Approved Projects

Projects that have been reviewed by the CalNEXT program team using our review criteria and accepted by the program administrator are listed here. Statuses will be updated at least monthly and final reports will be linked when available. Listed completion dates are estimates and will be updated if needed.

Projects are filterable by technology area (based on the TPMs), project type, organization, market sector, research type, technology transfer pathway, and status. They are also sortable by any column and searchable by any keyword (hit enter to search).

To view all past and current California statewide emerging technology projects and reports, please visit the Emerging Technologies Program Portal or the Emerging Technologies Coordinating Council websites.

Project Name	Project Number	Technology Area	Project Type	Status	Completion Date	Keywords	Organization	Market Sector	Research Type	Tech Transfer Pathway	Status
New Manufactured Home Quick Check Major building envelope and duct leakage issues can occur during MH production, transport, or setup; these frequently will increase energy usage significantly. There is no standard practice to test for issues during the home siting process. A New MH Quick Check was developed and tested to address this issue (originally with funding from the DOE). This project will study, test, and support the adoption of the approach alongside a couple industry stakeholders. Increased deployment of the approach can identify and fix problems to save energy and prevent comfort complaints and other callbacks for home manufacturers.	ET26SWE0034	Whole Buildings	TSR	Active	2027/08						Active
Electric to Electric Central HPWH Measure Package Development This project will provide measure package support for a new electric-baseline central heat pump water heater (CHPWH) measure for multifamily and commercial central domestic hot water systems. The work will define baseline and measure cases for electric-to-electric applications, including existing electric resistance central systems and Title 24 new construction/major alteration baselines, and develop EnergyPlus/DEER prototype modeling methods, savings estimates, and incremental cost inputs. The project addresses a current gap in California measure offerings, where central HPWH pathways are largely oriented toward gas-baseline fuel substitution and do not provide a standardized pathway for electric-baseline central systems. The outputs will help CalTF, IOUs, and program implementers advance a scalable measure package, support midstream program delivery, and enable defensible kWh/kW savings claims.	ET26SWE0033	Water Heating	TSR	Active	2027/10						Active
Market Characterization of Hot Water as a Service for Central HPWHs This project seeks to identify the barriers and opportunities in the market for adoption of central commercial heat pump water heaters (CHPWHs) in multifamily buildings via the Hot Water as a Service business model. In addition to potentially removing the first cost barrier to implementation, and the building owner/operator responsibility for owning and operating these systems, the service model comprises fault detection and diagnostics and preventive maintenance as part of the offering, By engaging with all stakeholder groups with an interest in implementation of hot water projects in multifamily buildings, the Project Team will identify appropriate pathways and mechanisms for deployment of HWaaS within utility programs.	ET26SWE0032	Water Heating	TSR	Active	2027/07						Active
Lab Test of a Commercially Available Multi-Function Heat Pump This project will test a commercially available Multi-Function Heat Pump (MFHP) to develop detailed performance maps of the system. Performance curves will allow annual performance to be modeled in different climate zones. Multi-Function Heat Pumps (MFHP) have the potential to reduce total installed costs by avoiding service upgrades because they can have lower peak power consumption compared to the typical two separate heat pumps for space conditioning and water heating. MFHPs use one efficient compressor to provide space cooling, space heating, and domestic hot water heating. Variable-speed air-to-air MFHPs have the potential for higher efficiency and can recover heat from space cooling to heat hot water. Equipment performance curves are needed to estimate energy savings.	ET26SWE0028	Whole Buildings, HVAC	TSR	Active	2027/08	Integrated Systems	UC Davis			New Measure Package Development	Active
Package CHPWH with PCM Storage CHPWH systems are an emerging technology that can supply efficient, electrified domestic hot water to multifamily and commercial buildings with load-shifting capabilities. Standard CHPWHs currently face barriers including high cost, inefficient use of space, controls complexity, and installation challenges. CHPWH systems that use phase change materials (PCMs) as a storage medium may address these issues with a significantly smaller footprint, simplified installation, constant temperature thermal storage, and improved efficiency. This proposed study will demonstrate a new packaged CHPWH with PCM storage and load shifting capability in a real-world multifamily application. This first-of-its-kind field testing is a critical step toward broader adoption and program support. The project will assess performance, energy impacts, and provide recommendations for product improvement, early adopters, and program support pathways.	ET26SWE0026	Water Heating	TSR	Active	2027/08	Commercial Domestic Hot Water System Design	AESC	Commercial		Measure Study/Recommendation	Active
Measure Development HVAC Pump Motors The Western Cooling Efficiency Center (WCEC) at the University of California at Davis recently completed a field study that implemented Ferrite Assisted Synchronous Reluctance (FASR) motors that demonstrated significant energy savings in a pumped hydronic system. The FASR motors demonstrated 18-28% energy savings over the baseline induction motors, with particularly good performance at part-load. The WCEC is now developing building models in EnergyPlus to calculate savings across multiple building types and support measure package development and wide adoption of highly efficient FASR motors. Additionally, a survey of installers and distributors will provide cost data for the economic calculations needed for measure package development.	ET26SWE0024	Process Loads	TSR	Active	2027/04	Advanced Motors, Pumping Systems	UC Davis	Industrial		Measure Package Revision	Active
Savings Profile for Residential Ductless Heat Pump (Mini Split) Cleaning Measure This project evaluates the energy efficiency and performance benefits of professional coil cleaning for ductless heat pumps, a maintenance practice that removes accumulated dust and debris to restore airflow and heat transfer efficiency. By measuring before and after performance, the study will quantify impacts on energy use, system capacity, and IAQ in residential homes. The project addresses key market gaps for heat pump cleaning: low consumer awareness, lack of standardized guidance, and limited field data on cleaning frequency and performance degradation. Findings will demonstrate how routine coil cleaning can reduce energy consumption, lower peak demand, extend equipment life, and improve IAQ. Results will inform utility programs, support policy development, and advance California’s broader goals for electrification, load flexibility, and equitable access to energy-efficient technologies.	ET26SWE0021	HVAC	TSR	Active	2027/10	schools, RBE Consulting Electrical Engineers, Metro Electric NG Associates, Forward Dining Solutions, Vacaville Unified School District, Southern California Edison, SCE	Energy Solutions	Foodservice and Grocery, Schools	Field Study	Measure Study/Recommendation	Active
AI-driven HVAC & Lighting Integration This project proposes a field demonstration of a commercial-ready ET that integrates networked lighting controls with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) systems. Using open-source protocols, the ET enables communication between lighting sensors and smart thermostats, with locally run machine learning algorithms optimizing HVAC performance based on real-time occupancy and historical data. This project will assess energy savings, occupant comfort, system compatibility, and performance in small commercial buildings, where HVAC systems often lack cost-effective controls. The goal of this project is to demonstrate a scalable, Title 24-compliant solution that improves overall efficiency and supports broader adoption of integrated systems across buildings of all sizes.	ET26SWE0019	Whole Buildings	TDR	Active	2027/05		ASK Energy, Ecotope, AESC	Multifamily	Field Study	Measure Study/Recommendation	Active
Open-Source HVAC Decarbonization Web Tool The proposed project will expand the Berkeley Decarb Tool’s capabilities by adding functionality specific to CA(s), new building loads, equipment and controls options, and metrics such as utility costs and total system benefit. Enhanced visualization and user features will support more complete, transparent, and data-driven analyses. These improvements will align with CA(s) decarbonization goals via the built in decision making and accelerate the adoption of high-efficiency, low-global warming potential HVAC solutions.  By improving access to standardized and transparent analysis, the Tool will help overcome key market barriers. By helping practitioners and decision-makers assess how HVAC choices interact with future grid scenarios and policy targets, the project will accelerate the adoption of high-efficiency, low-GWP, all-electric systems.	ET26SWE0018	HVAC	TSR	Active	2027/07		TRC, Frontier Energy	Foodservice and Grocery, Disadvantaged Communities (DAC), Hard-to-Reach (HTR)	Market Study	Tool Development	Active
Packaged Propane Refrigeration Field Evaluation This Project demonstration will evaluate packaged propane refrigeration systems as energy efficient, low GWP replacements for HFC condensing units in small food service businesses located in hard-to-reach and disadvantaged communities. Up to two sites will receive new UL listed propane systems, with baseline and post installation metering used to validate energy performance, operational impacts, and greenhouse gas reductions. VEIC will document installation processes, code considerations, and stakeholder feedback to identify barriers, best fit applications, and lessons learned. Results will inform the development of a measure framework, commercial product list, and case study to support future program integration. Findings will provide IOUs with actionable guidance for program design, equitable decarbonization strategies, and broader adoption of natural refrigerant technologies.	ET26SWE0017	Process Loads	TSR	Active	2027/10	buildings, greenhouse gas	VEIC	Commercial, Residential	Market Study	Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development	Active
Demonstrating PCM TESS in Multifamily Central Water Heating This project will demonstrate and document real-world performance of phase change material (PCM) thermal energy storage when integrated into an existing multifamily central domestic hot water system. The project will assess whether PCM storage can reliably support hot water supply, improve system efficiency, and reduce electrical load during high-demand hours. The study will give California utilities, contractors, and building owners insights into the potential benefits and challenges of using PCM in central water heating systems. Results will help determine how this technology can support electrification, lower operating costs, and make heat pump water heating feasible in buildings with limited space. The findings will also guide future program design and help accelerate adoption of flexible and efficient hot water solutions.	ET26SWE0012	Water Heating	TDR	Active	2027/09	Bard, Carrier, Daikin, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Rheem, Seeley, Trane, Villara	UC Davis	Residential	Market Study	Measure Study/Recommendation	Active
