Statewide LG EE Best Practices: Weekly Update

For those of you who know who Joseph Oldham is you likely are on his email distribution list and receive this update each week.  We are grateful that Joseph has agreed to allow our little blog to re-post his weekly update.  If you have an interest in the happenings of energy efficiency and local government throughout California this is the update for you! If you love the information here, but want more in depth features be sure to check out Joseph's quarterly newsletter, CURRENTS.

1.     Notice of Hearing for Possible Adoption of 2016 Proposed Building Energy Efficiency Standards and Negative Declaration Based on the Initial Study; Availability and Opportunity for Comment on the 15-Day Language and Additional Documents Relied Upon 

The California Energy Commission will conduct a hearing during its regularly scheduled May Business Meeting to consider adopting the proposed update to the Building Energy Efficiency Standards in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6, the Appendices1 to Part 6, and the associated administrative regulations in Part 1 (collectively also known as the California Energy Code).

Wednesday, June 10, 2015
10:00 a.m.

CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION
1516 Ninth Street
1st Floor, Art Rosenfeld Hearing Room
Sacramento, California
Wheelchair Accessible

Concurrent with this notice, the Energy Commission has published modifications to the proposed Building Energy Efficiency Standards in Title 24, Parts 1 and 6, and portions of the Green Building Code in Part 11 (also known as CALGreen), that were previously made available for public comment, and identified additional documents it will rely upon for adoption of these Standards. The modifications to the proposed Standards are known as the "15-Day Language" and are the proposed revisions to the California Energy Code and CALGreen that the Energy Commission will consider adopting. 
http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/2016standards/rulemaking/documents/#15day

For more information:  http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/2016standards/rulemaking/documents/#15day 
(If link above doesn't work, please copy entire link into your web browser's URL)

2.     AMBAG is Seeking Information About Thermal Storage HVAC Systems

I received this email from Elisabeth Russell at AMBAG this week.  If anyone has some information to share, please contact Elisabeth.  Here is the text from her email:
“One of our agriculture facilities has been approached with a proposed energy efficiency retrofit solution for their HVAC.  The proposal is to replace the rooftop HVAC equipment with a new thermal storage HVAC system.

The question that I would like to know if you would consider asking all of the other local governments is if they have any experience or knowledge of a thermal storage system that has been installed in an agricultural facility.  If so, we’d love to make contact with them and get their comments on the system.”

Elisabeth Russell

Special Projects Manager, AMBAG Energy Watch

Energy Efficiency & Climate Planning Programs

erussell@ambag.org

Cell: 831-588-1694

3.     Zero Net Energy New Residential Action Plan Launch Workshop, June 9, Courtyard Room CPUC (and via webex)

Energy Division staff are hosting a workshop to launch the New Residential Zero Net Energy Action Plan on June 9, 2015 (9:30 am – 5 pm), in the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Courtyard Room.  The agenda is attached, along with webex and call-in information, repeated below.  We will post the final plan to the CPUC Energy Efficiency Main Page prior to the workshop. http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/energy+efficiency/.

Workshop:

The June 9 workshop will feature several speakers in the morning (starting at 9:40) including:

-        C.R. Herro, VP of Meritage Homes

-        Bob Raymer, California Building Industry Association

-        Ann Edminster, Design AVenues

-        Matt Christie, TRC

-        David Erickson, CPUC

-        Farukh Nasim, California Energy Commission

The afternoon (1 – 5 pm) will:

-          Convene small working groups organized by goal

-          Brainstorm priorities, gaps, new needs and developments

-          Identify leads, where possible

-          Plan bi-annual Action Plan Stakeholder meetings and calls.

The California Public Utilities Commission adopted the California Long Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan in 2008.  Since then, CPUC staff have launched a series of sector-specific Action Plans to support continued market and stakeholder engagement on Plan goals.  Thus far, staff have launched Action Plans in the following areas: Codes and Standards, Research and Technology, HVAC, Lighting, and Zero Net Energy Commercial Buildings.  See here for additional information: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/Energy+Efficiency/eesp/  The New Residential ZNE Action Plan has been approved by CPUC Energy Division Director and the Energy Commission Efficiency Division Executive Director.

See here for summary information on CPUC and IOU work to advance Zero Net Energy Buildings http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/Energy+Efficiency/Zero+Net+Energy+Buildings.htm

Please join us and/or review the Action Plan when released on June 9.   

