California
Demand Side Grid Support (DSGS)
California Energy Commission
California reliability incentives with several participation options. Capacity commitments, measured performance and provider agreements determine compensation.
Last reviewed October 21, 2026
Published rates
Program compensation
Option-specific capacity and performance incentives
Consult current CEC guidelines and your provider agreement. No single rate is applied to all assets or DSGS options.
These are published program terms, not a guaranteed payment. Actual earnings depend on measured performance, event counts, and what your aggregator passes through.
How the program works
The California Energy Commission’s Demand Side Grid Support program supports reliability during its May–October season. Its options use different eligibility, measurement and payment rules; DSGS is not a universal $2/kWh offer or proof of CAISO wholesale participation.
For a home battery, identify the provider and program year before modeling revenue. Tesla’s 2026 offer advertises up to $280 per eligible Powerwall using capacity and performance rules. That provider-specific ceiling is not a guaranteed payment or a statewide per-kWh tariff.
Who qualifies
- Meet the current CEC option-specific customer, equipment and geographic requirements.
- Use an approved participating provider and comply with metering, reporting and dispatch rules.
- Check restrictions on simultaneous enrollment, incentive stacking and control of the same resource.
How to enroll
Review the current CEC guidelines, then obtain the provider’s written enrollment offer, payment formula and reporting requirements for your equipment. Confirm enrollment is currently available.
Questions buyers ask
Does every DSGS customer earn $2/kWh?
No. DSGS has different options and provider offers. Use the applicable program-year capacity and performance formula rather than a universal energy rate.
Is DSGS the same as a CAISO market resource?
No. A California state reliability program is distinct from wholesale-market registration. Verify any separate CAISO participation claim.
Can the calculator forecast my DSGS payment?
The directory does not apply a generic numerical DSGS model. Use the current option rules, settlement guidance and provider agreement linked here.