Evaporative Cooler for Air-Cooled Chillers This project assesses the feasibility of an add-on evaporative cooler technology for air-cooled chillers in large telecommunications facilities such as data centers. This evaporative cooler technology takes an innovative approach to adiabatic evaporative cooling and introduces robust condenser protection, four-stage water treatment, and intelligent controls in a modular, easy-to-install system that can be retrofit onto most existing models. Previous demonstrations have resulted in up to 37% reduced electricity consumption and 41% increased cooling capacity post-retrofit. This project will investigate technology adoption for telecommunication facilities with large cooling demands in hot-dry climates where the ambient temperatures pose a challenge for both efficient energy usage and adequate cooling capacity. The project will collect real-time data of system performance at a host site then conduct energy modeling of a representative facility type across all of California’s climate zones to assess statewide cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency impacts. The project hopes to quantify best practices, applications, energy and non-energy benefits, and strategies including next-phase studies to overcome market barriers for this technology.	ET26SWE0001	Process Loads	TSR	Active	2027/05	PUMA, TECH Clean California, Housing Opportunities Corporation, Energy Savings Assistance (ESA)	Ortiz Group, ASK Energy, AESC	Residential, Disadvantaged Communities (DAC), Hard-to-Reach (HTR)	Field Study	Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development	Active
Modeling Distributed PCM CHPWH Systems This project addresses a critical gap in modeling tools for simulating distributed Phase Change Material (PCM) Thermal Energy Storage Systems (TESS) integrated with Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWHs). Current tools fail to capture dynamic PCM behavior, limiting performance evaluation and incentive qualification. Through this work, the project team will integrate dynamic models of PCM TESS with building energy simulation platforms to optimize design and energy cost savings. Analyses will quantify impacts on energy use, costs, greenhouse gas emissions, and system performance across California’s multifamily building stock. By developing an approach to update tools like EcoSim and enabling quantification of PCM-integrated system performance, this effort supports broader adoption of PCM-integrated HPWH systems, advancing electrification and decarbonization goals in space-constrained multifamily housing.	ET25SWE0065	Water Heating	TDR	Active	2026/12	Offices	ASK Energy	Commercial	Field Study	Tool Development	Active
Remote Retro-Commissioning (RRCx) Study The proposed project will study early adopters of virtual commissioning (VCx) programs, a type of retro-commissioning (RRCx) that is performed 100 percent remotely, has a relatively short engagement time, and features low / no cost energy efficiency opportunities. Existing virtual commissioning programs feature the use of AMI data in several stages including benchmarking and eligibility, measure identification via analytics analysis, savings calculations with NMEC models, and ongoing savings persistence. This project will use data gathered to inform and enable adoption of RRCx services into existing California Statewide EE Programs. If adopted, the services could integrate easily and quickly with existing programs that feature AMI data and NMEC calculations. RRCx services will expand the savings opportunities for the existing program as well as any customers served by that program.	ET25SWE0064	Whole Buildings	TSR	Active	2026/12	modeling, OpenStudio, EnergyPlus, Effecterra, Optimized Thermal Systems (OTS), North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC), DC Engineering, CoolSys, Henderson Engineers	VEIC	Foodservice and Grocery	Field Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Active
Multifamily Micro Heat Pump Focused Pilot Micro Heat Pumps (“Micro HPs”) are efficient, rapidly deployable heat pumps that require minimal professional installation. Micro HPs are suitable for compact spaces where heat pumps can replace or displace existing air conditioners and space heating, or where traditional split or central systems are too costly or difficult to install. Additionally, packaged Micro HPs can connect to standard 120V NEMA 5-15 outlets without field-installed refrigerant lines and are available in a variety of form factors such as saddle, window, portable, and through-the-wall. This pilot will test Micro HP market invention strategies for multifamily customers. This pilot will be employing a new market mechanism by offering incentives to multifamily property and building owners to purchase and install Micro HPs into their buildings. The pilot will assess the viability and efficacy of property owner incentives in driving market adoption of Micro Heat Pumps, particularly as it pertains to DAC/HTR communities. If the pilot finds property owners are not a feasible route for an incentive program design, the pilot will evaluate potential tenant incentive program designs.	ET25SWE0063	HVAC	FP	Active	2027/12		Energy Solutions	Multifamily	Field Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Active
Central HPWH Retrofit Readiness Through Hot Water Distribution System Optimization Focused Pilot Commercial domestic hot water distribution systems in commercial buildings often have oversized plumbing, poor pipe insulation and controls, and poor maintenance, resulting in higher heating loads, elevated thermostat setpoints, higher recirculation flow rates, hot water delivery performance issues, and lower heater and system operating efficiency. As more central heat pump water heaters enter the California market, it is important to optimize distribution systems to ensure expected performance. This pilot focuses on developing a streamlined distribution system optimization approach for contractors to ensure the successful design, installation, and operation of central heat pump water heaters. To achieve this goal, the pilot will do the following: conduct a market study, create a field diagnostic procedure for identifying distribution system issues, create a guide for optimizing distribution systems, and develop a recommended delivery model for trainings.	ET25SWE0062	Water Heating	FP	Active	2026/12	Indoor farm, greenhouse, Pacific Gas & Electric, PG&E	Energy Solutions	Agricultural	Field Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Active
Decarbonizing Household Appliances: Opportunities and Limitations with 120V Appliances This focused pilot aims to test the scalability and flexibility of this business model, which is currently limited to solar and water heating, by expanding offerings to include comprehensive electrification solutions enabled by 120V plug-in appliances. These solutions would focus on 120V style appliances like HPWHs, HP washer dryer combos, and micro-HPs that are all likely to be able to be installed in many homes without significant electrical upgrades. Other potential benefits of this market offering include increased homeowner electrification awareness and readiness through engagement and education, increased contractor marketing/recruitment opportunities, and reduced labor costs through fewer callbacks.	ET25SWE0061	Water Heating, HVAC, Lighting, Plug Loads & Appliances	FP	Active	2026/12	Menlo Park, load shifting,	ASK Energy, Ecotope	Multifamily	Field Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Active
Smart-Panel Integrated Variable Speed Heat Pumps This project will demonstrate variable-speed heat pumps (VSHPs) integrated with smart electric panels that actively manage household electrical loads. By modulating operation in real time, VSHPs can maintain comfort while reducing strain on the home’s electrical service and the grid. The study addresses a key barrier to electrification in California’s electric service limited homes with 100-amp or smaller where traditional single-speed heat pumps (SSHPs) create high peak demand and often require costly service upgrades due to electric resistance backup and inefficient cycling. The project will analyze load data from existing smart panel homes and test system performance in a controlled research home, comparing smart panel integrated VSHP and SSHP operation. Findings will inform utility programs by demonstrating efficiency, comfort and demand flexibility for California’s electrification goals.	ET25SWE0060	Whole Buildings	TDR	Active	2027/11	heating, cooling, photovoltaic (PV), thermal collectors	AESC, ASK Energy	Residential, Commercial	Market Study	Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development	Active
Outdoor Lighting Toolkit Validation Outdoor lighting systems have evolved considerably in the past twenty years since the first California outdoor lighting baseline assessment project was completed in 2003 (CEC, 2003). The rapid advancement of LED technology and the increasing stringency of Title 24 outdoor lighting and controls codes make all new projects and recent renovation and retrofit projects much more difficult to accomplish with a high degree of certainty using 2003 field audit methods. This proposed project is the data collection phase of creating and validating a toolkit and model (CalNEXT, 2024) to predict outdoor electric lighting loads and illuminance values using direct measurements and indirect methods along with concurrent directly metered lighting loads. The project team will select outdoor sites in CA and collect geo-tagged illuminance data using new methods including drone photometry and satellite imagery.	ET25SWE0059	Lighting, Plug Loads & Appliances	TDR	Active	2027/05	Energy Solutions, wastewater,	AESC	Industrial	Market Study	Tool Development	Active
Field Assessment of R-454C Compared to R-404A / CO2 Supermarket Systems Refrigeration in supermarkets and grocery stores can account for nearly 50% of total electricity use. Most California systems still rely on high-global warming potential (GWP) hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which face strict state and federal phase-down requirements. This project evaluates R-454C refrigeration systems—a new, low-GWP A2L refrigerant—by comparing their energy use and operational performance to existing R-404A and carbon dioxide (CO₂) baselines as evaluated by ET25SWE0005. The field assessment will capture energy and demand impacts, installation feasibility, and customer feedback, while also documenting potential market adoption barriers. Findings will provide utilities with actionable data to support incentive design, contractor training, and compliance planning. Results directly inform California’s transition to low-GWP refrigeration technologies, aligning with CalNEXT’s decarbonization, load management, and equity priorities.	ET25SWE0057	Process Loads	TSR	Active	2026/12	Bright Power, AEA, TRC, The Ortiz Group, AESC, California Housign Partnership, Terner Center for Housing Innovation, US Berkeley, cooktop, electric vehicles, EV, solar PV, clothes dryers, laundry facilities	VEIC	Multifamily	Field Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Active