Webinar details:

Meeting information

Topic: ZNE Residential Action Plan Launch Workshop

Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Time: 9:30 am, Pacific Daylight Time (San Francisco, GMT-07:00) Meeting Number: 746 156 963 Meeting Password: !Energy1

To start or join the online meeting go to https://van.webex.com/van/j.php?MTID=mbc8fee9f902c0fc17c0e1b549a9a0893

Teleconference information

Call-in telephone: 866-832-9554

Participant passcode: 7429959

4.     Scaling of Energy Storage Market Hinges on ESSI Vendors

A new report from Navigant Research points out how getting to scale with energy storage technology depends on companies with expertise as systems integrators.  To read the full article, go here:  http://www.energymanagertoday.com/scaling-energy-storage-market-hinges-essi-vendors-0112342/

5.     New Navigation Tool Available for Title 24, Part 6

Feeling lost in Title 24, Part 6? Energy Code Ace's new Navigator Ace™ tool can help you find your way!

Energy Code Ace is pleased to announce the launch of its "Navigator Ace" tool which provides a step-by-step guide to the Title 24, Part 6, compliance process.  Laid out in an easy-to-follow flowchart, each step in the process is described in detail for the responsible party, including links to resources, code language, and tools to assist with compliance. Download and print single subjects or the entire set.
Try it today and find your way through the code!
http://www.energycodeace.com/content/navigator-ace/

"Navigator Ace" is one of the suite of free tools offered on Energy Code Ace, a "one-stop shop" website designed to help building industry professionals and consumers meet the requirements of the state's building energy code, Title 24, Part 6. The site also offers free training and resources developed to "decode" these standards for the wide-range of people who need to understand them, including building department personnel, architects, lighting designers, builders, contractors, energy consultants, and building and homeowners, to name a few.

Visit www.EnergyCodeAce.com to find out how our free tools, training's and resources can help you play your cards right by complying with California's building energy code. And while you're there, register so we can keep you updated about our new offerings and Title 24, Part 6 news.

And that is all for this week!

What Has SJVCEO Been Up to in May

During the month of May SJVCEO has been very busy cracking down on killowatts in our jurisdictions. Each of our programs have been working hard saving local governments, homeowners and businesses energy and money on their electricity bills.

For the VIEW Partnership our team members have been busy planning community outreach events as well as benchmarking away! We have been working on updating all energy data in our online benchmarking system and moving projects through the energy pipeline. We are happy to announce that we are well on our way of meeting our energy saving goal for the year!

Our community outreach events are beginning to take shape for the fall. This year we are planning to have around 4 events during the months of September and October. These events are in the early planning stages and will be announced and shared on our webpage once plans are finalized. The VIEW Partnership is also happy to announce the expansion of our community outreach events. Starting in 2016 the Partnership will be working with SoCal Edison on putting together summer outreach events. We will be looking into partnering with Edison and the local communities for fun summer events as well as cooling centers. We here at VIEW are very excited about our upcoming events. We enjoy being out in the community educated residents on energy efficiency programs that are available to them. 

Our METU program that is working with municipalities in PG&E territory is making great headway. We have just completed benchmarking the City of Fowler and found some savings in both their lighting as well as their HVAC systems.  After we presented our data analysis to the City of San Joaquin we found savings potential in their waster water treatment plant, water wells, lighting and HVAC and are moving those projects forward. We will report the savings back to you once we get the final numbers. Our METU team will be beginning to benchmark the City of Firebaugh the end of this month and hope to have large potential savings in their waste water treatment plants. Our next presentations of our program will be at the Cities of Reedley and Kingsburg.

Since we are part of the EV Partnership here in the San Joaquin Valley we are happy to announce that the Partnership now has a new webpage. Click here to check it out. Make sure to check up on the website since it is loaded with important EV tips and news updated on a regular basis.

Check in next month to see what else we have been up to!

Statewide LG EE Best Practices: Weekly Update

For those of you who know who Joseph Oldham is you likely are on his email distribution list and receive this update each week.  We are grateful that Joseph has agreed to allow our little blog to re-post his weekly update.  If you have an interest in the happenings of energy efficiency and local government throughout California this is the update for you! If you love the information here, but want more in depth features be sure to check out Joseph's quarterly newsletter, CURRENTS.

