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CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

SAN DIEGO, CA · EIN 330936366 · Form 990 · FY2021 · NTEE C350 · Environment · Very Large (>$50M) · www.energycenter.org
revenue
$246.3M
expenses
$244.0M
net assets
$11.1M
employees
321
volunteers
11
program ratio
96%
mission · from form 990

One simple mission-DECARBONIZE

profile · synthesized from sources

The Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) is a national nonprofit that designs and administers clean energy and transportation programs across the U.S. They work with governments, utilities, and businesses to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, EV charging infrastructure, and distributed energy technologies. CSE utilizes a data-driven approach and its proprietary Caret® platform to achieve decarbonization goals.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2021

what they reported doing

Program narrative the organization filed with the IRS. Ordered by program spending.

  1. #1 primary $49.96M
    Distributed Energy ResourcesIn partnership with two major U.S. distributed energy resource companies, Tesla and Olivine, CSE reported successfully demonstrating the ability to bid five behind-the-meter energy storage systems into Californias wholesale energy and ancillary service markets. This opens opportunities for increasing the value and deployment of commercial-scale energy storage by generating untapped revenue streams in various energy markets.In 2021, CSE concluded a four-year project demonstrating emerging energy efficiency technologies in big-box retail stores conducted with Walmart, Southern California Edison and other commercial partners. Funded by the California Energy Commission, the goal is to create a blueprint for big-box retail across Californiaand the nationto achieve deep energy efficiency savings. The technologies applied in the study resulted in 20% electric energy savings (701,913 kWh annually) compared to a 2017 whole building baseline.In December 2021, CSE published a final report on a multiyear project with the City of San Diego to test a suite of energy efficiency, renewable energy and demand-reduction technologies to convert existing facilities to near zero-net energy (ZNE) buildings. Three libraries were outfitted with energy conservation measures and whole-building automation devices to optimize operations, resulting in reduced electric consumption from 13-30% at each library. Adding solar photovoltaic systems resulted in near ZNE. The project demonstrated a blueprint to achieve near zero net energy for other City of San Diego municipal buildings.
  2. #2 $19.20M
    Transportation: EV Infrastructure ProgramsIn December 2021, the California Energy Commission awarded CSE an up to $250 million block grant to further expand the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP), the largest EV charger incentive program in the nation. To date, nearly $25 million in projects have been completed and $97 million are in progress across the state. A goal is for at least 50% of funds for chargers to be deployed in low-income and disadvantaged communities. During 2021, CALeVIP started regional projects in Ventura, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. In October 2021, CSE joined the National EV Charging Initiative, a coalition of groups, from automakers and labor unions to utilities and environmental organizations, seeking to accelerate the buildout of electric vehicle infrastructure nationwide.
named programs · 19 · from sources

