In California, the State Energy Office utilized SEP funds to support the development and implementation of appliance and building standards. In 2019, the CEC completed appliance standards covering portable air conditioners, commercial and industrial air compressors, spray sprinkler bodies, general service laps, and pool pumps. Newly enacted appliance standards will lead to various energy and monetary savings for Californians: for example, the portable air conditioners standards are anticipated to save consumers approximately $5 million in the first year and $50 million annually after stock turnover in ten years. This year, the 2019 California Energy Code and associated modeling tools were also adopted. Under the 2019 Energy Code, single-family homes built with the 2019 standards will use about 7 percent less energy due to energy efficiency measures versus those built under the 2016 standards. Once rooftop solar electricity generation is factored in, homes built under the 2019 standards will use about 53 percent less energy than those under the 2016 standards. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 700,000 metric tons over three years, equivalent to taking 115,000 fossil fuel cars off the road. Nonresidential buildings will use about 30 percent less energy due mainly to lighting upgrades.
Contact Information for the California Energy Office