Industrial Process Water Heat Pump This project entails the installation and characterization of an air-to-water heat pump (AWHP) in an industrial process. Rather than fully displacing energy from the existing system, this study aims to pre-heat the process storage water using an AWHP to alleviate the heat energy load on the existing natural gas boiler. The goal of this electrification initiative is to reduce natural gas usage and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while also demonstrating the efficacy of a heat pump within an industrial environment. The study provides a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the feasibility of the technology for applicability within other processes at the site, as well as peer industrial manufacturers.	ET25SWE0056	Process Loads	TSR	Active	2026/11	University of California Davis, Western Cooling Efficiency Center, heat pumps, cooling, heating, Energy Plus, CBECC-Com,	UC Davis, WCEC	Commercial	Lab Study	Measure Study/Recommendation	Active
Developing a 120V Induction Range Without Battery for California Markets This project explores the market potential for a 120V electric induction range that operates without a battery and can plug into a standard outlet. TRC will assess where this affordable range could be a viable alternative to traditional gas or 240V electric stoves, particularly in ADUs, small homes, and multifamily buildings with limited electrical capacity. The project will provide insights into market readiness, user needs, and design requirements to support product development and program adoption. Findings will help reduce electrification barriers, and support California’s decarbonization and building electrification goals.	ET25SWE0055	Lighting, Plug Loads & Appliances	TDR	Active	2026/10	Association for Energy Affordability (AEA), Carbon Zero Build (CZB), Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE), Eden Housing, Energy Solutions, Mercy Housing, Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP), Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA), Redwood Energy	VEIC	Multifamily	Market Study, Field Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Active
Performance Validation of Electric Ovens for the Food Service Sector This project assesses the viability of electric conveyor ovens as a replacement for gas-powered models in commercial foodservice settings. It includes standardized laboratory testing, cost-benefit analysis, and engagement with stakeholders such as manufacturers, utilities, and foodservice operators. The goal is to validate performance metrics, support incentive program development, and inform future measure adoption. The project provides critical data to help utilities integrate electric conveyor ovens into energy efficiency and load flexibility programs, supporting California’s broader decarbonization and electrification goals. It also demonstrates key non-energy benefits such as improved indoor air quality, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced kitchen safety. These outcomes are especially valuable for disadvantaged and hard-to-reach communities that face greater exposure to indoor air pollutants and energy cost burdens.	ET25SWE0054	Process Loads	TSR	Active	2027/11	TECH Clean California,	TRC	Residential	Field Study	Measure Package Revision	Active
Performance Validation of AI-Enabled Stand Alone Clothes Washers and Dryers This project evaluates the performance, energy efficiency, and load flexibility of AI-enabled stand-alone clothes washers and dryers in residential settings. Through laboratory testing and field demonstrations in disadvantaged communities, the study measures energy and water savings, smart feature effectiveness, and user engagement. The project generates critical data to inform utility programs, supporting the development of new energy efficiency measures, updated load profiles, and demand response strategies. By quantifying benefits such as reduced energy use, enhanced user convenience, and grid flexibility, the study provides utilities with the evidence needed to justify incentives and program inclusion for smart laundry appliances. Ultimately, this work advances California’s decarbonization goals, promotes equitable access to emerging technologies, and helps accelerate the adoption of efficient, AI-driven home appliances in the residential market.	ET25SWE0053	Lighting, Plug Loads & Appliances	TSR	Active	2027/11	Mutual Housing, Western Cooling Efficiency Center, University of California Davis	UC Davis, WCEC	Residential	Field Study	Measure Study/Recommendation	Active
Energy and Economic Evaluation of Conveyor Charbroilers This project evaluates the energy performance and economic viability of electric conveyor charbroilers for commercial kitchens. Currently absent from California’s utility programs and efficiency databases, these electric alternatives face barriers like limited performance data, cost concerns, and lack of market familiarity. By conducting laboratory testing of 2–3 electric models and comparing results with gas counterparts, the study aims to generate robust technical data on energy use, efficiency, and emissions benefits. The project’s value lies in informing the development of new utility rebate programs and eTRM measure packages, supporting California’s electrification and decarbonization goals. Outcomes will benefit utility programs, appliance manufacturers, and foodservice businesses—especially in disadvantaged communities—by enabling informed decisions, reducing adoption risks, and advancing clean technology transitions in the commercial foodservice sector.	ET25SWE0052	Process Loads	TSR	Active	2027/11	ASHRAE G36 SOO, TWOT, university, chilled water plant, functional performance testing	TRC, UC Berkeley, Taylor Engineers	Commercial	Field Study	Measure Package Revision	Active
Datacenter Liquid Cooling Lab Evaluation This project focuses on evaluating liquid cooling technologies for data centers to reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency compared to traditional air-cooled systems. The research involves laboratory testing of three targeted cooling solutions for 1U servers. The project will provide critical insights into the performance, reliability, and energy efficiency benefits of liquid cooling technologies. Additionally, it will identify barriers to market adoption and propose strategies to overcome them, including guidance on retrofitting existing facilities. The findings will help utility efficiency programs prioritize impactful technologies, enabling data centers to reduce cooling energy demand, operational costs, and greenhouse gas emissions while supporting California’s clean energy goals.	ET25SWE0051	Process Loads	TSR	Active	2027/02	Art museum, San Diego,	ASK Energy, AESC	Commercial	Field Study	CASE Advocacy and Code Readiness	Active
Phase Change Material Applications in Multifamily Water Heating While PCM TESS is gaining traction in HVAC and commercial sectors, residential water heating applications remain nascent. High first costs, installer unfamiliarity, and lack of standardized data limit adoption. At the same time, California’s multifamily buildings face complex challenges in transitioning to low-carbon domestic hot water (DHW) systems, especially in retrofit scenarios where space, cost, and distribution inefficiencies limit electrification. This CalNEXT technology development study introduces a novel design: integrating Phase Change Material Thermal Energy Storage Systems (PCM TESS) into central DHW systems to enable more cost-effective and space-efficient central heat pump water heater (CHPWH) upgrades. This design reduces distribution losses, supports load shifting, and minimizes the need for large central storage tanks by repurposing existing recirculation infrastructure into a PCM charging loop. This report presents initial engineering designs, energy modeling results, and stakeholder feedback to inform future lab testing and field demonstrations. The volume of central storage required for load shifting in typical CHPWH designs, combined with the need for swing tanks to manage recirculation loads, often creates challenges for buildings with space-constrained mechanical rooms. These components can increase first costs and reduce overall system performance. The proposed distributed PCM system design addresses cost and system performance issues created by the need for swing tanks and by existing mechanical room space constraints by repurposing distribution and recirculation piping into a PCM charging loop. This eliminates the need for swing tanks and reduces central storage volume by up to 67%. Energy modeling of the PCM design shows a 26% reduction in heat loss from central recirculation systems and an 8% reduction in overall DHW load. For CHPWH applications, load shifting enabled by PCM TESS can yield cost savings under time-of-use (TOU) rates, despite slightly higher energy use due to reduced central plant efficiency. These findings indicate that PCM TESS offers a viable pathway to expanding uptake and performance of CHPWH systems in California’s multifamily buildings. Building on these findings, this study outlines a roadmap for further engineering development, field validation, and market adoption of PCM TESS	ET25SWE0050	Water Heating	TDR	Complete Final Report	2025/12	Altura Associates, Energy Solutions, hospital, healthcare, University of California Berkeley Center for Built Environment, SAT, CORE	TRC, UC Berkeley, Taylor Engineers	Commercial	Field Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Efficiency and Load Flexibility Impacts of Smart, Single-Unit Combination Laundry Appliances This project evaluates the energy efficiency, load flexibility potential, and user experience of smart, single-unit combination washer/dryer appliances for residential applications. It combines laboratory testing with real-world field demonstrations in disadvantaged communities across California. The project delivers critical data on energy and water savings, appliance performance under demand response scenarios, and consumer engagement with smart features. Insights will help identify and address market barriers such as high costs, installation challenges, and privacy concerns, informing strategies for broader adoption. Findings will support the development of utility incentive programs, updated load profiles, and new or revised workpapers. Ultimately, this work will advance California’s decarbonization and equity goals by enabling efficient, flexible, and accessible laundry solutions for diverse residential markets.	ET25SWE0049	Lighting, Plug Loads & Appliances	TSR	Active	2027/10	Taylor Engineering, TRC, Integral Group 2022, calculator	TRC	Residential, Commercial	Tool Development/Enhancement	Measure Study/Recommendation	Active
Datacenter Liquid Cooling Case Study This project conducts a case study to evaluate the feasibility of retrofitting liquid cooling technologies into an existing air-cooled data center at the UC Davis High-Performance Computing Core Facility. It aims to assess technical, operational, and economic considerations associated with such retrofits in real-world conditions. The study will generate practical guidance on system design, integration, and implementation, while identifying key barriers to market adoption. These findings will support utility efficiency programs in targeting high-impact liquid cooling solutions that reduce energy consumption, lower operational costs, and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Ultimately, the project will inform future efficiency program design and contribute to California’s broader clean energy and decarbonization goals.	ET25SWE0046	Process Loads	TSR	Active	2027/07	UC Davis Institute of the Environment, BAS, central building automation system, the Barn, University of California Davis, John Muir, California Lighting Technology Center	CLTC	Commercial	Lab Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Active
