This resource page is designed to help interested parties track and participate in the application to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on CalMTA’s behalf, which would authorize deployment of Room Heat Pumps and Induction Cooking Market Transformation Initiative (MTI) Plans. These two MTIs are projected to cost-effectively deliver over $1B in Total System Benefits (TSB) to the state over their lifetimes.
On Sept. 23, the CPUC released a Proposed Decision (PD) as well as an Alternate Proposed Decision (APD) on the two MTIs submitted. After analysis, it’s clear that the APD put out by the Commission would greatly restrain the CalMTA program’s progress and overall success.
This is because:
The first two MTIs put forward target room heat pump and induction cooking technologies have been supported by equity representatives, MT experts, consumers advocates, and others because:
The Commission is scheduled to vote on the decisions on Nov. 20 (note: this is delayed from the original Oct. 30 date).
We have heard from many folks asking what they can do to help express their support for CalMTA’s work and the PD. At this stage, you can attend the Commission meeting on Oct. 30 either in person (in Sacramento) or virtually. These are public meetings, and an opportunity to share brief oral comments is provided at the beginning of the meeting to individuals who do not represent parties to the proceeding. The Oct. 30 meeting is the best opportunity to have your voice heard before the Commission’s final decision is made.
Learn more about how to participate at: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/events-and-meetings/cpuc-voting-meeting-10-30-25 (see webcast links)
The Oct. 30 meeting agenda is available here, however we do not yet have the agenda for Nov. 20: https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Published/G000/M584/K971/584971221.pdf
The CPUC’s Docket Card, linked to here, serves as the official site for all documents related to this proceeding. CalMTA’s application materials can also be found on PG&E’s Public Case Document search webpage by selecting “Statewide Energy Efficiency Market Transformation Initiatives” under the “Case” drop-down menu. More information about market transformation and the key components and benefits of the two MTI Plans can be found at the bottom of this page.
All updates about CalMTA’s application are sent through the official CPUC service list for the proceeding. If you would like to be added to the service list, complete this form, with “A.24-12-009” entered as the proceeding number in the top right corner, and email it to [email protected].
CalMTA will be providing updates via our Linked In page at: linkedin.com/showcase/calmta/
California set ambitious market transformation goals under CPUC Decision 19-12-021 to accelerate energy efficiency and achieve statewide objectives related to decarbonization, equity, and grid flexibility. The first MTIs approved for deployment will set the precedent for whether this framework succeeds. Stability, flexibility, and adequate resources are needed for CalMTA to design and implement the portfolio of transformative strategies described in this legislation.
The PD provides a clear pathway for achieving the intent of this key legislatively mandated (SB 350) strategy for efficiency and climate action in California, as it:
The terms laid out in the APD make it very unlikely that CalMTA would be viable to fulfill the vision of the original decision.
For questions or support, please contact Rachel Good at [email protected].
The Room Heat Pumps MTI seeks to accelerate market adoption of room heat pumps (including portable and window-mounted heat pumps), which provide efficient heating and cooling in existing small, single-family, and multifamily households.
The Room Heat Pump MTI is expected to cost $62.8 million, with a forecasted Total System Benefit (TSB) of $521 million through 2045. It has a Total Resource Cost (TRC) of 5.46. Key aspects of the MTI include:
These products will also be a valuable addition to energy efficiency, weatherization, and climate resilience programs, particularly those targeting environmental and social justice (ESJ) communities. In addition to filling a technology gap for renters and cost-constrained consumers, room heat pumps can eliminate the need for households to run inefficient devices like electric resistance heaters, which drive up electrical bills. Incenting retailers to stock and market more affordable models makes the technology more accessible. The future inclusion of air filtration capabilities will help improve indoor air quality, which will especially benefit areas with poor environmental health.
The table below includes key cost and savings numbers for the Room Heat Pumps MTI:
The Induction Cooking MTI seeks to accelerate market adoption of efficient induction cooktops and ranges to provide a high-quality cooking experience with the added health and safety benefits afforded by induction technology.
The Induction Cooking MTI is expected to cost $37.4 million, with a forecasted Total System Benefit (TSB) of $537 million through 2045. It has a Total Resource Cost (TRC) of 1.12. Key aspects of the MTI include:
As developed by CalMTA, the Induction Cooking MTI also yields significant benefits to environmental and social justice (ESJ) communities. Incenting manufacturers to develop 120V battery-equipped products will lower the cost of adoption and provide additional benefits (off-peak charging, increased resilience, etc.). Encouraging retailers to stock and market more affordable induction products makes the technology more accessible to more households. Increased availability of affordable induction products will equip programs that serve ESJ communities with more and better electric cooking options. Finally, transitioning the market away from gas cooking will mitigate negative health impacts (like IAQ and childhood asthma), which disproportionately impact ESJ communities.
The table below includes key cost and savings numbers for the Induction Cooking MTI:
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.
Learn more about CalMTA’s planning and research on energy efficient technologies and our work to build California’s market transformation portfolio, and access quarterly and annual progress reports.
Want to learn more? Join our mailing list to stay informed about upcoming meetings and events, RFI and RFP announcements, and more.
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.
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