This Program Opportunity Notice (PON) provides an update to the existing Energy Conservation Assistance Act Program to address expanded project and applicant eligibility as mandated by Senate Bill 33 (Ting, 2021). The ECAA-Ed Zero-Interest Loan Program is administered by the California Energy Commission's Reliability, Renewable Energy & Decarbonization Incentives Division.
The program offers zero-interest financing for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy projects. Eligible applicants include public K-12 schools, community colleges, universities, charter schools, and other education institutions. The program supports various energy conservation measures including HVAC upgrades, lighting improvements, building insulation, solar installation, and other efficiency and renewable energy projects.
Applicants must complete and submit the ECAA-Ed Loan Application along with supporting documentation including a summary of proposed energy efficiency measures, appropriate authorizing resolutions, and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) information. Charter school applicants have additional requirements including a certificate of good standing. All applications must comply with state and local regulations.
The submission deadline for applications is November 28, 2025 at 11:59 pm. Detailed application materials, including the Application Manual and all required attachments, are available through the California Energy Commission website. Interested applicants should contact the Energy Commission agreement officer specified within the solicitation manual for questions or clarifications regarding the application process and program requirements.