Community Clean Energy Grants open; Suncoast Co-op and South Bay youth program showcase projects

San Diego Community Power staff launched the 2026 Community Clean Energy Grants cycle on Feb. 2 and told the Community Advisory Committee that this year—s pool will award over $750,000 across two tracks: infrastructure ($50,000—$150,000) and programming ($25,000—$50,000). Applications are due March 6, 2026 at 5 p.m. via Foundry, and proposals must serve Community Power customers and demonstrate community impact.

Steve Nellis Crespo, senior community engagement manager, described eligibility (nonprofits, tax-exempt entities, public agencies and higher-education institutions) and evaluation criteria emphasizing community served, readiness, and alignment with funding priorities such as energy literacy, electrification, workforce pathways and resilience. Staff emphasized technical assistance and a joint evaluation committee with the San Diego Foundation and Calpine Community Energy.

Two grantees presented project results and next steps. Brooke Bridal described Suncoast Co-op Market—s grocery in Imperial Beach: an all-electric store developed with community investment ("more than 1,500 invested households and businesses"), new jobs and electrified equipment purchased with the grant. Bridal called the grant "transformational" and said the Co-op will shift from infrastructure to active education, hosting tours and cooking demonstrations.

Students and staff from San Diego 350 presented the South Bay Clean Energy Education program, a youth-led curriculum and internship initiative that pilots instruction in three South Bay high schools, aims to educate roughly 1,800 students in year two and to package curriculum for regional distribution.

Staff said the joint evaluation committee will follow strict conflict-of-interest rules; all awards must be expended within 12 months of receipt.