The purpose of this solicitation is to fund technology demonstration projects that validate the performance and benefits of advanced grid technologies while informing future deployments. These advanced grid technologies can be a combination of hardware and software solutions that increase the capacity, visibility, flexibility, reliability, and/or resilience of grid assets as an alternative to conventional infrastructure enhancements like construction of new lines in new rights of way. Examples of advanced grid technologies include, but are not limited to, solid state and hybrid transformers, advanced power flow controllers, and near-real-time measurement and signaling of circuit and feeder capacity to distributed energy resources (DERs). This solicitation supports the 2021-2025 EPIC Investment Plan’s strategic objective to create a more nimble grid to maintain reliability as California transitions to 100 percent clean energy through the Grid Modernization Initiative.
Projects must demonstrate advanced grid technologies in real-world utility operations. Demonstration sites must be located in the service territory of a California investor-owned utility (IOU). Alongside demonstration and validation of technology performance and benefits, projects must include development of one or more decision support tool(s) that inform regulatory, planning, capital allocation, and/or market or business model decisions in support of future larger-scale deployment.
Advanced grid technology demonstration areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Advancements in distributed energy resource management systems combined with customer-owned power controls systems and/or smart inverters that allow DERs to dynamically adjust electricity consumption and/or production based on near-real-time grid conditions.
- Front-of-the-meter microgrids or substation-sited energy storage systems operated to provide distribution or transmission services as an alternative to conventional infrastructure enhancements.
- Distribution system operator pilots that explore development of market and/or other mechanisms for DERs to provide grid services such as flattening circuit/feeder demand.
- High-performance conductors that increase the capacity of transmission and distribution lines and allow more electricity to flow through existing rights of way.
- Medium- and high-voltage DC delivery equipment that allows for efficient point-to-point transfer of large amounts of power.
- Hybrid and solid-state transformers that use power electronics to provide improved control, flexibility, and power quality.
- Grid-enhancing technologies, including:
- Dynamic line rating solutions that provide more real-time ratings of grid capacity based on local conditions.
- Advanced power flow controllers that enable grid operators to direct power flows away from overloaded or stressed lines.
- Topology optimization software that allows flexible reconfiguration of the transmission network to operate more efficiently.
Eligible technologies must be at a technology readiness level (TRL) of 7 to 9. Some advanced grid technologies such as high-performance conductors and power flow controllers are already in use in California. Projects demonstrating technologies that have been previously deployed by a California IOU are encouraged to focus on novel applications or to deploy suites of technologies to inform understanding of how they interact and what additional benefits can be derived for ratepayers when used together in operations.
Amount Available and Minimum/ Maximum Funding Amounts
There is up to $24,000,000 available for grants awarded under this solicitation. The minimum funding amount for each project is $4,000,000. The maximum funding amount is $12,000,000.
Available CEC funding: $24,000,000
Minimum CEC award: $4,000,000
Maximum CEC award: $12,000,000
Minimum total match share percentage: 30 %
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