Energy Efficiency Statewide Codes and Standards Program (2013 - 2014)

On September 18, 2008, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) adopted the state’s Long Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan (“Strategic Plan”), presenting a single roadmap to achieve maximum energy savings across all major groups and sectors in California. This comprehensive Strategic Plan for 2009 to 2020 represents the state’s first integrated framework of goals and strategies for saving energy, covering government, utility, and private sector actions, and holds energy efficiency to its role as the highest priority resource in meeting California’s energy needs.

The Statewide Codes and Standards Program saves energy by: 1) Influencing standards and code-setting bodies (such as the California Energy Commission) to strengthen energy efficiency regulations, 2) Improving compliance with existing codes and standards, 3) Assisting local governments to develop ordinances that exceed statewide minimum requirements, and 4) coordinating with other programs and entities to support the state’s ambitious policy goals.

Program Descriptions

Building Codes Advocacy

The Building Codes subprogram primarily targets improvements to the Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards that are periodically updated by the CEC.  The subprogram also seeks changes to national building codes that impact CA building codes.  Primary activities include developing code enhancement proposals and participating in public rulemaking processes.  The program may coordinate with in ratings organizations that are referenced in Title 24 (e.g., the National Fenestration Rating Council, and the Cool Roof Rating Council). 

Appliance Standards Advocacy

The Appliance Standards subprogram targets both state and federal standards and test methods: improvements to Title 20 Appliance Efficiency Regulations by the CEC, and improvements to Federal appliance regulations by the USDOE.  Advocacy activities include developing Title 20 code enhancement proposals, participating in the CEC public rulemaking process, submitting comment letters based on IOU research and analysis in USDOE standards proceedings, and participating in direct negotiations with industry.  Additionally, the program monitors state and federal legislation and intervenes, as appropriate.

Compliance Improvement

Compliance improvement is increasingly important to the energy efficiency industry in California.  California codes have made tremendous advances in the last decade, adopting many efficient technologies and practices supported by IOU incentive and rebate programs.  Achieving satisfactory compliance with the codes is a crucial requirement for capturing the code-related energy savings for the long-term benefit of society.  Broad compliance is necessary to level the playing field for well-intentioned suppliers and contractors who are otherwise faced with a competitive disadvantage when complying with regulations.  Greater compliance strengthens voluntary program baselines and provides a solid foundation for future robust advocacy efforts.  

Reach Codes

The Reach Codes subprogram provides technical support to local governments that wish to adopt ordinances that exceed statewide Title 24 minimum energy efficiency requirements for new buildings, additions, or alterations. Support includes research and analysis for establishing required performance levels relative to T-24 and cost-effectiveness per Climate Zone, drafting model ordinance templates, and assistance with completing and expediting the application process required for approval by the CEC. The subprogram also supports local governments that seek to establish residential or commercial energy conservation ordinances for existing buildings.

Planning and Coordination

The Planning and Coordination subprogram works with the CEC, CPUD, Emerging Technologies, Workforce Education and Training, rebate, and other voluntary programs to conduct strategice planning in support of the Strategic Plan policy goals, includeing Zero Net Energy (ZNE) goals for new construction. As part of the expanded outreach and communications efforts, the C&S program maintains a codes and standards collaborative, and continues to facilitate the Compliance Improvement Advisory Group (CIAG). In addition, the C&S program maintains regular contact with state and federal code-setting agencies to minimize duplication of efforts and coordination activities.

2013 - 2014 Codes and Standards Program Budget by Utility