what they call their work

California Clean Miles Standard – Drivers Assistance Program
Implementing the California Public Utilities Commission’s Drivers Assistance Program, helping rideshare drivers transition to zero-emission vehicles.
California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP)
Administers the largest EV infrastructure incentive program of its kind in the nation, providing funding for deployment of EV charging stations across California
Caret® Climate Tech Platform
Software-enabled services suite including EV demand forecasting, charger siting optimization, data analytics, and incentive program administration tools used by states and utilities nationwide
Central California's Equitable Building Decarbonization Program
Regional administrator of a $567 million program installing energy-efficient technologies at no cost for low- and moderate-income households in Central California
Climate Action Plans for Southern California Tribal Nations
Partnering with the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians and the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians to develop and implement climate action plans.
ComEd Business and Public Sector EV Program
Administering an $85 million rebate program for Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) to accelerate the transition of fleets to zero-emission commercial trucks and buses across northern Illinois.
Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR)
Administers Connecticut’s statewide EV rebate program, offering point-of-sale rebates and dealer incentives to accelerate electric vehicle adoption
Drive Clean Rebate Program - New York
Statewide administrator of New York’s clean vehicle rebate program supporting greenhouse gas reduction through increased EV adoption
Driving Clean Assistance Program
Partnering to implement California’s Driving Clean Assistance Program.
ElectrifIQ EV Sales Training Program
Nationwide certification program helping auto dealerships improve EV sales through training, resources, and webinars for sales staff
Energy Storage Permitting Guidebook
Leading development of a guidebook to help California local governments adopt standardized, streamlined permitting procedures for energy storage installations
Louisiana EV Charging Workforce Development
Training Louisianans for careers installing and maintaining electric vehicle charging stations through the San Diego Regional Clean Cities Coalition.
Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles (MOR-EV)
Statewide administrator of MOR-EV and MOR-EV Trucks programs, providing rebates to increase adoption of zero-emission passenger vehicles and commercial trucks in Massachusetts
Ride Clean Mass EV Incentives
Consulting and subcontracting for Massachusetts’ Ride Clean Mass program, offering statewide EV incentives exclusively for vehicle-for-hire drivers.
SDG&E Pre-Owned EV Rebate
Administers the SDG&E Pre-Owned Electric Vehicle program that offers used EV incentives to San Diego Gas & Electric customers.
San Diego Regional Clean Cities Coalition
Coordinates a U.S. Department of Energy-funded coalition focused on increasing use of alternative fuels and vehicles in the San Diego region
San Diego Solar Equity Program
Partnering with SDG&E, the city and county of San Diego to make rooftop solar available to income-qualified families.
Solar On Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH)
Administering California's SOMAH Program to benefit low-income and disadvantaged communities by incentivizing solar electric power.
Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH)
Key partner in administering California's SOMAH Program, which provides incentives for solar installations on multifamily affordable housing to benefit low-income communities
activities · 10 clusters

