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::  Energy Innovations Grant Program
Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) brings an opportunity for public or private post-secondary educational institutions to request funds for research, development, and demonstration programs that are designed to advance science or technology in electric related fields.

Grants will be awarded for the most innovative, leading edge research project ideas submitted to RPU.
Funds Available
Grant amount is up to 100% of the project cost with no matching funds or repayment requirements associated with this program. Program is subject to fund availability.
Qualifying Projects
All projects or uses of grant funds must comply with the California Public Utilities Code Section 385 related to use of public benefits funds. To be eligible for consideration under this program the project must target one or more specific innovative energy technologies. All projects must show how they propose an original innovation solution to a significant energy issue. Call 951-826-5485 today and make an appointment to discuss potential projects.
How Do I Apply?

Give your Account Manager a call today at (951) 826-5485 for full details on our existing programs, or send an Email.

We consider your business needs important and your input valuable!
Program Guidelines
  • Program is subject to fund availability and may be cancelled at any time.
  • This program is available to RPU public or private post-secondary educational institution electric customers whose primary activities are within the city limits of Riverside.
  • The level of incentive is up to 100% of the project cost with no matching funds or repayment requirements associated with this program.
  • All projects or uses of grant funds must comply with the relevant portions of the California Public Utilities Code Section 385 related to the use of public benefits funds.
  • Proposals must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for consideration:

    Propose an original innovative solution to a significant energy issue, Address a California market need, Provide a clear potential benefit to California electricity ratepayers, and

    Target one or more of the categories listed below:

    Building end-use efficiency
    Environmentally preferred advanced generation
    Renewable generation
    Energy-related environmental research
    Strategic energy research
    Electric transportation

  • The following types of research and activities are not eligible for funding: planning and policy studies, marketing and promotion activities, market or technology assessments/surveys, electric distribution or transmission research normally funded by the electric utility, gas research with little or no connection to electric generation or end-use, research that does not propose a clear solution to an existing energy problem, project with no focus on proving feasibility of a specific solution, software development with no research or validation component.
  • Completion and submission of an application does not obligate RPU to allocate grant funds.
  • All projects must show how they propose an original innovative solution to a significant energy issue, along with an energy savings estimate. Retrofit strategies must show measurable energy savings and overall electricity demand reduction. Construction projects must demonstrate innovative energy-efficient technology, using systems and equipment beyond traditional methods where energy savings are measurable. Research and development projects must result in the demonstration of a marketable electric-savings product or process.
  • Feasibility study funds are available up to $5,000 per project per calendar year to determine the effectiveness of the proposed project.
  • Grant recipients will be required to enter into an Agreement with RPU to establish that the project demonstrates the proposed savings.
  • Applicant's project must be initiated within 30 days of the effective date of the Agreement and must be completed one year from the effective date of the Agreement.
  • For good cause and upon proper notification, the Director of Public Utilities may approve the extension of project deadlines.
  • Copyrightable material and all patent rights for inventions conceived or first actually reduced to practice in the course of the grant project will be the property of the recipient subject to RPU retaining certain limited use rights.
  • Grant participants will be required to cooperate with RPU in publicity activities regarding awarding of the grant.
  • All General Program Guidelines apply.