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DOE State Energy Program (SEP) - formula funds to CA Energy Commission
Federal formula funds passed through to the California Energy Commission. Funds downstream state programs - not directly applied for.
At a glance
| Status | Open: accepting applications |
|---|---|
| Eligible sites | affordable housing, fleet, mixed-use, multifamily, public access, workplace |
| Timing | Continuous flow to CEC; downstream state programs have their own deadlines. |
| Administered by | U.S. DOE Office of State and Community Energy Programs |
| Last verified | 2026-09-25 |
How it pays
DOE SEP funds flow to states (CEC for CA). CA passes funds through programs like Clean Transportation Program, EnergIIZE, Communities in Charge - not a standalone direct-to-applicant federal program. Documented here for completeness; commercial applicants should apply through downstream CA programs.
Who qualifies
Not a direct-application program for end-users. Listed here because it's the federal funding source for many CA-administered EV charging programs.
Eligible properties
Geography
Varies by state allocation - for CA, captured in CEC's CTP solicitations.
Timing
Continuous flow to CEC; downstream state programs have their own deadlines.
How to apply
How this stacks with other programs
Federal programs typically stack with utility, regional (air district), state, and city/county programs on the same project. The general California stacking rules:
- Federal §30C tax credit: ended for chargers placed in service after June 30, 2026. Projects placed in service on or before that date may still claim it; new projects should plan without it.
- Federal grants (CFI, REAP, NEVI): not stackable with other federal grants on the same port.
- State + utility + regional + local: generally full stack across tiers. Same-tier programs serving the same port don't double-fund.
For the full stacking matrix, see the homepage stacking section.
More federal programs
- Section 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit
Internal Revenue Service (Treasury) - Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant - Community Charging & Fueling
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), U.S. DOT - Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant - Corridor Charging
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), U.S. DOT - National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program
FHWA / Joint Office of Energy and Transportation; CA implementer is Caltrans + CEC - USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
USDA Rural Development
By utility
This program applies statewide. See what else is open in your utility's territory:
Sourcing chargers for a project that uses this program?
EVgpo quotes the chargers for projects that use this program: ChargePoint, Blink, Siemens, ABB, Wallbox and most other commercial brands. The program is filled in for you.
Get charger pricing →Verified against agency sources on 2026-09-25. Eligibility, deadlines, and dollar amounts can change between refresh cycles - always confirm directly with U.S. DOE Office of State and Community Energy Programs before applying. See how we verify.