what they do

  • Zero-Emission Vehicle Incentive Administration 9 activities
    • Administer electric vehicle incentive programs
      Manages the largest and longest-running electric vehicle incentive program in the United States, including pre-owned EV rebates for California’s three investor-owned utilities and the MOR-EV program in Massachusetts, serving nearly 35 million customers.
    • Administer large-scale electric vehicle incentive programs
      Manages the largest and longest-running electric vehicle incentive programs in the United States, including statewide programs like California’s Electric Vehicle Incentive Project (CALeVIP) and Massachusetts’ MOR-EV, providing rebates for zero-emission vehicles and expanding EV adoption across multiple states.
    • Administer large-scale electric vehicle incentive programs
      Manages the largest and longest-running electric vehicle incentive programs in the United States, including rebate programs for pre-owned EVs and zero-emission vehicles, serving millions of customers across multiple states such as California and Massachusetts.
    • Administer large-scale electric vehicle incentive programs
      Manages the largest and longest-running electric vehicle incentive programs in the United States, including pre-owned EV rebate programs for California’s investor-owned utilities and the Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles (MOR-EV) program to increase zero-emission vehicle adoption.
    • Build capacity in clean energy program administration and workforce development
      Develops and uses Caret®, a proprietary software suite for data-driven clean energy program management, and provides workforce training in EV charging installation and maintenance, including for Louisianans through the San Diego Regional Clean Cities Coalition.
    • Develop and deploy clean energy program management tools
      Develops and uses Caret®, a proprietary software suite for forecasting, planning, and managing clean energy programs, including EV charger site selection and data-driven administration.
    • Develop and manage clean energy program software
      Uses and develops Caret®, a proprietary software suite for forecasting, planning, and managing clean energy programs, including EV charger site selection and data-driven administration.
    • Develop and utilize proprietary software for clean energy program management
      Develops and uses Caret®, a proprietary software suite for forecasting, planning, and managing clean energy programs, including EV charger site selection and data-driven administration.
    • Support state and utility clean transportation programs
      Administers EV truck and bus fleet rebate programs for the largest utility in Illinois and partners with state and utility entities across the U.S. to deliver incentive programs.
  • Distributed Energy Incentive Programs 5 activities
    • Administer energy storage and distributed energy resource incentive programs
      Participates in administering the longest-running energy storage incentive program in the U.S. and provides rebates through the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) in San Diego Gas & Electric territory for technologies including energy storage, fuel cells, wind, and combined heat and power systems.
    • Deliver clean energy incentives for distributed energy resources
      Administers financial incentive programs for distributed energy resources including energy storage, fuel cells, wind, combined heat and power, and solar technologies, including the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) in San Diego Gas & Electric territory.
    • Expand solar access for income-qualified families through partnerships
      Partners with San Diego Gas & Electric, the city of San Diego, and the County of San Diego to expand rooftop solar access for income-qualified families.
    • Provide clean energy incentives for distributed energy resources
      Administers financial incentives for energy storage, fuel cells, wind, and combined heat and power systems, including the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) in San Diego Gas & Electric territory.
    • Provide incentives for distributed energy resources
      Administers financial incentive programs for distributed energy resources such as energy storage, fuel cells, wind, and combined heat and power systems, including the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) in San Diego Gas & Electric territory.
  • Clean Energy Policy & Project Development 5 activities
    • Advance clean energy policy and regulatory best practices
      Provides policy and regulatory insights to support clean energy adoption and inform best practices at state and national levels.
    • Develop clean energy policy and regulatory guidance
      Provides policy and regulatory insights to inform clean energy best practices and leads development of an Energy Storage Permitting Guidebook to standardize and streamline permitting processes in California.
    • Produce policy and regulatory guidance
      Provides policy and regulatory insights to advance clean energy best practices, including published guidance on community engagement for Solar for All equity programs.
    • Promote equity in clean energy through community engagement research
      Published guidance on community engagement for Solar for All equity programs to ensure inclusive and equitable access to clean energy benefits.
    • Provide policy and regulatory guidance for clean energy
      Produces policy and regulatory insights to support clean energy best practices, including guidance on community engagement for equity-focused programs like Solar for All.
  • Energy Technology Demonstration & Validation 5 activities
    • Conduct applied research on clean energy technologies and systems
      Leads demonstration and validation projects for microgrids, energy storage, and pre-commercial energy efficiency technologies, including a flexible campus microgrid at Santa Rosa Junior College and a collaboration with Walmart to assess energy savings.
    • Conduct clean energy research and demonstration projects
      Leads research initiatives including microgrid validation at Santa Rosa Junior College, development of an Energy Storage Permitting Guidebook, and collaboration with Walmart on pre-commercial energy efficiency technologies.
    • Conduct research on energy storage and microgrid systems
      Leads research and demonstration projects, including validation of a flexible campus microgrid at Santa Rosa Junior College and development of an Energy Storage Permitting Guidebook, to assess efficiency, resiliency, economic benefits, and streamline deployment.
    • Lead microgrid and energy efficiency demonstration projects
      Conducts demonstration and validation of a flexible campus microgrid at Santa Rosa Junior College to assess energy efficiency, resiliency, and economic benefits, and leads pioneering microgrid and energy efficiency projects.
    • Produce research and guidance for equitable clean energy programs
      Published guidance on community engagement for Solar for All equity programs and collaborated with Walmart to evaluate pre-commercial energy efficiency technologies.
  • Solar Incentive Program Administration 4 activities
    • Administer solar incentives for affordable housing
