The California Energy Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (ARFVTP) has already allocated nearly $400 million to help bolster statewide ZEV (zero emission vehicle) infrastructure and create a viable market for these vehicles. The latest $1 million in ARFVTP funding will support the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Encinitas and Sonoma County.

Corridor Power, Inc was awarded nearly $500,000 to install 10 electric vehicle fast chargers in Encinitas and the County of Sonoma was awarded $500,000 to renovate 10 existing electric vehicle chargers and install three new electric vehicle chargers.

To specifically address risks to the natural gas system posed by failing Delta Island levee infrastructure and long-term sea level rise, the commission awarded $325,000 to the US Geological Survey (USGS). Money will be used to gather valuable data using state of the art technology. Funded by the Natural Gas program that is part of the commission's Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) effort, the project will include a bi-monthly survey by the USGS of levee roads accounting for approximately 1,700 km of high-priority energy infrastructure zones. Over the next two years, new research will provide unprecedented understanding of levee stability and the gradual sinking of land that could cause levee failure.

Physical Sciences Inc. was awarded $150,000 to develop miniature methane laser sensors that would detect natural gas leaks in pipelines. Palios Corporation will receive $148,000 to test a cost-effective, ultrasonic measurement system that would use non-destructive measures to quickly determine the strength of undisturbed and in-place steel natural gas transmission pipelines with minimal disruptions to service.