BUILD THE FUTURE TRAIN THE WORKFORCE LEAD THE CHANGE

The Communities Helping America Renew and Grow the Economy (CHARGE) Program was a bold, proposed federal energy initiative designed to bring solar power, lower utility bills, and new job opportunities to communities burdened with some of the nation’s highest energy costs.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

CHARGE placed local communities at the heart of the clean energy transition.

At Clean Energy Fund of Texas (CEFTX), we believe clean energy is a catalyst for justice, opportunity, and resilience. Through the CHARGE initiative, CEFTX and its partners sought to lead a transformative $156 million initiative to bring solar energy and battery storage to communities historically excluded from the clean energy economy. Although the program is no longer available, its design reflected what’s possible when communities, researchers, and workforce advocates come together to reimagine energy equity.

The initiative was supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and brought together visionary collaborators including the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and the Texas Climate Jobs Project (TCJP). Together, the coalition aimed to partner with trusted Institutions of Higher Learning (IHLs) to deliver measurable results—lowering energy bills, creating good-paying jobs, and training the next generation of clean energy workers through hands-on experience.

While CHARGE is no longer available, its framework continues to guide how we think about the intersection of clean energy, education, and economic opportunity in Texas.

Infographic titled “South and Southeast Network” showing U.S. map with southern and southeastern states highlighted in blue. Key projected outcomes of the CHARGE Program are listed: 25% household utility bill savings for 8,870 homes, 3.14 million metric tons of CO₂ reductions, $76.97 million in total savings, and 1,900 new clean-energy jobs. Includes Clean Energy Fund of Texas logo and tagline “Save Money. Save Energy. Grow the green economy.”
Female engineer with hard hat and walkie talkie at construction site.

THE POTENTIAL IMPACT
of CHARGE

  • Energy Savings: An estimated 8,870 households were projected to see utility bills drop by 25%, representing nearly $77 million in total savings.
  • Local Job Creation: Targeted workforce training would have supported the creation of new, good-paying solar installation and maintenance jobs.
  • Education & Empowerment: Partnering universities planned to launch STEM-based programs offering hands-on experience in solar technology and renewable energy careers.
  • Environmental Gains: The initiative was projected to cut 3.14 million metric tons of carbon emissions, accelerating the shift toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future.