California Energy Commission – Distributed Electricity Backup Assets (DEBA) Program – Distributed Energy Resources For Grid Reliability
CA TRIBAL ENTITIES ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR UP TO $8,000,000
DEADLINE
January 26, 2027 (11:59 p.m. Pacific)
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The California Energy Commission’s DEBA Program funds new, zero-emission projects that add electricity supply or reduce demand during extreme events. Eligible projects include energy storage, distributed generation, load flexibility, microgrids, and they must add capacity beyond the state’s existing reliability resources.
AWARD NOTIFICATIONS EXPECTED
April 2027 (anticipated award notice)
September 2027 (anticipated agreement start)
FUNDING DETAILS
Total funding available: $23,144,000–$46,144,000 (final funding
availability dependent on separate awards to water utility projects).
Award range: $2,000,000 – $8,000,000
COST SHARE
25% of the grant amount requested, reduced to 10% for projects that
directly benefit vulnerable populations or disadvantaged communities
(Tribal projects qualify for the 10% match).
PROJECT GOALS
Deploy new zero-emission DER capacity; strengthen grid reliability during
extreme events; increase supply or reduce/shift load during critical hours;
demonstrate measurable performance and incremental capacity.
WHAT CAN YOU USE IT FOR?
Eligible costs include design and engineering, equipment, installation, construction, commissioning, and warranty or maintenance contracts (up to 10% of costs).
IMPORTANT LIMITATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
Awardees must approve a limited waiver of sovereign immunity.
Diesel and other combustion generators, solar panels, and wind turbines are not eligible costs.
Projects must be located in California and be fully built, connected to the grid, and operating by March 31, 2030.
Permits and environmental review must be done before award approval.
Payment is by reimbursement only, with 10% held until completion.
Ready to empower your Tribe’s energy future?