1.  Ruling Regarding Post-2015 Energy Efficiency Potential and Goals, and Database for Energy Efficient Resources Updates

CPUC Administrative Law Judge Edmister’ s Ruling Regarding Post-2015 Energy Efficiency Potential and Goals, and Database for Energy Efficient Resources Updates has been posted.  The full text of this ruling is made available through the link provided below on May 15, 2015. 

http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/SearchRes.aspx?docformat=ALL&docid=151726019

In the event of problems with the e-mail or the internet link, please contact Elizabeth Kiss at ek4@cpuc.ca.gov, telephone #(415) 703-2547.

2.  5 Tips to Get Your CFO to Buy into Energy Management

Good article on strategies to engage internal financial management staff on the value of energy management systems.  To read the full article, go here:  http://www.energymanagertoday.com/5-tips-get-cfo-buy-energy-management-0112046/

3.  Free Title 24, Part 6 Training for Plans Examiners and Building Inspectors!

Energy Code Ace is offering free hands-on courses that are designed to provide plans examiners and building inspectors with the knowledge and skills needed to more quickly and effectively enforce the 2013 Building Energy Efficiency Standards.

All participants receive a comprehensive workbook and tools they can use on the job.

All classes are held 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Continental breakfast and lunch provided.

Register for a scheduled class below or contact Energy Code Ace at http://energycodeace.com/content/training-request/ to bring training to a location of your choice!

Nonresidential Courses

Date                      Location       Registration Link

June 3, 2015        Simi Valley   http://www.sce.com/workshops

June 4, 2015        El Centro      http://www.sce.com/workshops

June 9, 2015        San Diego    http://www.sdge.com/training

June 25, 2015      Santa Barbara   http://www.sce.com/workshops

July 8, 2015          Monrovia      http://www.sce.com/workshops

July 10, 2015        Palm Desert  http://www.sce.com/workshops

Residential Courses

Date                      Location       Registration Link

May 27, 2015        Simi Valley  http://www.sce.com/workshops

June 10, 2015       Stockton      http://goo.gl/mDJy2r

June 17, 2015       San Diego   http://www.sdge.com/training

June 23, 2015       Glendale      http://www.sce.com/workshops

June 24, 2015       Monrovia      http://www.sce.com/workshops

July 24, 2015        Palm Desert   http://www.sce.com/workshops

For more information on courses offered by Energy Code Ace, please e-mail training@energycodeace.com

4.  ZNE Workshops in Bay Area

Zero Energy Regional Workshops -  May 28 & 29 

May 28 is for local government staff. 

The following jurisdictions have already RSVP'd: Alameda County, Angels Camp, Atherton, Burlingame, Daly City, Fremont, Los Altos, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Oakland, Palo Alto, Redwood City, Pleasanton, Portola Valley, Sacramento (State of California), San Mateo, San Jose, Santa Cruz, and Walnut Creek. We're recommending that each jurisdiction bring a group of 3 to 5 people, including planning, building, and sustainability staff, although it's fine if just one can attend. The optional tour of the David and Lucile Packard Building is filling up quickly, so register as soon as possible to reserve your space!  The agenda and more information is posted here. 

May 29 is for homeowners, real estate professionals, and building professionals. 

We'd especially like to request your help getting the word out to residents who may be considering remodeling or rebuilding their home. Sample promotional text that could go on NextDoor (very effective), Facebook, your city website, or your city email newsletter is below. Flyers are posted online. 2 Preview webinars on our website introduce the concept of zero energy to builders and homeowners/real estate professionals.

Promotional text for residents:Thinking about remodeling or rebuilding your home? You’ll want to consider building it to Zero Energy standards, which will be required by California building code starting in 2020. Because Zero Energy homes are extremely energy efficient (with minimal cost to operate), they can be a great investment and create a more comfortable, healthy environment for your family.  To learn about this new home trend and network with Zero Energy building experts, please attend the upcoming Zero Energy Workshop and Resource Fair on May 29.

Creating a Zero Energy Home – May 29 in Portola Valley

11:30am-1:30pm Networking Lunch and Resource Fair

1:30pm-3:30pm Workshop

3:30pm Tour of a Zero Energy home in Palo Alto (optional)

Sponsored by the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County, PG&E, and the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS. For more information and to register, visit http://smcenergywatch.com/zero_energy_events

Want a sneak peak? Watch this one-hour webinar: “Beautiful, Comfortable Zero Energy Homes”

And that is all for this week! 

Statewide LG EE Best Practices: Weekly Update

For those of you who know who Joseph Oldham is you likely are on his email distribution list and receive this update each week.  We are grateful that Joseph has agreed to allow our little blog to re-post his weekly update.  If you have an interest in the happenings of energy efficiency and local government throughout California this is the update for you! If you love the information here, but want more in depth features be sure to check out Joseph's quarterly newsletter, CURRENTS.

