Clean Power Alliance Launches Zero-Cost Daytime Energy Pilot

The program, developed in partnership with UCLA, removes all generation charges for participants between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. To encourage this transition, Clean Power Alliance has adjusted its pricing structure, maintaining higher rates during the 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. window and slightly increasing costs for overnight usage. By incentivizing the use of appliances, pool pumps, and electric vehicle charging during sunny hours, the utility hopes to lower consumer bills while reducing grid strain.

Researching Consumer Behavior

To protect participants from financial volatility, the pilot includes a 12-month bill protection guarantee that credits the difference if a household pays more under the new rate than their previous plan. Researchers, led by Professor Magali Delmas of the UCLA Anderson School of Management, will use this data to determine which behavioral triggers—such as financial savings or environmental impact—most effectively encourage long-term habit changes. The findings are expected to shape future statewide policy as California continues to integrate higher volumes of solar power into its energy grid.