Efficiency in Focus | IDEEA 365: California’s Launchpad for Energy Efficiency Innovation
California has long been a laboratory for energy efficiency, testing ideas, technologies, and strategies that ripple across the state and beyond. Among its more imaginative experiments is Innovative Design for Energy Efficiency Applications—aptly dubbed IDEEA 365—a program designed not just to save kilowatts, but to rethink how efficiency can be discovered, tested, and scaled in real-world conditions. Since 2013, IDEEA 365 has offered a year-round, competitive procurement pathway that allows California’s Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) to source novel, market-ready solutions from third-party providers. Unlike traditional program cycles bound by rigid timelines, IDEEA 365 was structured to be nimble—responsive to emerging technologies and evolving market needs.
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Technology Tuesdays | Brewing Innovation: The Evolution of BEER from IDEEA 365
That’s where the Brewery Energy Efficiency and Revitalization (BEER) Program comes in. Born from California’s Innovative Design for Energy Efficiency Applications (IDEEA 365) platform, BEER makes a compelling case for applying energy efficiency strategies on a craft-specific level. It’s not a generic rebate program with a beer label slapped on—it’s a targeted, thoughtfully engineered solution for a historically underserved market. And it’s delivering real results.
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EE Regulatory Roundup | Our February Guide to Navigating California’s EE Landscape
California's energy efficiency landscape kicked off 2026 with major regulatory changes. The new California Energy Code mandates significant efficiency improvements for homes and commercial buildings—from heat pump requirements to smart thermostats—with an estimated $4.8 billion in energy savings over 30 years. Meanwhile, the CPUC is moving to phase out natural gas incentives for builders by 2027, accelerating the state's transition to electric alternatives. These shifts represent a pivotal moment for energy efficiency programs across California.
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February 2026 | IDEEA 365: Open Call Auditions
That's essentially what IDEEA 365 is for California's energy efficiency world. Run by the Investor Owned Utilities (IOUs), this year-round competitive solicitation is an open call for third-party implementers to pitch new, cost-effective energy efficiency programs. No waiting for a specific funding cycle. No narrow windows. Just: you've got an idea? Bring it.
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