      Administers the Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) Program, a statewide initiative in California to install 300 megawatts of solar on low-income housing over ten years.
    • Administer solar installation incentives for multifamily affordable housing
      Administers the Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) Program, a large-scale initiative to install 300 megawatts of solar electric panels on multifamily affordable housing in California over ten years, prioritizing low-income and disadvantaged communities.
    • Incentivize solar energy on affordable housing
      Administers the Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) Program, a large-scale initiative to install 300 megawatts of solar on low-income and disadvantaged communities in California over ten years.
    • Incentivize solar installation on multifamily affordable housing
      Administers the Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) Program in California, a large-scale initiative to install 300 megawatts of solar on affordable housing units over ten years, prioritizing low-income and disadvantaged communities.
  • Weatherization and Energy Efficiency Upgrades 4 activities
    • Deliver no-cost electrification retrofits and energy-efficient technologies to low-income households
      Administers a $567 million program in Central California providing no-cost electrification retrofits and electric appliances to low- and moderate-income households, and operates a residential direct install program for low-income families.
    • Deliver no-cost electrification retrofits to low-income households
      Implements large-scale residential direct install programs that provide no-cost electrification retrofits and electric appliances to low- and moderate-income households, including a $567 million program in Central California.
    • Deliver residential electrification and energy efficiency retrofits
      Administers large-scale programs providing no-cost electrification retrofits and energy-efficient technologies to low- and moderate-income households, including a $567 million initiative in Central California.
    • Provide no-cost electrification and energy efficiency retrofits
      Implements large-scale residential direct install programs that deliver no-cost electrification retrofits and energy-efficient technologies to low- and moderate-income households, including a $567 million program in Central California.
  • Zero-Emission Vehicle Deployment & Public Adoption 4 activities
    • Deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure
      Administers the largest U.S. electric vehicle charging infrastructure program (CALeVIP), providing incentives for publicly available EV charging installations, with up to $200 million in funding to expand access across California and other regions.
    • Deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure
      Administers the largest U.S. EV charging infrastructure program (CALeVIP), with up to $200 million in funding, to expand publicly available charging stations across California and other states.
    • Deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure through incentive programs
      Administers the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP), the largest EV infrastructure incentive program of its kind in the nation, with up to $200 million in funding to deploy publicly available charging stations statewide.
    • Expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure
      Administers the largest U.S. EV charging infrastructure program (CALeVIP), providing incentives for publicly available EV charging installations with up to $200 million in funding, expanding access across California and other regions.
  • Building Electrification & Workforce Training 3 activities
    • Administer large-scale clean energy programs nationwide
      Designs and administers sustainable energy and transportation programs valued at over $4 billion nationwide, operating in over a dozen states and serving regions home to a third of the U.S. population.
    • Implement clean transportation and built environment programs at scale
      Designs, implements, and administers clean energy and transportation programs valued at over $4 billion nationwide, operating in over a dozen states serving a third of the U.S. population.
    • Implement large-scale clean energy programs nationwide
      Designs and administers sustainable energy and transportation programs valued at over $4 billion across more than a dozen states, covering regions home to one-third of the U.S. population.
  • Transportation Electrification in Tribal and Community Institutions 1 activity
    • Develop and implement tribal climate action plans for energy and transportation electrification
      Supports the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians and the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians in developing climate action plans focused on energy and transportation electrification to reduce emissions and improve community resilience.
  • Uncategorized 8 activities
    • Build workforce capacity in clean transportation
      Provides workforce development training for Louisianans in EV charging station installation and maintenance through the San Diego Regional Clean Cities Coalition.
    • Deliver workforce development in clean energy
      Provides workforce training for EV charging station installation and maintenance through the San Diego Regional Clean Cities Coalition, building local capacity in clean transportation.
    • Design and manage large-scale clean energy programs nationwide
      Has designed and administered clean energy programs valued at over $4 billion across transportation, renewable energy, and the built environment, operating in over a dozen states serving a third of the U.S. population.
    • Implement clean transportation and decarbonization programs in partnership with local entities
      Operates clean energy and transportation programs in collaboration with utilities, cities, counties, and nonprofit partners such as San Diego Gas & Electric, the city of San Diego, and Grid Alternatives to expand access to solar and electric vehicles.
    • Provide workforce development for EV infrastructure
      Offers workforce training for Louisianans in EV charging station installation and maintenance through the San Diego Regional Clean Cities Coalition.
    • Support state-level clean energy and decarbonization initiatives
      Has supported California for over 25 years in advancing clean energy and decarbonization efforts, including through partnerships on the Driving Clean Assistance Program and statewide incentive programs.
    • Support tribal climate action planning
      Partners with the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians and the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians to develop climate action plans focused on energy and transportation electrification to reduce emissions and improve resilience.
    • Support tribal climate action planning
      Partners with tribal nations, including the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians and the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, to develop climate action plans focused on energy and transportation electrification to reduce emissions and improve resilience.
financials · form 990 · fy2021

