Welcome to the archived Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) project web site. In 1996, Assembly Bill 1890 restructured the California electricity industry. Legislation also authorized collection of a surcharge on retail electricity sales to ensure a continuation of public interest energy research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) projects. The PIER program was established at the California Energy Commission in 1998 to implement this provision. California leads the nation in fostering and implementing new sources of electricity to sustain its economy while preserving its natural environment. The contributions of PIER to this effort were recognized by legislation extending its original charter through 2012.

Public Resources Code Section 25620.9(a) directed that an independent panel be established to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the PIER program. The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) assisted the California Energy Commission (CEC) in the review process. CCST helped the CEC identify independent review panel members and managed two PIER independent reviews - the 1st PIER Independent Panel Review (1999-2001) and the 2nd PIER Independent Panel Review (2003-2005).

1st Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Independent Review (1999-2001)

The PIER IRP completed two reports, a preliminary report in March 2000 and a final report in March 2001. The evaluation included a review of the public value of the PIER program, including monetary and non-monetary benefits to public health and the environment of its programs in providing funds for technology development that would otherwise not be adequately funded. The preliminary and final PIER Independent Review Panel reports including recommendations provided guidance.

2nd Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Independent Review (2003-2005)

In 2002, Senate Bill 1038 required that the CEC convene a new independent review and critique of the PIER program. A collaborative effort between the CEC, PIER management and CCST created a new review team comprised of some members of the first review together with new members. The second PIER IRP examined PIER program planning and management practices, the context of California's state energy policies, administrative and organizational issues, research review processes and advisory committee functions. The final report was released in March 2005 and submitted to the Legislature and Governor. Included in the final report were recommendations for strengthening the PIER program and fulfilling its potential for being California's world class RD&D organization.