Aligning Utility Programs with Codes

Codes And Policy

In many cases, utility energy efficiency programs, utility incentives, and jurisdictional stretch code programs can be aligned. For example, Massachusetts has set a state-approved stretch code as an optional path for adoption by local jurisdictions. To date, that stretch codes has been approved as the mandatory base code in about 100 communities around that state. In Massachusetts, a utility program can be a “deemed” compliance path to the stretch codes, and it can be incentivized. NBI’s Core Performance is one such path.

In California investor-owned utilities can earn demand-side management credit for getting cities to adopt stretch codes.  This has occurred for several city adoptions of CalGreen as a stretch code.

Oregon’s Legislature mandated in 2009 that the Buildings Code Division develop a statewide uniform Reach Code in parallel with the regular three-year updates to the base Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code (OEESC).  The first Oregon Reach Code was effective July 1, 2011, and is an “alternative compliance path” to the OEESC.


Utility Savings Assessment & Program Administration

The Institute for Electric Efficiency offers two papers on how utilities can use energy codes a part of their efficiency programs. They include:

Assessment of Electricity Savings in the U.S. Achievable through New Appliance/Equipment Efficiency Standards and Building Efficiency Codes (2010 – 2025) (May 2011)

Integrating Codes and Standards into Electric Utility Energy Efficiency Portfolios (August 2011)