1. LED Market Outlook Is Bright

Good article about the future of LED lighting.  To read the full article, go here:  http://www.energymanagertoday.com/led-market-outlook-bright-0111903/

2. CPUC Issues Proposed Decision Modifying Energy Efficiency Financing Pilots

Administrative Law Judge Todd O. Edmister’s Proposed Decision Partially Modifying Decision 13-09-044 and Resolution E-4680 Implementing Energy Efficiency Financing Pilot Programs is now available  The full text of this decision is made through the link provided below on May 12, 2015.  

http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/SearchRes.aspx?docformat=ALL&docid=151562188

In the event of problems with the e-mail or the internet link, please contact Andrew J. Rico at andrew.rico@cpuc.ca.gov, or telephone #(415) 703-2588.

3. DEER2016 Update and Uncertain Measures Update Workshop Notice

Commission staff and consultants will be hosting a DEER2016 Update Workshop on 5/21/2015 to discuss and respond to stakeholder questions on the DEER2016 Update draft results and Uncertain Measures Update draft results released via ruling.

Stakeholder comments can be filed formally with the proceeding through the service list at by 6/8/2015.

All the draft results and documentation can be found at http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/Energy+Efficiency/exantereiew.htm under the DEER section and at http://www.deeresources.com/.

Workshop Info:Date and time:  May 21, 2015, 1:00 pm- 4:00 pmCPUC, Hearing Room D505 Van Ness Ave, San FranciscoCall in: 866-633-5590, Code: 3535621

WebEx: https://van.webex.com/van/j.php?MTID=m2782aea3818e6b279bfc4d387e23f413

Meeting Number: 744 839 870  Meeting Password: !Energy1

If you have any concerns or questions, please email Aaron Lu at aaron.lu@cpuc.ca.gov. Thank you for your participation.

4. Tool Calculates Building Energy Code Data to Comply with Clean Power Plan

New tool has just been released that could be of interest to those working on energy codes and how they contribute to improving air quality.  To read the full article, go here:  http://www.energymanagertoday.com/tool-calculates-building-energy-code-data-comply-clean-power-plan-0111911/

5. Nonresidential Building Energy Use Disclosure Program Certification of Emergency Regulation, 15-OIR-03, Order Adopting Amendment to the Compliance Schedule

The following Document submitted to Docket Number 15-OIR-03 has been published:Title: Order Adopting Amendment to the Compliance Schedule
Document Description: For the Nonresidential Building Energy Use Disclosure Program
6 page(s)

And that is all for this week!  

Energy Efficiency Bills in the Pipeline

Over the course of the Obama administration we have heard how the President is working to ensure a better and cleaner energy future for America. Now that we are about to embark on the last part of his presidential term we are seeing the wheels beginning to turn. In the past 3 months we have seen much progress in when it comes to bipartisan bills making their way through the House and the Senate, but what do these bills actually mean for the energy efficiency industry in the long run?

One of the first bills passed this year was S.535. This bill was brought to the floor by Senators Portman and Shaheen and includes three energy efficiency provisions. Those provisions include promoting commercial energy benchmarking and disclosure, a Tenant Star program as well as improved efficiency standards for grid connected water heaters. The first provision of promoting commercial energy benchmarking goes hand in hand with what the California Energy Commission, CEC, is already working toward in the state with the passage of AB 1103. Assembly Bill 1103 focusing on having all commercial buildings within the state of California are benchmarked if the building owner intends to lease, sale or lend. The second provisions of launching a Tenant Star program can piggy back off of the EPA’s Energy Star Certification of commercial buildings. This program only differs by reaching out to multi-family units to show how they can improve their energy efficiency, since this has been a neglected sector on energy savings. All items stated in the bill are building blocks for programs that are already being implemented in different parts of the US. Though this bill does not have specifics on energy efficiency it focuses on the ground floor of getting others interested in the topic.

The second bill is one that has only been introduced to Congress S. 720.[i] This bill focuses on innovative energy savings for American manufacturers. The meat of this bill will have the Department of Energy (DOE) working to develop smart manufacturing plans that can assist small and medium sized manufacturers. Items that fall under smart manufacturing for this bill are information and communications technology that help achieve superior control and productivity. With increased control and productivity there are a lot of energy savings to be had for manufacturers. Studies have shown that the manufacturing industry can shave off as much as $18 billion in energy costs by reducing energy use by just 10%.[ii]

Too many this read may seem like a boring law class on bills going through the house and senate. But to those that are true energy efficiency fans we are applauding our government for taking notice of the importance of energy efficiency. We hope that this is a start to a greener energy future!