PG&E HVAC Tool Validation Phase 2 The California Technical Forum (CalTF) and Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) requested that TRC implement recommendations from PG&E HVAC Tool Validation Study (ET23SWE0060) to comply with program requirements and strengthen tool accuracy and applicability. They also requested that temperature reset fan and pump penalties and zone level minimum VAV calculations are examined. TRC proposes to update Airside, hot water (HW) and chilled water (CHW) system calculations. The airside updates include more recent fan curves, supply air reset calculations, and zone control. The hot water side updates include boiler sequencing and reset while the chilled water updates include the addition of air-cooled systems and reset calculation improvements. The results of this work will maximize the effectiveness of the HVAC tool for users, developers, program administrators and evaluators, increase tool understanding, and minimize uncertainty when using the tool to forecast and verify energy savings claims and incentives.	ET25SWE0045	HVAC	TDR	Active	2026/11	air management systems, AMS, compresssed air, fourth utility, food manufacturing	ASK Energy, AESC	Industrial	Field Study	Tool Development	Active
VIG-Electrochromic Technology Lab Demo Conducting a robust assessment of the proposed integrated technology will establish the potential benefits of the technology and result in important performance information for California ratepayers. Additionally, the project offers an opportunity to expand knowledge linking durability evaluation to product lifetime projections based on energy performance. The end deliverable will be at least one VIG-EC configuration with validated energy, demand, and durability performance that would be suitable for further field installation and validation studies.	ET25SWE0044	Whole Buildings	TDR	Active	2026/10	load shifting,	TRC, Frontier Energy	Commercial, Foodservice and Grocery	Field Study	Follow-Up Project	Active
Multifamily Central Heat Pump Water Heater Storage and Control Strategies for Increasing TSB Policy and programs play a crucial role in enabling load flexibility while addressing potential conflicts of interest between grid operators and building owners when participating in load flexibility initiatives. This project aims to inform policies and programs on the impacts of improved load management with CHPWH on customer load profiles, building-level electrical infrastructure, and grid demand. Additionally, it seeks to provide recommendations for enhancing existing programs to incorporate energy storage solutions for load management and incentivize designs that optimize load flexibility.	ET25SWE0043	Portfolio Enhancements, Water Heating	TDR	Active	2026/10	senior living facilities, Santa Rosa, eye clinic, hotel,	TRC	Commercial, Multifamily	Field Study	CASE Advocacy and Code Readiness	Active
ASHRAE Guideline 36 Using ASO The ASHRAE Guideline 36 is the best-in-class control sequence for HVAC systems in commercial buildings. Implementing ASHRAE Guideline 36 in existing buildings typically requires replacing building control hardware and software, which could be expensive and time-consuming. In this project, we will demonstrate an alternative, more cost-effective approach at two commercial buildings – using Automated System Optimization (“ASO”) software as a supervisory control layer, without the need to replace existing building control hardware and software. We will also disseminate the results to the California Technical Forum (“CalTF”) and discuss custom and hybrid measure opportunities.	ET25SWE0042	HVAC, Whole Buildings	TSR	Active	2027/07	restaurant		Commercial, Multifamily, Foodservice and Grocery, Schools	Tool Development/Enhancement	Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development	Active
Load Shape Planning Tool Development California’s transition from legacy impact profiles to consumption load shapes is a critical step in improving the valuation of deemed energy efficiency measures for the 2028 program cycle. As avoided costs become increasingly time dependent and load flexibility becomes more important to portfolio performance, the timing of energy consumption and savings has a larger influence on Total System Benefit and cost effectiveness results. This project addressed a key implementation question for statewide measure development: what level of consumption load shape granularity is justified, and when can load shapes be consolidated without materially reducing analytical value? The project developed and applied a repeatable framework for creating, comparing, and coalescing electric consumption load shapes across 10 representative deemed measure packages. These measure packages spanned five major load shape categories: cooling only, heating and cooling, fuel substitution, water heating, and continuous loads. The analysis used modeled EnergyPlus outputs where available, supplemented by non-modeled data sources where appropriate, and integrated avoided costs to compare load shape value across building location, building type, base case variation, and measure case variation. The results show that substantial reductions in the number of consumption load shapes are possible while maintaining relatively low variation in unitized electric benefit. For some modeled HVAC measure packages, individual curves can be reduced from approximately 18,000 to 336 through building type and location grouping, and further reduced to 16 grouped curves with only modest increases in average standard deviation. Across the analyzed measures, coalescing reduced load shape volume by orders of magnitude while generally keeping average standard deviation near or below 6 percent. Overall, the findings demonstrate that structured load shape coalescing can improve implementation practicality while preserving meaningful cost effectiveness precision for California’s statewide energy efficiency tools.	ET25SWE0041	Portfolio Enhancements	TSR	Complete Final Report	2026/05	Second Hand Energy	TRC	Residential	Field Study	Tool Development	Complete
Optimization of Deemed Data Collection Requirements Deemed measures rely on the competing goals of accuracy and volume to ensure that gross claims are reasonable. In the current California electronic Technical Reference Manual portfolio, this balance is not always well aligned; as of PY2025, more than 40 measure packages, representing over 25 percent of the portfolio, have not been part of any savings claims since PY2022. This project addressed the need to better align data collection requirements with the measure parameters that materially affect total system benefit, total resource cost, and claim integrity. The project developed and piloted a framework for evaluating data collection burden across a representative group of five commonly implemented measure packages and two unused or rarely used measure packages in the California portfolio from 2023 to 2025. The approach combined electronic Technical Reference Manual permutation outputs, recent claims trends, stakeholder feedback, sensitivity analysis, and structured estimates of data collection cost by format and delivery type. This allowed the project team to compare the value of additional documentation against the benefits it protects. The results show that several medium and high effort documentation requirements are not tied to parameters that materially drive total system benefit or total resource cost. In some cases, data collection cost approaches or exceeds total system benefit, reducing implementer value and discouraging participation. The analysis also found that photo heavy and site access dependent requirements can become disproportionately burdensome at scale, especially for midstream, upstream, or low rigor delivery types. This project demonstrates that data collection requirements should be set deliberately before measure packages are introduced or revised. Requirements tied to sensitive parameters should be retained and automated where possible, while low sensitivity requirements should be simplified, removed, or replaced with clearer standard text to preserve enforceability without suppressing claim volume. Resources in Final Report Data Collection Requirements Tool	ET25SWE0038	Portfolio Enhancements	TSR	Complete Final Report	2026/04	Second Hand Energy	TRC			Measure Study/Recommendation	Complete
Improving HVAC Refrigerant Charge Value Estimates for Commercial Systems The report focuses on updating refrigerant charge values for commercial HVAC equipment to improve the accuracy of the Refrigerant Avoided Cost Calculator (RACC) Tools used in California energy efficiency programs. Conducted on behalf of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and CalNEXT, the study addresses the transition to low-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerants, such as R-454B and R-32, mandated by state and federal regulations. These refrigerants replace the high-GWP R-410A, which is being phased out due to its environmental impact. The research team collected refrigerant charge data from 14 manufacturers, analyzing 448 systems across various commercial HVAC equipment categories. The study identified significant differences in refrigerant charge values based on equipment type, capacity, and refrigerant type. The report recommends updating the RACC-FSC_v3.1 Tool to reflect these findings, including revising commercial HVAC equipment categories and refrigerant charge values to improve cost-effectiveness and greenhouse gas (GHG) savings calculations. Key recommendations include adopting new commercial HVAC equipment categories (Table 3) and updating refrigerant charge values (Table 8) for both low-GWP and legacy refrigerants. The report also highlights the need for more granular data to enhance the accuracy of leakage rate estimates and cost-effectiveness analyses. These updates will benefit California’s energy efficiency programs by providing more accurate data for estimating refrigerant leakage rates and GHG emissions, aligning with the state’s decarbonization and electrification goals. The study underscores the importance of accurate refrigerant charge data in achieving regulatory compliance and optimizing energy efficiency measures. It also provides a framework for updating default assumptions and improving the reliability of tools used in energy efficiency programs. Resources in Final Report RACC Tool Refrigerant Charge Update Guide	ET25SWE0037	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/12		TRC	Commercial	Market Study	Measure Package Revision	Complete
Improving HVAC Refrigerant Charge Value Estimates for Residential Systems The report focuses on updating refrigerant charge values for residential HVAC equipment to improve the accuracy of the Refrigerant Avoided Cost Calculator (RACC) Tools used in California energy efficiency programs. Conducted on behalf of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and CalNEXT, the study addresses the transition to low-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerants, such as R-454B and R-32, mandated by state and federal regulations. These refrigerants replace the high-GWP R-410A, which is being phased out due to its environmental impact. The research team collected refrigerant charge data from 19 manufacturers, analyzing 736 systems across various residential HVAC equipment categories. The study identified significant differences in refrigerant charge values based on equipment type, capacity, and refrigerant type. The report recommends updating the RACC-FSC_v3.1 Tool to reflect these findings, including revising residential HVAC equipment categories and refrigerant charge values to improve cost-effectiveness and greenhouse gas (GHG) savings calculations. Key recommendations include adopting new residential HVAC equipment categories (Table 3) and updating refrigerant charge values (Table 8) for both low-GWP and legacy refrigerants. The report also highlights the need for more granular data to enhance the accuracy of leakage rate estimates and cost-effectiveness analyses. These updates will benefit California’s energy efficiency programs by providing more accurate data for estimating refrigerant leakage rates and GHG emissions, aligning with the state’s decarbonization and electrification goals. The study underscores the importance of accurate refrigerant charge data in achieving regulatory compliance and optimizing energy efficiency measures. It also provides a framework for updating default assumptions and improving the reliability of tools used in energy efficiency programs. Resources in Final Report RACC Tool Refrigerant Charge Update Guide	ET25SWE0036	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/12		TRC	Residential	Market Study	Tool Development	Complete
