CalMTA has published its third quarter report summarizing significant activities and achievements from July-Sept. 2023 as we develop a portfolio of market transformation initiatives (MTIs) to advance California’s energy efficiency and climate goals. Notable milestones discussed in this report include: 

• The results of CalMTA’s first Request for Ideas (RFI), including a breakdown of the market segments and technology types addressed by the 117 submissions  
• Important operational updates, such as the 2024 Annual Budget Advice Letter (ABAL) that will serve as the foundation for CalMTA’s operations plan next year and the draft Evaluation Framework proposed to track MTI impact 
• Ongoing work to engage stakeholders across the state, with a focus on RFI awareness-building activities and planned listening sessions with environmental and social justice (ESJ) communities 
• An updated timeline for our batched approach to MTI development as we work to submit CalMTA’s first implementation plans for CPUC approval by Dec. 2024 

View the report

This Draft Advancement Plan describes information to be developed and research conducted to establish an Efficient Rooftop Units (ERTU) Market Transformation Initiative (MTI). Rooftop units are forced-air systems that package the evaporator, condenser coils, fans, and heating components into a single unit to serve a building’s heating, cooling, and ventilation needs. Three main design improvements addressing supply efficiency, heat recovery, and an improved shell can deliver 10–40% energy savings beyond today’s minimum efficiency RTUs. Greater savings and grid benefits can be achieved through the addition of advanced controls strategies.  CalMTA will use data and research collected to further inform and refine the proposed market transformation theory, intervention strategies, and metrics and data to determine if this MTI should be recommended for implementation.

Read the Efficient Commercial Rooftop HVAC Draft Advancement Plan

CalMTA will finalize the Advancement Plan after reviewing comments received from the Market Transformation Advisory Board (MTAB) and the public via the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Energy Division’s Public Documents Area website.

Comment on the Efficient Commercial Rooftop HVAC Draft Advancement Plan

This Draft Advancement Plan describes information to be developed and research conducted to establish a Portable/Window Heat Pumps Market Transformation Initiative (MTI). Portable and window heat humps (aka micro heat pumps) are affordable, self-contained consumer products that provide efficient heating and cooling for small spaces. These devices can be self-installed and plugged into standard 110-volt outlets. CalMTA will promote units that can still provide heat when the outdoor air temperature is below 41F, include air filtration, use low GWP refrigerants, and incorporate controls to allow the units to be grid-responsive in the future.  

Read the Portable/Window Heat Pumps Draft Advancement Plan

CalMTA will finalize the Advancement Plan after reviewing comments received from the Market Transformation Advisory Board (MTAB) and the public via the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Energy Division’s Public Documents Area website.

Comment on the Portable/Window Heat Pumps Draft Advancement Plan

This Draft Advancement Plan describes information to be developed and research conducted to establish an Induction Ranges and Cooktops Market Transformation Initiative (MTI). Induction ranges and cooktops use electromagnetic induction to heat cookware directly. Unlike traditional gas or electric stoves, which heat the burner, and the burner in turn heats the cookware, induction stoves work by directly heating the cooking vessel. They save energy through instant, direct, and efficient heat transfer, and provide precise temperature control. They do not emit noxious gases that contribute to reduced indoor air quality. Induction cooktops are available on combined stove/oven units, as a cooktop installed in a countertop, or as portable plug-in countertop units. 

Read the Induction Ranges and Cooktops Draft Advancement Plan

CalMTA will finalize the Advancement Plan after reviewing comments received from the Market Transformation Advisory Board (MTAB) and the public via the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Energy Division’s Public Documents Area website.

Comment on the Induction Ranges and Cooktops Draft Advancement Plan

CalMTA has released a report summarizing key milestones from April-June 2023 as we work to develop a balanced portfolio of energy efficiency market transformation initiatives (MTIs). Download our report to learn more about recent activities, including formation of our Market Transformation Advisory Board, recent Request for Ideas, and the energy efficiency stakeholders we’ve met with as we build a statewide network of market transformation allies.

Significant recent milestones include:

• Recruiting, hiring, and training new members of our highly skilled and diverse team to expand CalMTA’s statewide market presence and enable continued growth
• Recruiting and welcoming our inaugural Market Transformation Advisory Board (MTAB), a nine-member panel of industry experts who will help guide CalMTA’s work, which met for the first time in May
• Dedicated efforts to build an engaged network of advocates and allies across California, including program administrators, codes and standards and emerging technologies teams, market actors, and community-based organizations
• Launching our first Request for Ideas (RFI) and online Idea Portal, which interested parties can use to share innovative energy efficiency concepts with CalMTA for potential inclusion in our MTI portfolio

The activities described in this report represent critical steps towards supporting statewide energy efficiency, decarbonization, workforce development, and environmental and social justice goals, and create a foundation for future success.

View the report

CalMTA has released a Market Transformation Policy Manual to provide a summary of the rules established by California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) decisions that govern the Market Transformation Administrator (MTA/CalMTA). This manual also includes information that expands on the CPUC’s decisions from key sources, such as the contract between Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and Resource Innovations (RI) to provide CalMTA services.

Read the Market Transformation Policy Manual

Resource Innovations filed July 31 the 2024 energy efficiency (EE) annual budget advice letter (ABAL) for CalMTA. This ABAL was filed to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for review and approval.

View the CalMTA 2024 ABAL

The California Market Transformation Administrator (CalMTA) officially launched in early 2023 as a new, dedicated program focused on delivering cost-effective energy efficiency. CalMTA’s work will also help achieve California’s other goals on greenhouse gas emissions reductions, clean energy workforce development, and energy equity to households and businesses across the state. During this first, critical year, we are ramping up our infrastructure and identifying market transformation initiatives (MTIs) that will bring lasting market changes to accelerate adoption of targeted technologies and practices.

This 2023 Annual Operations Plan describes the work CalMTA staff and subcontractors have completed to date this year and work that lies ahead to meet our first-year goals.

2023 Annual Operations Plan