Community Current Newsletter

Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,

Welcome to Community Current, Energy Department’s new monthly newsletter for City Council offices. Each issue provides the latest news on projects, programs, and people that are shaping a clean energy transition in San José.

We hope it becomes a useful resource for staying connected to our work and sharing information with your constituents.

Lori Mitchell

Director, Energy Department

News & Milestones

SJCE Brings Online State’s First 8-hour Battery

SJCE is proud to power our community with electricity from California's first 8-hour battery storage project, a major step forward in the state’s clean energy transition. Long-duration battery storage helps provide clean solar energy into the evening hours when demand is highest, lowering electricity costs and making California’s grid more resilient. Read More

Trade Orientation Program Scholarship

SJCE sponsored 18 student scholarships through San José City College's Trade Orientation Program, helping students overcome education barriers including single parent households, former incarceration, and financial barriers, and preparing them for careers in the building and electrification trades. Read More

Award-Winning Leadership

SJCE's EcoHome Program received a California Public Information Officers (CAPIO) Award for reaching income-qualifying homeowners and achieving over 1,000 heat pump claims by the end of 2025.

Policy Advocacy

SJCE is supporting AB 1761 (Rogers)

This legislation would increase transparency by requiring the CPUC and IOUs to publicly disclose data, forecasting assumptions and and calculation methodologies used for the Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA). In 2026, customers will pay $132 million to PG&E for the PCIA. The bill moved off the Senate floor on a unanimous vote, and after a concurrence vote in the Assembly will head to the Governor’s desk. The legislation would improve oversight of one of the largest charges on customers' electricity bills and help ensure more accurate rate forecasting. The City of San José is supporting this CalCCA sponsored legislation.

Climate Corner

Youth Climate Action Fund Accepting Applications Until September 30

The City of San José has been selected to participate in the Youth Climate Action Fund, a global grant program that empowers young people ages 15–24 to lead local climate action projects. Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the City will offer microgrants of $1,000-$5,000 for youth-led projects focused on clean energy, climate-friendly transportation, and climate resilience in the San José community. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on September 30, 2026. Learn More

Celebrating the 2026 Climate Smart Champions

This year’s Climate Smart Champions were honored for advancing sustainability across San José. Their work demonstrates how local action is helping create a healthier, more sustainable city. Read the Press Release

Help Us Promote

Youth Climate Action Fund

San José youth ages 15–24 can receive $1,000–$5,000 grants to lead local climate action projects through the Youth Climate Action Fund.

EcoHome Contractor Install Bonus – forward to contractors in your district

Businesses can earn $1,000 for each heat pump appliance they install through the EcoHome Contractor Install Bonus - up to $6,000.

EcoHome Rebate - $500 Bonus Rebate on a New Heat Pump Water Heater

SJCE customers can save up to $4,000 in rebates when they install a new heat pump water heater in September or October 2026.

Support of Electrification Education (SEE) Grant Opportunity $400,000 – forward to schools, unions, contractors, and training providers in your district

San José-based organizations can receive grants to expand building electrification and EV-focused education and workforce training including curricula development and training equipment. Total pot is $400,000. Applications are due October 2, 2026.

For customer service, call us at 833-432-2454.

SJCE in the Community