Assessing VGI in California: Techno-Economic Merit and Implementation Strategies
Summary
SCH Number
2025090887
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
Assessing VGI in California: Techno-Economic Merit and Implementation Strategies
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/19/2025
Document Description
The project will develop a modeling framework to provide clear insights into technical and economic potential of vehicle grid integration (VGI) approaches in California. The framework will leverage pre-existing modeling tools and real-world distribution feeder data from California investor owned utilities to bridge knowledge gaps preventing VGI deployment at scale. The key learnings and findings from this project will inform policy decisions and business strategies, allowing for greater electricity reliability, increased safety, and avoided distribution upgrades via VGI solutions. Project activities primarily involve modeling and data analysis.
Contact Information
Name
Emily Ou
Agency Name
California Energy Commission
Job Title
Commission Agreement Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Suma Jothibasu
Agency Name
Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
Job Title
Project Manager
Contact Types
Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Palo Alto
Counties
Santa Clara
Regions
Citywide
Cross Streets
Hillview Ave between Arastradero Rd and Coyote Hill Rd
Zip
94304
Schools
Henry M Gunn High, Pinewood School, Ellen Fletcher Middle
Other Location Info
3420 Hillview Ave
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15306
Reasons for Exemption
California Code of Regulations, title 14, §15306 provides that projects which consist of the basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource are categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA. This project involves leveraging pre-existing software tools and collecting distribution feeder data to develop a replicable modeling framework and generate key findings to inform policy decisions and business strategies. Therefore, this project is exempt from CEQA under section 15306.
This project does not involve impacts on any particularly sensitive environment; any cumulative impacts of successive projects of the same type in the same place that might be considered significant; does not involve unusual circumstances that might have a significant effect on the environment; will not result in damage to scenic
resources within a highway officially designated as a state scenic highway; the project sites are not included on any list compiled pursuant to Government Code section 65962.5, and the project will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Therefore, none of the exceptions to categorical
exemptions listed in CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 apply to this project and this project will not have a significant effect on the environment.
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, §15061(b)(3)
Reasons for Exemption
California Code of Regulations, title 14, § 15061(b)(3) provides that the activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. This project is a paper study that will leverage existing software tools and distribution feeder data to develop and implement a modeling framework.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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