CCSE has changed its name to the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) to reflect an expanding role in providing expertise and program administration to support the adoption of clean and renewable energy technologies and policies in California and beyond.
Over the past year, we have taken on several programs in other states, including administering newly established electric vehicle rebates in Massachusetts and directing the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Program for California, Nevada and Hawaii. We also are leading part of DOE’s nationwide SunShot Initiative Rooftop Solar Challenge aimed at reducing the nonhardware costs of residential and commercial solar photovoltaic systems.
In California, CSE will continue substantial efforts with state agencies, local and regional governments, organizations and other energy sector stakeholders to advance renewable technologies, clean transportation and energy efficiency.
Setting our sights on change
“This change represents our transition to serving a wider role as market transformers and implementers of change in helping the nation reach its ambitious sustainable energy and greenhouse gas emission goals,” said CSE Executive Director Len Hering, RADM, USN (ret). “Our sights are set on accelerating the transition to clean energy by changing the old energy models because they simply don’t work anymore. A more sustainable energy future is in the best interest of the preservation of our country, and the world as a whole.”
The center focuses on technical assistance, energy program development and workforce training in areas related to building and home energy performance, solar power and self-generation, advanced energy storage, electric vehicles and energy policy and education.
18 years of growth
Founded in 1996, CSE was originally the San Diego Regional Energy Office and served primarily as advisors for strategic energy planning for the San Diego Association of Governments. It became the California Center for Sustainable Energy in 2007 to reflect a growing role throughout the state.
The center plays a significant role in supporting California’s ambitious energy and climate goals by conducting research, educating policymakers and supporting the development of innovative policies and programs on the local, regional and state level. We are the only nonutility administrator of California utility ratepayer-funded sustainable energy programs.
CSE has led and participated in thousands of energy projects, including a continuing role as administrators of the California Solar Initiative and the Self-Generation Incentive Program in San Diego County and the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project throughout the state. In 2012, the California Public Utilities Commission selected the center to lead the marketing and outreach efforts for the statewide Energy Upgrade California energy efficiency campaign.
Headquartered in San Diego, CSE has offices in Los Angeles and Oakland and currently employs approximately 90 staff members.