the money

revenue
Total revenue$246.28M
Contributions & grants$2.92M1%
Program service revenue$243.36M99%
Investment income$00%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$244.02M
Program expenses96%
Admin / overhead4%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$20.75M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$103.38M
Cash$9.01M
Investments$0
Liabilities$92.30M
Net assets$11.08M
Liquid reserves0.4 mo
2 years on record · 2020–2021 · YoY revenue +12.2%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2021

who runs it

paid leadership · 8
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
LAWRENCE E GOLDENHERSH President 40 $366K
CHARLES TAYLOR SENIOR DIRECTOR 40 $210K
KAREN GLITMAN SENIOR DIRECTOR 40 $204K
JONATHAN CHANGUS DIRECTOR 40 $169K
BRETT WILLIAMS SR PRINCIPAL ADV 40 $166K
JOHN GARTNER SENIOR DIRECTOR 40 $163K
ANDREA LETZRING DIRECTOR 40 $161K
JUSTIN MCKEE SR DIR FIN/ACCT 40 $158K
board members · 11
  • Bryan Garcia — Treasurer
  • Buck Endemann — Secretary
  • DOUG SIMS — Member
  • DREW WOLFF — MEMBER
  • JEFF ROBERTS — MEMBER
  • Jimmy Jia — VICE CHAIR
  • KAREN WAYLAND — MEMBER
  • KARIN CORFEE — MEMBER
  • LEE DURAN — Chairman
  • SERENA INGRE — MEMBER
  • SUZANNE SINGER — Member
relationships · 63

who they work with

  • Alliance for Automotive Innovation Partner — Industry nonprofit collaborating with CSE on clean transportation initiatives.
  • Ascent Environmental Partner — Environmental consulting firm partnering with CSE on sustainability programs.
  • Beneficial State Bank Foundation Partner — Nonprofit foundation partnering with CSE on sustainable energy initiatives.
  • Boston University Partner — Local institution working with CSE on clean energy and decarbonization goals.
  • California Air Resources Board Partner — Works with CSE to ground investment choices in equity and assess programs to improve outcomes for clean transportation in California.
  • California Electric Transportation Coalition Partner — Nonprofit coalition working with CSE to advance electric transportation.
  • California Energy Commission Government — Funded CSE's Equitable Building Decarbonization Direct Install Program with a block grant of up to $93.7 million.
  • California Energy Commission Government — Primary funder of the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP) with up to $200 million in funding.
  • California Energy Commission Government — State agency that partners with CSE on clean energy program design and administration.
  • California Housing Partnership Partner — Partners with CSE to bring clean power and energy savings to residents of multifamily affordable housing in California.
  • California New Car Dealers Association Partner — Collaborated with CSE to create the California Auto Dealers Guide to EVs and provides online resources and webinars for dealer staff.
  • California Public Utilities Commission Government — Selected CSE as a key partner to administer the Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing program.
  • California’s three investor-owned utilities Partner — Collaborates with utilities to administer pre-owned EV rebate programs, including program management, data reporting, marketing, and customer support.
  • Caret® Partner — Proprietary software suite used for program design and management in clean transportation and energy programs.
  • Central California Asthma Collaborative Partner — Works with CSE to develop clean transportation policies and programs that engage environmental justice communities in the San Joaquin Valley.
  • City of Long Beach Partner — Local government collaborating with CSE on sustainable energy initiatives.
  • City of Palo Alto Partner — Partnered with CSE on the Solar Hot Water Rebate Program and the CALeVIP program to expand EV charging infrastructure.
  • City of San Diego Partner — Partner in the San Diego Solar Equity Program.
  • Cleantech San Diego Partner — Regional clean technology organization collaborating with CSE.
  • Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) Government — Client for an $85 million rebate program administered by CSE to accelerate fleet electrification in northern Illinois.
  • Community Housing Development Corporation Partner — Partner in implementing California’s Driving Clean Assistance Program.
  • Connecticut Government — State where CSE operates clean energy programs.
  • Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Partner — Collaborates with CSE on the CHEAPR program to accelerate electric vehicle adoption and reduce mobile source air pollution.
  • County of San Diego Partner — Partner in the San Diego Solar Equity Program.
  • Foundation of California Community Colleges Partner — Partner in implementing California’s Driving Clean Assistance Program.
  • GRID Alternatives Partner — Nonprofit providing solar power to low-income communities, partnered with CSE.
  • Grid Alternatives Partner — Partner in implementing California’s Driving Clean Assistance Program.
  • La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians Partner — Partner in developing and implementing climate action plans for tribal nations.
  • Largest Illinois Utility Partner — Selected CSE to administer EV truck and bus fleet rebates
  • Louisiana Clean Fuels Partner — Nonprofit promoting clean transportation fuels, working with CSE.
+ 33 more