Community Power Accelerator Transitions to the Milken Institute’s Community Infrastructure Center
The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR, formerly the National Renewable Energy Laboratory [NREL]) is pleased to share an important update regarding the future of the Community Power Accelerator (CPA) platform.
Beginning in March 2026, the CPA platform will transition to the Milken Institute’s Community Infrastructure Center (CIC), where it will be housed as part of CIC’s broader ecosystem. Through this transition, CPA will continue to operate as a free, public-facing platform while benefiting from expanded resources, partnerships, and long-term support.
What This Transition Means for Users
The integration of CPA into CIC is designed to preserve the tools users rely on today while expanding access to capital, expertise, and knowledge across a broader range of infrastructure projects.
What’s Staying the Same
- All core CPA functionality will remain intact
- Existing project information and user activity will be preserved
- Continued support for distributed solar and storage projects under 5 megawatts
- Free access to the platform for all users
What’s Expanding
- A broader national network of capital providers, technical assistance partners, and project sponsors
- Enhanced grant and financing matching tools
- An expanded knowledge base, including new templates, case studies, and resources
- Opportunities to participate in financing forums and deal-focused convenings
- Ongoing platform enhancements and feature development
The Community Infrastructure Center supports infrastructure projects nationwide—well beyond solar and storage—and connects communities to a wide range of capital pathways. This integration is intended to strengthen CPA’s impact while maintaining continuity for existing users.
What’s Next
- Account Activation: In early March 2026, users will receive instructions to reset their password and activate their account on the CIC platform to ensure uninterrupted access.
- Live Onboarding Session: A live onboarding and platform demo will be held on April 7, 2026, at 12:00 PM MT. This session will cover platform access, demonstrate features, and address questions related to the transition. Registration details will be shared soon.
Looking Ahead
We are excited about this next chapter for the Community Power Accelerator and look forward to continuing to support community-led energy and infrastructure projects through this expanded partnership.
To learn more about the Milken Institute and the Community Infrastructure Center, please visit their website. If you have any questions in the meantime, contact us at support@communityinfrastructurecenter.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Will I lose access to my existing CPA projects or data?
No. All existing project information, user profiles, and activity histories will be preserved and available on the CIC platform. You will need to make some minor updates to your profile, and your account will be moved to CIC. Instructions for making those updates will be sent out soon.
2. Will CPA still focus on community-scale solar and storage projects?
Yes. CPA will continue to support distributed solar and storage projects under 5 MW, while also benefiting from CIC’s broader infrastructure-focused ecosystem.
3. Will the platform still be free to use?
Yes. Access to the CPA platform through CIC will remain free for users.
4. Do I need to create a new account on the CIC platform?
You will not need to create a new account from scratch. You will receive instructions in early March to reset your password and activate your existing account within the CIC platform.
5. What new benefits will I see as a CPA user under CIC?
Users will gain access to a larger national network of funders and partners, enhanced financing and grant-matching tools, expanded learning resources, and new opportunities to participate in financing forums and convenings.