Multifamily CHPWH Fault Detection Diagnostics (FDD) and Load Shift Controls As multifamily buildings adopt commercial heat pump water heaters (CHPWH), many are encountering problems associated with ongoing maintenance and operations which are impacting system performance. Multifamily buildings tend to have no central controls and either no permanent maintenance staff or very low-skilled maintenance staff. With time-of-use (TOU) and real-time pricing rates emerging, CHPWH systems can provide opportunities for load shifting. There are also no clear guidelines for how to accomplish load shifting in a measurable, repeatable, reliable manner. To address these issues, the project will perform a field demonstration at a previous CalNEXT participant host site to study the performance of Fault Detection Diagnostics (FDD) and load shift optimization capabilities.	ET25SWE0035	Water Heating	TDR	Active	2027/02					Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Active
SmartAg Controls: Incentivizing Efficiency & Yields This project demonstrates how advanced lighting controls can optimize energy use in greenhouse agriculture by dynamically adjusting supplemental lighting based on environmental conditions, crop needs, and growth stages. Using advanced algorithms that manage Daily Light Integral (DLI) in real-time, the system aims to reduce greenhouse lighting energy consumption while simultaneously boosting crop yields. The findings directly address key market barriers by quantifying both energy savings and productivity improvements that translate to substantial economic benefits—with potential statewide impact of 100s of GWh saved annually and $200 million in increased crop value.	ET25SWE0034	Lighting, Plug Loads & Appliances, Process Loads	TSR	Active	2026/09			Agricultural, Commercial, Industrial	Scaled Field Placement	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Active
Electrification of Greenhouse Heating Systems This project investigates electrification opportunities for greenhouse heating in California’s controlled environment horticulture sector. It involves in-depth interviews with industry stakeholders—including owners, operators, and vendors—to characterize greenhouse process parameters, heating setpoints, and co-located end uses. The research will analyze existing fossil fuel-based heating systems and explore the potential for deploying heat pump technology to meet low-temperature heating demands. Using Virtual Grower 3 and supplemental spreadsheet analysis, the team will assess energy use, peak demand, and cost-saving measures across diverse California climate zones. Additionally, the project offers policy recommendations to optimize incentives for decarbonized heating and dual-fuel applications, directly informing energy programs and field demonstrations. This study supports state decarbonization goals while enhancing sustainable domestic food production and overall climate resilience.	ET25SWE0032	Process Loads, Water Heating	TSR	Active	2026/07		TRC	Industrial, Agricultural	Market Study	Follow-Up Project	Active
Embodied Carbon One-for-One Material Substitution Market Characterization Addressing embodied carbon in the built environment is critical given that embodied carbon today represents 11 percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Although embodied carbon is a fraction of building related emissions today, it is projected to increase to as much as 50 percent of GHG from buildings as operational carbon is mitigated through energy efficiency (EE) and building decarbonization (BD) programs. Addressing embodied carbon is necessary to achieve California’s 2030 goal of a 40 percent GHG reduction below 1990 levels and 2045 goal of carbon neutrality. While embodied carbon policy action has been initiated (e.g., CALGreen, Buy Clean California, Senate Bill 596, Assembly Bill 2446, and Assembly Bill 43), embodied carbon remains largely adjacent to, but disconnected from, EE and BD programs. To better understand embodied carbon market dynamics in California, this market study attempts to document whether market activities for low-embodied carbon materials exist, if GHG reductions through material substitution could occur with low-to-no cost interventions, and to identify what the key barriers and market solutions are for reducing embodied carbon in California. Further, the study aims to highlight future policy and program considerations that may enable harmonization of embodied carbon and EE programmatic structures. The project team found that while low-embodied carbon is growing as a relevant goal for corporations, overall awareness of embodied carbon remains low. Knowledge of key low-embodied carbon tools and approaches such as environmental product declarations (EPDs) and material substitution are not yet widely understood or utilized. There is increasing consideration in codes and standards and policies. Embodied carbon can be a complementary program pathway to current EE and BD programs.	ET25SWE0031	Whole Buildings	TDR	Complete Final Report	2025/12	CalGREEN, CARB	Energy Solutions	Commercial, Disadvantaged Communities (DAC)	Market Study	Tool Development	Complete
Field Demonstration of Atmospheric Storage Central Heat Pump Water Heater This study is a field demonstration of the first installation of a CHPWH system in a Return-to-Primary (RTP) configuration with an atmospheric (unpressurized) thermal storage tank to replace ASME-rated pressurized potable tanks. Unpressurized storage holds several advantages over the traditional approach, including reduced first costs, ease of installation, and reduced legionella concern. This approach can also allow for simpler, more effective load shifting, larger available storage volumes, and improved system efficiency through reliable thermal stratification. The results from this study will assess the performance of the CHPWH system with unpressurized storage, quantify energy and TSB impacts, and support its inclusion in the publicly available Ecosizer tool. Recommendations will focus on providing a set of guidelines to optimize operation of atmospheric storage tanks in CHPWH systems with RTP configurations.	ET25SWE0029	Water Heating	TDR	Active	2027/10		AESC, ASK Energy	Residential, Commercial	Field Study	Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development	Active
V2X Round-Trip Efficiency Market Study Bidirectional electric vehicle (EV) charging—also known as vehicle-to-everything (V2X)—enables EVs to export power to buildings, the grid, or other loads, transforming them into flexible distributed energy resources. The addition of an additional energy export stage (from the EV to the grid or other loads) has implications for overall energy efficiency and subsequent technology feasibility. Thus, research that facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of the energy losses associated with different V2X configurations – such as V2H and V2G – could enable more accurate feasibility assessments and technology adoption. This study investigated the energy impacts of key operational parameters such as power level and ambient temperature on V2X energy efficiency metrics such as round-trip efficiency and standby energy consumption. Unlike stationary energy storage systems, V2X systems lack industry standard frameworks for measuring and reporting efficiency metrics, which limits its integration into energy efficiency programs. The research combines secondary literature review, stakeholder interviews, and market research of commercially available V2X products. Parameters such as power level and ambient temperature were found to significantly impact system RTE, while state of charge (SoC) had limited influence due to mobility constraints. Literature review findings revealed limited research on the energy impacts of V2X smart dispatch and energy management strategies as well as a lack of minimum efficiency standards. One scheduling strategy that accounted for the EVSE conversion efficiency reduced energy losses by up to 1.68 kWh per session for a simulated fleet of 100 EVs. Another approach aimed to minimize power losses across an EV fleet and yielded 0.274 kWh savings per EV during a simulated eight-hour frequency regulation event. Standby losses were estimated at 219 kWh annually per EVSE system, highlighting the need for sleep-state control. These findings support the development of minimum efficiency requirements and standardized evaluation protocols for V2X systems. They also inform future program design and policy development to facilitate equitable V2X adoption in disadvantaged communities and integration into California’s energy efficiency and load flexibility landscape.	ET25SWE0028	Lighting, Plug Loads & Appliances	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/12	DER, distributed enerhu resource, BESS, battery energy storage systems, VPP, virtual power plants	AESC	Residential, Commercial	Market Study	Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development	Complete
California Multifamily Split HPWH Market Study California’s plan to phase-out the sale and installation of new gas-fired water heaters beginning in 2030 poses a significant challenge for over 1.3 million multifamily apartments with space-constrained in-unit gas water heaters. Unitary heat pump water heaters (HPWH) often face barriers to installation in multifamily apartments due to ventilation, noise and electrical panel limitations, as well as condensate removal. This study evaluated the potential for new split-system HPWH models to overcome these existing barriers in multifamily applications by separating the outdoor installation of the heat pump unit and indoor location of the storage tank. The study explores a diverse set of new split-system HPWH designs; estimates the market opportunity and need within California multifamily buildings; evaluates their performance relative to conventional gas and electric water heaters and unitary HPWHs; identifies the limitations and barriers related to installation requirements, test procedures, and program requirements; and assesses their compatibility with existing California HPWH programs. Findings indicate split-system HPWHs offer improved installation flexibility and energy savings, but adoption faces barriers including potentially higher equipment and installation costs, limited product availability, restrictions with utility program eligibility, and contractor training gaps. Additional challenges include permitting complexity, split incentives between property owners and tenants, and performance testing and energy savings protocols that do not accurately assess the impacts of interior and exterior installations. Recommendations include updating statewide and utility program criteria, funding field demonstrations and contractor training, updating test procedures and energy savings protocols, reducing permitting hurdles, and promoting cost compression and simplified designs to accelerate market development. Progress on supporting the market development strategies for split-system HPWHs will be critical to overcoming barriers and supporting California’s electrification and emissions reduction goals for water heating.	