---

[i] “On the road to bipartisan energy efficiency legislation,” Apr., 30, 2015, http://aceee.org/blog/2015/04/road-bipartisan-energy-efficiency

[ii] “Energy Efficiency Toolkit For Manufacturers,” Apr., 30, 2015, http://www.energy.ca.gov/process/pubs/toolkit.pdf

Statewide LG EE Best Practices: Weekly Update

For those of you who know who Joseph Oldham is you likely are on his email distribution list and receive this update each week.  We are grateful that Joseph has agreed to allow our little blog to re-post his weekly update.  If you have an interest in the happenings of energy efficiency and local government throughout California this is the update for you! If you love the information here, but want more in depth features be sure to check out Joseph's quarterly newsletter, CURRENTS.

1. WaterSaver idea exchange

In April, responding to the continuing drought, Governor Brown announced a series of actions to reduce water use, including the creation of a water appliance rebate program and funding innovative water-energy saving technologies. The Energy Commission has set up a WaterSaver idea exchange docket to record water-energy saving suggestions and to provide a networking opportunity.

For more information, see http://www.energy.ca.gov/wet/idea_exchange.html

Note: the WaterSaver idea exchange docket is for information only and encompasses both Energy Commission programs-the Water Appliance Rebate program and the Water Energy Technology program

For more information: http://www.energy.ca.gov/wet/idea_exchange.html
(If link above doesn't work, please copy entire link into your web browser's URL)

2. Demand for Tesla Powerwall Energy Storage Exceeds Expectations

Last week I provided a link to an article in Forbes magazine about Tesla’s announcement of their new Powerwall residential energy storage technology.  Following that announcement, I had several conversations with energy stakeholders questioning the market demand for residential energy storage.  This article in Forbes a week later seems to answer those questions.  To read the article, go here :  http://www.forbes.com/sites/uciliawang/2015/05/06/demand-for-tesla-batteries-is-overwhelming-like-crazy/?ss=energy   

 

And that is all for this week!  

NRG eVgo Freedom Stations in the SJV

Electric Vehicles (EVs) and EV charging sites are gaining some real traction and prominence in the San Joaquin Valley. Hooray! This means, now that charging infrastructure development has taken off, it is making more and more sense to own an EV in this part of California.

Photo Source: www.insideevs.com

We owe a big thanks to NRG eVgo for three of the SJV’s stations and this number will grow exponentially this year. These stations are at the Fresh and Easy in Hayward, the Applegate Plaza in Atwater and Fashion Fair Mall in Fresno. The Fashion Fair station is the newest and there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the coming weeks.

NRG eVgo is dedicated to minimizing any possible downsides to driving and owning an electric car; the company has set out to make the experience as simple as driving a gas-powered vehicle. Range is one of the things electric car owners and prospective owners worry about most and NRG eVgo wants to eliminate any range anxiety with its ever-growing network of “Freedom Stations”.

NRG eVgo has begun development of its charging station network in the states of California and Texas as well as the Cities of Atlanta, Nashville, Chicago, and Washington D.C. For Earth Day, NRG eVgo helped host an EV caravan in Atlanta to promote the Freedom Stations around the city. Included in this event were demonstrations on how to charge a variety of electric vehicles.

Photo Source: www.businesswire.com

If you’d like to charge at home, NRG eVgo has a home car charging dock as well. You can get information on the best charger for your home and vehicle or even suggest a multi-family home or workplace that should be approached and considered for an EV Charging Station install.

The NRG eVgo network of Freedom Stations is quickly growing! This infrastructure development and the incentives offered from the federal government, the CA Air Pollution Control District, etc. should be reason enough to consider purchasing an EV!

NRG eVgo isn't the only company expanding the SJV's EV Charging Station Network. Residences and businesses all over the Valley are seeing the importance and advantage of installing EV chargers. If you own an EV or are considering purchasing one, but are deterred by potential range anxiety, look at the Plug Share app. The map features residential chargers, high powered chargers (i.e. Tesla Superchargers), and public business or municipal stations. The app will even warn you when a particular charger is in use. Range Anxiety no more!