Charging Harmonization and Analysis for Resilient, Grid-Efficient Utilization and Planning (CHARGE UP)

The Charging Harmonization and Analysis for Resilient, Grid-Efficient Utilization and Planning (CHARGE UP) project is a research initiative led by the California Energy Commission in partnership with San Diego Community Power to develop an analytical framework for evaluating the value of unidirectional electric vehicle managed charging (V1G) within California’s slice-of-day resource adequacy structure. Leveraging data from an active V1G pilot in San Diego, the project will assess how managed charging can enhance power quality, alleviate grid congestion, and delay or avoid costly distribution system upgrades. The primary output is an integrated model that quantifies V1G’s contributions to resource adequacy, enabling load-serving entities and distribution operators to incorporate these capabilities into planning and operational strategies. All work activities occur at the project site in San Diego, California, with no physical delivery of goods or logistical requirements. The project is classified under CEQA section 15306 as a categorical exemption for research and analytical activities, eliminating the need for formal environmental review, and its execution is supported by administrative oversight rather than detailed procurement clauses. Financial details, contract value, and specific delivery schedules are not provided, indicating this is a forecast or planning document rather than a fully executed contract with binding financial terms. The project is administered by the California Energy Commission, with Emily Ou serving as the primary point of contact for contract administration and Rachel Zook of San Diego Community Power acting as the project manager. No federal acquisition regulation clauses, payment details, invoicing systems, accounting codes, or formal inspection criteria are specified, reflecting the project’s nature as a non-standard research effort focused on policy and technical analysis rather than traditional procurement. There is no evidence of established evaluation factors for award, subcontractor requirements, security clearances, or socioeconomic certifications related to the participant. The absence of formal contract sections such as clauses, delivery terms, or financial schedules suggests this initiative is in a preliminary phase, likely funded through agency resources or state-level grants intended to support grid modernization research. The exemption under California environmental regulations and the reliance on data-driven modeling underscore that success will be measured by analytical rigor, technical validation, and the framework’s utility in shaping regulatory and operational approaches to electric vehicle integration, not by physical deliverables or commercial milestones.