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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Agreement with the Regents of the University of California, Los Angeles, for Electric Vehicle Integration Study & Pilot Roadmap: City Fleets, School Buses, Residential Segment, and Transit Buses.
1. Motion authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute an agreement with the Regents of the University of California, on behalf of its Los Angeles Campus, to perform the research study entitled Electric Vehicle Integration Study & Pilot Roadmap: City Fleets, School Buses, Residential Segment, and Transit Buses, in an amount not to exceed $150,000.
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Consent Calendar
Approved for December 16, 2025 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On September 9, 2025, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 25-133 whereby it authorized Glendale Water & Power Department (GWP) staff to conduct a study in support of a future vehicle-to-everything (V2X) pilot program. The City Council also adopted a Resolution of Appropriation for $200,000 to fund this effort. To carry out the study, staff evaluated leading neutral research institutions with expertise in electrification, grid integration, and demand response
The University of California, Los Angeles’ (UCLA) Smart Grid Energy Research Center (SMERC) was identified as a pioneer in these areas. With over 15 years of leadership in electric vehicles (EVs), V2X technologies, microgrids, and distributed energy resource integration, SMERC has executed field pilots with utilities, municipalities, and transit agencies. Partnering with UCLA SMERC will enable GWP to leverage cutting-edge expertise and industry best practices to design data-driven pilots and programs that advance scalable, resilient, and cost-effective clean energy solutions for Glendale.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with the Regents of the University of California, Los Angeles, to conduct the Electric Vehicle Integration Study & Pilot Roadmap: City Fleets, School Buses, Residential Segment, and Transit Buses. 4b2
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ANALYSIS
GWP is experiencing rapid EV adoption across its service territory, including its own municipal and utility fleets, presenting both challenges and opportunities for grid management. To support strategic planning and program development, GWP proposes to partner with UCLA’s SMERC to conduct a focused study on V2X integration.
V2X technologies represent a rapidly evolving area in clean energy innovation, enabling EVs to communicate with and supply energy to homes, businesses, and the grid. These capabilities can enhance grid reliability, provide backup power, support renewable integration, and enable better load management.
While V2X applications are still evolving, early adoption guided by data-driven analysis can deliver valuable insights and position GWP to make strategic, cost-effective investments. To ensure informed decision making, the proposed study will assess the technical, economical, behavioral, and operational feasibility of implementing V2X solutions in Glendale. The study will focus on evaluating bidirectional chargers, EV availability, and grid interface capabilities, while identifying practical applications and pilot concepts tailored to Glendale’s needs.
The research will explore multiple customer segments, including municipal fleets, school buses, residential, and transit buses, analyzing V2X integration with managed charging microgrids, demand response, and distributed energy resources.
Key outcomes will include a roadmap through 2027, technology and policy recommendations for pilot implementations, and guidance on scaling successful pilots into broader utility programs.
Partnering with UCLA SMERC, an established leader in advanced grid and electrification research, will provide independent expertise and technical analysis, and ensure program design reflects best practices and aligns with Glendale’s unique customer base and load profile.
On September 9, 2025, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 25-133 authorizing GWP to conduct a study in support of the V2X pilot program and Resolution No. 25-134 appropriating $200,000 toward the V2X study supporting a potential pilot program. At that time, the City had not designated an entity to conduct the research.
With UCLA now identified, staff seeks Council’s approval to enter into the agreement with UCLA to conduct the study.
This partnership is an important step toward building the foundation for V2X applications in Glendale, supporting innovation, advancing the City’s clean energy initiatives, and positioning GWP as a leader in the integration of EVs into the grid of the future.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
Staff will engage with relevant City departments to support data collection, site assessments, and pilot discussions as the study progresses. 4b3
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FISCAL IMPACT
The Electric Vehicle Integration Study & Pilot Roadmap for City fleets, school buses, residential, and transit buses will cost $150,000, which was approved as part of the FY 2025-26 budget. No new appropriation is being requested at this time.
The City Council approved funding is outlined below:
Existing Appropriation
Amount Account String Funding Source
$200,000 45512-2910-GWP-4800-P0000 Public Benefit Fund
Department Cost Center Program
GWP Public Benefits
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
This item is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review as the action requested is to authorize a study and thus is not a project as defined by, and for the purposes of, CEQA
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
1. Not authorize the agreement with UCLA as proposed herein.
2. Consider any other alternative not proposed by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Scott K. Mellon, P.E., General Manager - Glendale Water and Power Prepared by:
Ruzan Soloyan, Clean Energy Officer
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
None.