ET25SWE0026	Water Heating	TDR	Complete Final Report	2025/11	AO Smith, Association for Energy Affordability, CalMTA, Carbon Zero Buidlings, Eco-Logical, ECO2 Systems, Embertec, Midea, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Redwood Energy	VEIC	Multifamily	Market Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Residential Multi-function Heat Pump Market Study Residential buildings account for a substantial share of California’s greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the urgent need for efficient and scalable electrification solutions for space heating, cooling, and water heating. Residential air-to-air multifunction heat pumps (MFHPs) offer a potential pathway by integrating these services into a single system. The research applies a mixed-methods approach to identify key market barriers and opportunities for residential MFHPs, combining: (1) a landscape analysis of technical, policy, and market conditions; (2) interviews with 49 stakeholders representing 41 organizations; and (3) a representative survey of 961 California homeowners. Synthesizing insights across these efforts, the study characterizes MFHP technology attributes, technical performance, cost-effectiveness, market readiness, and perceptions among both trade allies and household decision-makers. Findings indicate that MFHPs can provide space conditioning and domestic hot water using a single compressor at substantially lower amperage than conventional configurations with separate heat pump systems, improving retrofit feasibility and reducing the likelihood of electrical panel upgrades. Stakeholders and customers identify long-term energy savings, lower utility bills, environmental benefits, and the convenience of integrated service as core value propositions. At the same time, high upfront costs, uncertain performance, perceived reliability concerns, and limited contractor familiarity remain significant barriers to adoption. To address these challenges, the study recommends establishing a dedicated product classification and performance standard for MFHPs, aligning U.S. testing procedures with international protocols, improving controls and interoperability, and expanding field demonstrations to build evidence on real-world performance and reliability. Additional priorities include targeted incentives that account for avoided panel upgrades and grid benefits, cross-trade workforce development, and support for ultra–low-GWP refrigerants. Taken together, these findings position MFHPs as a promising but early-stage technology that will require coordinated action by manufacturers, utilities, program administrators, and policymakers to validate performance, reduce cost and risk, and define the highest-value applications—particularly in underserved and electrically constrained households.	ET25SWE0024	HVAC, Water Heating, Whole Buildings	TDR	Complete Final Report	2025/10	heat pump water heater, Western Cooling Efficiency Center, University of California Davis	UC Davis, WCEC	Residential	Market Study	Measure Study/Recommendation	Complete
Laboratory Testing of Variable Capacity Heat Pumps to Develop Building Energy Modeling Performance Maps This project aims to address the lack of detailed performance data for residential Variable Capacity Heat Pumps (VCHPs) under 5.4 tons by conducting laboratory testing to create a full operating envelope performance map. Currently, California’s deemed modeling tools treat VCHPs similarly to two-speed heat pumps, likely underestimating energy savings. By generating regression models for EnergyPlus, the collected data will improve ex-ante savings estimates in the California Electronic Technical Reference Manual (eTRM) and enhance incentive program accuracy. VCHPs, which can modulate capacity across multiple levels, are more efficient than two-stage heat pumps, particularly in California, where peak heating and cooling loads rarely align. However, existing building energy models fail to capture these benefits accurately. This project will conduct tests across a range of indoor and outdoor temperatures, replicating real-world conditions, and will analyze up to three systems to ensure representativeness. Energy Solutions and its subcontractors will develop a methodology to distill test data into a singular performance map and collaborate with manufacturers and stakeholders for validation. The final test results will be converted into EnergyPlus-compatible performance curves and shared with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to support their inclusion in DEER2028. This effort will help refine energy modeling and improve VCHP adoption in California.	ET25SWE0022	HVAC	TSR	Active	2026/09		Energy Solutions	Residential, Commercial	Lab Study	Measure Study/Recommendation	Active
Wastewater Energy Transfer (WET) Heat Recovery Systems Market Study The Wastewater Energy Transfer (WET) Market Study CalNEXT project explored WET market potential in California investor-owned utility territory and assessed how WET can reduce the barriers to energy efficiency and electrification. The project aimed to achieve this by decreasing energy consumption and demand, decreasing operating costs, and increasing building energy resiliency across nonresidential (commercial, industrial, and agricultural) customer segments. This project assessed WET technologies and their relevance to the California nonresidential buildings market to better understand the landscape and program impacts and how to scale the market for nonresidential WET systems. WET technology leverages the heat energy in wastewater for useful purposes. Sanitary wastewater is typically at least ambient room temperature and can serve as a heat sink or heat source. WET systems use heat exchangers and/or heat pumps to enhance efficiency of cooling systems by rejecting heat from building systems to wastewater, and reducing load on cooling towers and other heat rejection equipment to enhance efficiency of cooling systems. WET systems also recover heat from wastewater to preheat water or other fluids for water heating, space heating, or process loads. This market assessment investigated WET adoption, technology penetration, and energy savings potential using a literature review, stakeholder surveys, interviews, and site visits. Based on the findings, the project team calculated energy savings for space cooling, space heating, and domestic hot water heating end uses at the building level for the two most promising applications for WET in California: office and multifamily housing. Site visits conducted September 2025 through October 2025 further characterized the market and increased the accuracy of the California investor-owned utilities WET market energy savings potential estimate. The site visits explored the feasibility of WET systems in four commercial and industrial buildings within three California climate zones, the results of which we used to uncover solutions for barriers to WET system installations in California investor-owned utilities territory.	ET25SWE0021	Whole Buildings	TSR	Complete Final Report	2026/02	Energy Solutions, Pacfic Gas & Electric, PG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric, SDG&E, Southern California Edison, SCE, SHARC Energy	ERI	Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural	Market Study	Measure Study/Recommendation	Complete
Agricultural Sector Adoption of PEI Pumps Market Study This project involves a market study for the agricultural sector adoption of PEI-rated pumps in California. The project researches and interviews agricultural customers, pump installation engineers and contractors, and pump manufacturers to shed light on the barriers to adopting PEI-rated pumps, identify opportunities for market transformation, and promote the benefits of PEI-rated pumps by analyzing the life cycle costs. The project will recommend utility interventions to support market adoption and provide further support as to how PEI-rated pumps can play a role in electrification, decarbonization, and reducing energy usage within California.	ET25SWE0019	Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/12	farm, water,	AESC	Agricultural	Market Study	Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development	Complete
Return-to-primary Central HPWH System Field Demonstration AESC and ASK Energy will conduct a field demonstration of a CO₂ central heat pump water heater system with a “Return-to-Primary” configuration at a multifamily building. This technology offers upside potential to support electrification, load shifting, and energy efficiency while reducing first costs, energy costs, physical footprint, controls complexity, and electrical infrastructure impacts of electrification. Monitoring and analysis will assess system performance and load shifting with extrapolation to broader market conditions. These results will support including RTP configurations into the free-to-use Ecosizer sizing tool and will help quantify impacts to energy, cost, GHG emissions, and total system benefit relative to swing tank configurations and gas baselines. These findings will be applicable to both new construction and existing multifamily and commercial buildings. Recommendations will focus on how to optimize system operation and encourage market adoption for CHPWH with RTP configurations through guidelines on controls, design, and load management.	ET25SWE0017	Water Heating	TSR	Active	2026/06		AESC, ASK Energy	Residential, Commercial	Field Study	Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development	Active
Electrification with Power Efficient Technologies This project investigates the integration of Intelligent Power Management Technologies (IPMTs) with power-efficient plug loads, such as battery-integrated and 120V appliances, to develop cost-effective strategies for electrifying manufactured homes. The aim is to address panel and service capacity challenges, particularly in homes with 100-amp service, through a whole-building integrated systems approach. The study’s value lies in its potential to provide simple, quick, and cost-effective electrification solutions, reducing the need for expensive electrical service upgrades. The research will offer tailored guidance for manufactured home communities, ensuring the solutions meet their specific needs. Additionally, the insights and recommendations will be applicable to other housing types, supporting broader electrification initiatives.	ET25SWE0016	Whole Buildings	TSR	Active	2026/07		VEIC	Residential, Commercial	Market Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Active
EE BE Project Success Tools California’s decarbonization and electrification goals rely on HVAC contractors, yet many face technical, administrative, and operational barriers that limit high-quality energy-efficient installations. Although software tools exist to improve design accuracy, streamline workflows, and reduce paperwork, adoption remains low, especially among small firms that make up over 40 percent of the state’s efficiency market. Expanding access to effective tools could improve installation quality, reduce system faults, support heat pump adoption, and strengthen program participation. Contractors report fragmented workflows, limited support, complex rebate processes, and inadequate training, all of which contribute to installation errors and lost revenue. This project examined why software tools are underused, assessed current tool functionality, and created a Buyer’s Guide Framework to help contractors and utilities match tools to real-world barriers across the HVAC lifecycle. Researchers scanned more than 600 HVAC and field service tools, evaluated a focused subset in depth, and conducted interviews with contractors, trainers, vendors, and trade groups. Tools were reviewed across ten lifecycle stages and assessed for pricing, usability, training, accessibility, and educational content. Findings revealed major gaps between tool capabilities and contractor awareness, particularly in small businesses. Integrated platforms can reduce workflow fragmentation but may lack technical depth. The resulting Buyer’s Guide Framework links contractor challenges to tool categories and offers scenario-based recommendations to support better software adoption. Software tools can improve HVAC project quality, workforce support, and program participation, but adoption barriers require clearer guidance, integrated training, and utility-aligned features. Expanding the Buyer’s Guide Framework, standardizing programs, and strengthening training can boost installation quality, advance electrification, and help California meet its climate goals.	ET25SWE0015	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2026/05	tool,	Energy Solutions, VEIC	Commercial	Tool Development/Enhancement	Tool Development	Complete
