Charging Ahead: UCSD Taps CEC Incentives for EV Expansion

Byron Washom, Director of Strategic Energy Initiatives UC San Diego shared his experience about applying for California Energy Commission incentive funds through the Communities in Charge (CIC) Program, administered by CALSTART, and supported in partnership with Grid Alternatives and Tetra Tech. Read below to hear his thoughts on the application process and more. 

How would you describe your experience with the CIC application process? 

Washom: The CIC application process was one of the most easily navigable application processes we’ve encountered. Pre-application webinars and publicly posted materials were clear and the CALSTART team was highly responsive to any inquiries. Project options and document requirements largely accommodated site specific conditions; the ability to submit approved permits for existing infrastructure in conjunction with the Replacement/Make Ready Installation Form in particular allowed us to participate more thoroughly in the program. Using the IPC to draft and submit application materials was very straightforward, and we were notified of changes to our application status quickly. 

 How quickly did you receive your CIC funds, and how did that timing affect your project? 

Washom: We received CIC funds between about 3-8 weeks after our requests for payment were submitted. Early applications took longer to process as we went through some back and forth with the TetraTech team to work out supporting documentation best practices, particularly the requirement to submit bank statements which was cumbersome as a university applicant. The team was particularly helpful in assisting to navigate the process. Submitting payment requests through the IPC and being able to make corrections or updates via Support Requests in the same dashboard helped streamline the process from the applicant side.

“This high concentration of chargers has made workplace charging more convenient for students and staff who already own EVs, as well as demonstrated the viability of workplace charging for members of the campus community who may be future EV drivers.”

How did CIC funding benefit your project and the community it serves? 

Washom: Participating in the CIC program made possible the installation of 287 chargers across 21 projects throughout our main campus and satellite locations. This high concentration of chargers has made workplace charging more convenient for students and staff who already own EVs, as well as demonstrated the viability of workplace charging for members of the campus community who may be future EV drivers. This network expansion also serves visitors to campus attractions and UC San Diego Health facilities, as well as residents of adjacent multi-family residences without home charging. 

Communities in Charge’s Funding Wave 4 is open for applications; eligible entities are encouraged to apply now. Read the press release to learn how you can benefit from over $56 million in state funds. 

Project Background  

Communities in Charge is California’s market-accelerating, light-duty electric vehicle (EV) charging incentive project funded by the California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, implemented by CALSTART and supported in partnership with Grid Alternatives and Tetra Tech. The project is designed to transform EV accessibility, rapidly catalyze new markets, and swiftly deploy EV charging stations.  

For more information on Communities in Charge, visit the website now or email the team with any questions at communitiesincharge@calstart.org. 

About California Energy Commission

The California Energy Commission is leading the state to a 100 percent clean energy future for all. As the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency, the Energy Commission is committed to reducing energy costs and environmental impacts of energy use while ensuring a safe, resilient, and reliable supply of energy.

About California Climate Investments

The Communities in Charge Project is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment—particularly in disadvantaged communities. For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at: www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.