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Future Cycle

Nonresidential Plug Load Modeling

Nonresidential
Demand Management

Measure Description

The Nonresidential Plug Load Modeling CASE Report will propose revisions to the W/sq. ft. assumptions and hourly schedules that the Title 24 compliance software uses to estimate plug load energy use in new and existing nonresidential buildings. The updated rulesets will be presented as revised language for the Nonresidential Alternate Calculation Method Reference Manual. The revised assumptions will rely on a literature review of data sources such as non-residential building surveys, submetering studies, and energy models. This measure does not include updating the assumptions used to estimate unregulated lighting loads.

This measure may also include one or more compliance credits for measures that achieve beyond-code plug load energy savings and can be easily, objectively verified. The Statewide CASE Team is investigating compliance credit options for elevators and welcomes additional suggestions for beyond-code plug load efficiency measures.

There are no energy savings expected from this measure.

Submeasure Moved to Future Code Cycles

The Statewide CASE Team investigated code change opportunities for nonresidential plug load modeling for the 2022 code cycle. After reviewing available literature and data sources, the Statewide CASE Team recommended removing this measure from the 2022 code cycle, to be considered during the 2025 code cycle.

After reviewing all available data sources, it became clear that the data available today would not allow the Statewide CASE Team to update the plug load energy use assumptions with the degree of accuracy or granularity that is desired. The available data sources combined could not provide accurate plug load operation schedules or estimates that were representative of California. The Statewide CASE Team also learned of data sources that will become available in 2021 which have the potential to provide accurate, empirical data. Since the available data sources are not sufficient, and improved data will be available around the same time the 2022 Title 24, Part 6 code is adopted (spring 2021), the plug load assumptions will not be updated until sometime after the 2021 data sources are released.

Available Data Sources Reviewed
  • California Commercial End-Use Survey (CEUS) 2006
  • Energy Information Administration (EIA) Annual Energy Outlook (AEO) 2018
  • Energy Information Administration (EIA) Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) 2012
  • Database for Energy Efficiency Resources (DEER) 2016
  • Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) Commercial Building Stock Assessment (CBSA) 2014
Data Sources That Will Be Available Soon
  • U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) 2018
  • California Energy Commission Commercial End-Use Survey (CEUS) 2018
  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) End-Use Load Profiles for the U.S. Building Stock

To support ongoing research and future code cycle consideration, additional information on nonresidential thermal bridging can be submitted to the Statewide CASE Team through [email protected]. This measure may be pursued through CalGreen (Title 24, Part 11).

Relevant Documents

Measure proposals, supporting documents, and other outside references will be made public as they become available.

Give Us Your Feedback

The Statewide CASE Team values input from all stakeholders engaged in the Title 24, Part 6 code change process. We encourage the open exchange of code change comments and concerns.

  • Use the form above to provide feedback on this measure.