informational webinars, important RFI deadlines, and more.
The California Market Transformation Administrator (CalMTA) develops and manages market transformation initiatives in the state to reduce energy use and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
CalMTA follows a rigorous process for reviewing, scoring, and then developing relevant, timely market transformation initiatives. The process supports market transformation initiative creation from concept to program development to market deployment, as well as the eventual exiting of the market.
