GFO-25-301 - Distributed Resources for Innovative Vehicle Energization Strategies (DRIVES) Grant

The GFO-25-301 initiative by the California Energy Commission seeks to fund innovative technology demonstrations that enhance the integration of distributed energy resources into commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. By addressing barriers to energization and reducing costs for ratepayers, this program aims to foster advanced energy management systems and flexible utility agreements, ultimately benefiting both customers and the grid.

The purpose of this solicitation is to fund technology demonstration and deployment projects that increase the value proposition of distributed energy resources to customers and the grid. Specifically, this solicitation aims to expedite energization timelines, reduce ratepayer costs, and target other technical, regulatory, and operational barriers associated with commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure paired with behind-the-meter (BTM) microgrids by incorporating advanced power control and energy management systems and energizing through investor-owned utility (IOU) flexible service agreements.