Performance Metrics of Micro Heat Pumps Through Laboratory Testing This project will collect comprehensive laboratory test data on the heating and cooling performance of commercially available Micro Heat Pumps (MHP), particularly with the saddle form factor, that are of specific interest to California. MHPs are self-contained and pluggable into wall sockets with 110/120V with an inverter-driven variable speed compressor that can provide space cooling and heating in single-family and multifamily buildings. These units can operate in ambient temperatures lower than 5°F for spaces up to 1,000 ft². They come in various form factors, namely saddle, through-the-wall, window, and portable. This effort will build on the data collected under CalNEXT project (ET23SWE0034). The study will update existing information to improve estimates of energy savings, their market potential, and strategy for their statewide adoption.	ET25SWE0014	HVAC	TSR	Active	2026/09		Energy Solutions	Residential, Commercial	Lab Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Active
Simplified HVAC Control Retrofits ASHRAE Guideline 36, High-Performance Sequences of Operation for HVAC Systems (G36) provides detailed instructions for how to control HVAC systems efficiently but is best applied to new construction projects. Applying some of the control strategies in G36 to existing buildings offers the potential for cost effective energy savings and significant decarbonization. Barriers include perceived complexity and incompatibility as well as technical challenges with adapting G36 strategies to existing building conditions. This project will create a guide for identifying low cost, high impact control retrofit measures and a package of recommended control sequences that are adapted from G36 to address typical conditions in existing buildings. Utility program recommendations will further support the scaling of these measures.	ET25SWE0013	HVAC	TSR	Active	2026/09	Taylor Engineers	Energy Solutions	Commercial	Tool Development/Enhancement	Tool Development	Active
PCM Enhanced Ceilings This project investigates the use of phase change material (PCM) ceiling tiles as a cost-effective energy-saving solution for California classrooms. PCM stores thermal energy by transitioning between solid and liquid phases, allowing for passive cooling savings, especially when paired with active nighttime cooling, offering cooling savings of up to 15–20% annual. The study, conducted by the Western Cooling Efficiency Center, will compare energy use and thermal comfort in classrooms with and without PCM installations under three scenarios: baseline, nighttime ventilation, and PCM with ventilation. Data collected will then be used to validate an Energy Plus model in efforts to promote its use amongst energy modelers and product designers. Findings aim to inform the widespread adoption of PCM technology in schools and other commercial buildings.	ET25SWE0012	HVAC	TSR	Active	2026/08		UC Davis	Public, Commercial	Field Study, Tool Development/Enhancement	Measure Study/Recommendation	Active
Packaged Propane Refrigeration Market Analysis California’s aggressive greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals and tightening refrigerant regulations are accelerating the need for low-GWP, energy-efficient refrigeration solutions in the commercial food retail and food service sectors. Walk-in coolers and freezers (WICFs) are widely used across these industries and are major drivers of electricity consumption and refrigerant-related emissions. Packaged propane (R290) refrigeration systems offer a promising alternative to traditional hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) systems but remain underutilized in the U.S. due to safety standards, limited product availability, and low market awareness. GWP, energy efficient refrigeration solutions in the commercial food retail and food service sectors. Walkin coolers and freezers (WICFs) are widely used across these industries and are major drivers of electricity consumption and refrigerant related emissions. Packaged propane (R290) refrigeration systems offer a promising alternative to traditional hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) systems but remain underutilized in the U.S. due to safety standards, limited product availability, and low market awareness. This study evaluates the technical performance, market readiness, and cost-effectiveness of packaged R290 refrigeration systems for small-to-medium businesses (SMBs), hard-to-reach (HTR) customers, and disadvantaged communities (DAC) in California. The analysis integrates metered field data, manufacturer specifications, stakeholder interviews, and national program benchmarking to assess energy savings, GHG reductions, and adoption barriers. Metered results from medium and low-temperature installations show average energy reductions of 54% and 38%, respectively, compared to baseline HFC systems, with 20–25% savings even against high efficiency HFC units. With substantially smaller refrigerant charge sizes and ultra low-GWP, packaged propane systems reduce refrigerant-related emissions by more than 99%, translating to an estimated 1.87 metric tons CO₂e avoided per unit annually. At a 5% market penetration, this would represent approximately ~450 metric tons of CO₂e avoided each year in California.290 refrigeration systems for small to medium businesses (SMBs), hard to reach (HTR) customers, and disadvantaged communities (DAC) in California. The analysis integrates metered field data, manufacturer specifications, stakeholder interviews, and national program benchmarking to assess energy savings, GHG reductions, and adoption barriers. Metered results from medium and low temperature installations show average energy reductions of 54% and 38%, respectively, compared to baseline HFC systems, with 20–25% savings even against high efficiency HFC units. low GWP, packaged propane systems reduce refrigerant related emissions by more than 99%, translating to ~1.87 metric tons CO Findings indicate strong decarbonization potential but highlight persistent barriers, including the 150 gram R290 charge limit, limited UL-listed configurations, supply chain constraints, and low contractor familiarity. The study concludes with recommendations to expand field metering, update safety standards, develop deemed TRM measures, establish a Qualified Products List, and launch targeted incentive programs to accelerate equitable adoption of packaged propane refrigeration technologies across California	ET25SWE0011	Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2026/05		VEIC	Commercial	Market Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Commercial Kitchen Hot Water System Decarbonization Market Needs Study Water heating for food service applications represents 340M therms of gas consumption in California presenting a significant opportunity for electrification. Public-facing design guides specific to improving hot water heating, delivery, and use in commercial kitchens are critical to restaurant operators, system designers, and other audiences. We will create a design guide intended for general audiences such as restaurant operators with an added focus on heat pump (HP). We will also develop a technical design guide for a designer audience to help guide commercial kitchen designers and DHW system designers toward creating efficient and optimized systems. Written guides, slide decks accompanied by audio, and Spanish translations will be produced.	ET25SWE0010	Water Heating	TSR	Active	2026/04		TRC	Commercial	Market Study	CASE Advocacy and Code Readiness	Active
Market and Technical Evaluation of Combination Washer-Dryer Units for Multifamily Buildings Decarbonizing laundry in California’s multifamily housing sector remains challenging due to the dominance of gas‑fired dryers, limited in‑unit laundry access—especially for low‑ to moderate‑income (LMI) households—and low market familiarity with heat pump drying technology. The emergence of 120‑volt combination washer/heat pump dryer units offers a promising pathway to expand in‑unit electric laundry without costly electrical upgrades or venting requirements. This CalNEXT technology support research (TSR) evaluates the technical performance, market potential, and equity implications of deploying these combination units across California’s multifamily building stock. The analysis shows that 120V combination units deliver meaningful advantages for multifamily applications: standard‑outlet compatibility, ventless operation, compact sizing, and user convenience from all‑in‑one operation. Energy modeling indicates that these units can reduce building‑level energy use when replacing gas or electric resistance dryers, though outcomes vary depending on existing laundry configurations and ownership models. Stakeholder engagement revealed persistent barriers—including low awareness of heat pump drying, concerns about longer drying times, third‑party ownership of shared laundry equipment, and the risk of cost‑shifting to residents when transitioning to in‑unit appliances. Key outcomes highlight that (1) the technology is technically viable for widespread multifamily deployment, (2) market adoption will remain limited without targeted education and demonstration, and (3) equity impacts hinge on addressing resident energy burden and building‑owner risk. Based on these findings, the report recommends: expanding education and outreach to increase awareness of heat pump drying; providing robust warranties and clear maintenance guidance to reduce ownership hesitancy; designing demonstration projects that test both resident‑owned and building‑owned models; and integrating combination units into California incentive programs by adding them to the Technical Reference Manual. Together, these actions can accelerate equitable access to efficient electric laundry, reduce reliance on gas‑fired shared facilities, and support California’s broader decarbonization goals.	ET25SWE0009	Lighting, Plug Loads & Appliances	TSR	Complete Final Report	2026/03	Association for Energy Affordability, AEA, Bay Ren Regional Energy Network, BayREN, Jonathon Rose Companies, LG Electronics USA, Redwood Energy, Self-Help Enterprises, Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation	VEIC	Multifamily	Market Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Field Demonstration of Mobile Home Electrification This project assesses the feasibility of electrifying manufactured mobile homes by comparing a baseline mobile home with gas-fired equipment to two types of commercially available energy-efficient manufactured housing units: an all-electric DOE net zero ready home (NZRH) compatible with 200-amp service, and a unit with high-efficiency electric and gas appliances compatible with 100-amp service. The NZRH will also receive photovoltaic and battery storage systems. This project will assess the energy impacts of both units compared to the baseline home to quantify the feasibility and benefits of full and partial electrification. The project will inform future programs and incentives for new high-efficiency manufactured housing uints as replacements and identify the best strategies to electrify and improve energy efficiency in existing mobile home parks.	ET25SWE0007	Whole Buildings	TSR	Active	2026/07		AESC, ASK Energy	Residential	Field Study	Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development	Active
