Call for Projects: EV Charging Site Host

MCE (Charged by Public Power) has released this federal subaward funding opportunity to deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at community-serving locations in historically under-resourced communities across its service area. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office, the program aims to increase equitable access to convenient EV charging while identifying effective practices for infrastructure investment. A total of $744,800 is available, with a maximum aggregate award of $249,999 per applicant across all approved sites. Funding is provided as a federal subaward (not a rebate), requiring selected subrecipients to comply with all applicable federal requirements under 2 CFR Part 200, DOE award terms, and Build America, Buy America provisions.

Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, multifamily property owners, community-serving businesses, and other entities that can administer a federal subaward. Projects must be located in one of nine priority communities (Concord, Fairfield, Napa, Pittsburg, Richmond, San Pablo, San Rafael, Unincorporated Contra Costa County, or Vallejo) within a California Climate Investments Priority Population area. Eligible sites include community centers, libraries, schools, hospitals, parks, commercial centers, multifamily properties, and transit locations. Single-family residences, fleet-charging projects, and sites without meaningful public benefit are ineligible. Chargers must be publicly accessible during regular operating hours (multifamily sites may be excepted) and must be operated and maintained for at least five years.

Funding may support new Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging equipment. Equipment must be new, UL-certified, ENERGY STAR where applicable, networked, support contactless payment for public-facing units, and comply with OCPP 1.6 (or newer). Final equipment selection is subject to MCE approval and must meet Build America, Buy America requirements. Eligible costs include charging equipment, design and engineering, permitting, installation labor and materials, electrical service upgrades, and up to five years of networking subscriptions or extended warranties when paid upfront. Ineligible costs include landscaping not directly required for installation, vehicle purchases, electricity consumed after installation, and costs incurred before written authorization to proceed.

Applications are submitted in a three-stage process. Stage 1 requires a concept-level application with a signed EV Charging Project Application and property owner confirmation if not the owner. Supporting technical quotes and designs are encouraged but not mandatory. The Stage 1 application deadline is September 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM PT. Questions are due by August 17, 2026. MCE will evaluate eligible applications on community need (35 points), project feasibility (30 points), charging access and operations (20 points), and community priorities (15 points). Conditionally selected applicants (anticipated September 18, 2026) will have 60 days to complete Stage 2 project development, including detailed scope, budget, Buy America compliance, and environmental review. Final awards are expected by December 1, 2026, with all chargers operational by December 1, 2027.

Call for Projects: EV Charging Site Host

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