Public Benefit Funds

Almost half the states have funds, often called “public benefit funds,” dedicated to supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The funds are collected either through a small charge on the bill of every electric customer or through specified contributions from utilities. The charge ensures that money is available to fund these projects. Publicly managed clean energy funds from twelve of these states have formed the Clean Energy States Alliance to coordinate public benefit fund investments in renewable energy. The Clean Energy States Alliance is composed of funds in California, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.