Comparative Field Assessment of CO₂ System Performance vs. HFC Refrigeration in Supermarkets California regulations limiting the use of refrigerants with global warming potential (GWP) greater than 150 have accelerated supermarket adoption of CO₂ (R-744) transcritical refrigeration systems. However, limited empirical data exist on system performance in California’s diverse climate zones. This study compares field performance of two CO₂ and two HFC (R-404A) supermarket refrigeration systems located in Climate Zones 10 and 11. Four months of high-resolution monitored data were collected using calibrated three-phase power meters and temperature loggers. Regression models were developed to characterize refrigeration energy use as a function of outdoor air temperature, and annualized performance was estimated using typical meteorological year (TMY) weather data. Site personnel interviews were conducted to supplement measured results with operational observations. Results indicate that CO₂ systems demonstrated no measurable energy advantage over HFC systems in the warm climate zones studied. Installation costs for CO₂ systems were approximately 30% higher than HFC systems. Annual refrigerant leak rates of 7–19% were observed at CO₂ sites; however, associated greenhouse gas emissions were negligible due to the low GWP of R-744. CO₂ systems exhibited greater operational sensitivity to ambient conditions and increased complexity during restart events. Overall, study findings suggest that CO₂ system adoption in warm climates is driven primarily by refrigerant regulatory compliance and corporate GHG reduction goals rather than energy or cost savings. Additional field studies across multiple California climate zones are recommended to support the development of incentive structures and to better characterize performance, reliability, and refrigerant leakage profiles.	ET25SWE0005	Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2026/01	Fontana, Ontaria, Auburn, Grass Valley	Cypress Ltd	Commercial, Foodservice and Grocery	Field Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
High Efficiency Rooftop Unit (HE RTU) Focused Pilot The High Efficiency Rooftop Unit (HE RTU) Focused Pilot builds off the recently concluded ET23SWE0073 Focused Pilot (Fosberg, et al. 2025). The goal of the ET23SWE0073 Focused Pilot was to streamline the incentive process and increase program participation above the lower documented levels in the existing statewide heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) program. The eligibility of HP RTUs was limited to efficiency and capacities that qualified for the current fuel substitution measure. (https://www.caetrm.com/measure/SWHC046/03/) In addition to addressing known participation barriers, supply chain interviews aimed to identify additional barriers to entry for HP RTU technologies. In contrast, this Focused Pilot seeks to examine the characteristics of HP RTUs that make them most efficient while maximizing decarbonization impacts for this technology. We hypothesize that the market will identify variable capacity capability as the primary efficiency driver but anticipate other characteristics—such as energy and/or heat recovery and controls—to be identified as additional drivers of system efficiency. Through the ET23SWE0073 Focused Pilot, the project team learned that at least two manufacturers are already producing and selling variable capacity HP RTUs in the California market with limited uptake. This Focused Pilot aims to develop higher efficiency requirements for heat pump rooftop units and dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS), with the goal of informing the development of a higher tier to be added to California’s prescriptive measure portfolio. This work also supports the addition of a measure for DOAS, which are not currently included in California’s RTU measure portfolio. Additionally, this research supports California’s Market Transformation Administrator’s (CalMTA’s) current market transformation initiatives (MTI), which prioritize commercial RTU installations in California to leverage increased energy savings (CalMTA 2024).	ET24SWE0066	HVAC	FP	Complete Final Report	2025/12		TRC, UC Davis	Commercial	Field Study	Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development	Complete
Datacenter Liquid Cooling Market Characterization The anticipated surge in California’s datacenter energy demand, driven by artificial intelligence and cloud computing, poses a substantial threat to the state’s clean energy initiatives and grid reliability. This market study provides a strategic framework for transitioning thermal management from inadequate conventional air cooling toward efficient liquid-based systems. The study compares various single-mode and hybrid cooling strategies, analyzing critical trade-offs between energy efficiency, compute density, retrofit feasibility, and system complexity. Single-mode analysis reveals stark contrasts: traditional air-cooled systems are characterized by high energy overhead and low compute density. Conversely, all-Direct-to-Chip (D2C) cold plates achieve superior energy efficiency and ultra-high density, though they present significant retrofit challenges for existing facilities. Full-immersion, usually suitable for smaller size datacenters, offers improvements over air cooling but is currently hampered by serviceability and standardization issues. Hybrid configurations offer flexible and practical pathways for upgrading legacy datacenters. A combination of D2C and existing air handlers (CRAH) provides an efficient, retrofit-friendly balance. Other hybrid solutions, such as those involving immersion, can enable very high density at the cost of complexity. Liquid-to-air coolant distribution units serve as a constraint-driven fallback for facilities unable to extend liquid lines, but this approach incurs a substantial energy penalty. Key findings indicate D2C is the optimal solution for high-power chips. Fully liquid-cooled facilities are commercially mature, enabling waste heat recovery and dramatically increasing compute density by eliminating air infrastructure. While D2C is the fastest-growing segment, hybrid systems currently represent the most practical commercial trajectory for most operators, balancing high efficiency with feasible implementation.	ET24SWE0065	Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/11	Western Cooling Efficiency Center, University of California Davis	UC Davis, WCEC	Industrial	Market Study	CASE Advocacy and Code Readiness	Complete
Humidity Control for Indoor Farms This study will compare the integrated cooling/dehumidification capability of MSP Technology in an indoor farm to conventional practices, which involves cooling and dehumidification with re-heat of air to maintain indoor temperatures. The research team will measure the energy use, temperature, and humidity of both an indoor farm served by MSP Technology and an indoor farm served by conventional technologies. The project will calculate the energy savings provided by MSP Technology, compare the performance of MSP Technology to typical methods, evaluate the economic viability of MSP Technology in the indoor farming industry, and validate a previously developed model. The project will explore the feasibility of this technology in California, where it largely does not exist, and potentially accelerate its adoption across this region.	ET24SWE0064	Process Loads	TDR	Active	2026/10		UC Davis	Agricultural	Field Study	Follow-Up Project	Active
Electrification Enablement via Load Balancing Solutions Focused Pilot The CalNEXT Electrification Enablement via Load-Balancing Solutions Focused Pilot was launched in early 2025. Its primary objective was to understand how load-balancing solutions or technologies were being used in existing electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) installations and validate load-balancing technologies’ potential to enable additional electrification without requiring costly electrical panel or service upsizing. This pilot successfully validated LBTs in EV charging installations to understand their capability to dynamically manage high demand loads and demonstrated potential for electrifying within the existing electrical infrastructure. The pilot covers a wide spectrum of technologies including circuit splitters, meter collars, smart panels, and smart circuit breakers. These technologies were installed and tested in ten sites to demonstrate optimal configuration for electrification and managing loads within existing panel capacity. The pilot observed that on average, the maximum demand for existing homes is 20 percent to 30 percent of existing panel capacity, leaving ample capacity for electrification of water heating, space heating, electric vehicle charging, cooking, and laundry on the existing panel. However, based on 2025 National Electrical Code load calculations, majority of the demonstration sites would need a service upgrade if they implement electrification measures proposed in the pilot. With the use of LBTs, electrification measures were installed at all the demonstration sites cost-effectively without triggering service upsize through load management. Key outcomes also included technology performance findings, integration challenges, and practical recommendations for contractors, customers, and program implementers for cost effective electrification. Ultimately, this pilot validates targeted load management to overcome infrastructure constraints, expedite fuel substitution, and contributes to electrification at scale.	ET24SWE0063	Plug Loads & Appliances, Whole Buildings	FP	Complete Final Report	2025/12	electric panel, Energy Solutions, CalMTA, PG&E, Pacific Gas & Electric, SDG&E, Sempra Utilities, SCE, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas & Electric, University of California Davis	TRC, UC Davis	Residential	Field Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Commercial Heat Pump Water Heater Focused Pilot Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) are an energy-efficient, reliable source of hot water for households and businesses, with the added benefits of reducing carbon emissions and dehumidification. However, despite available incentives from existing investor-owned utility efficiency programs, commercial uptake of HPWH installations must dramatically increase to meet California’s ambitious carbon neutrality goals set forth by Senate Bill (SB) 1477. The Light-Duty Commercial HPWH Focused Pilot project team explored potential solutions to the barriers to commercial HPWH adoption by targeted five significant barriers identified by the 2023 Technology Priority Map: • Lack of customer and contractor familiarity with HPWHs in a commercial setting • Existing water heating program eligibility limitations • Electrical capacity requirements associated with the installation of HPWHs • Lack of participation in existing energy efficiency programs • Limited understanding of customers best suited for commercial HPWHs The team hypothesized that improved contractor and customer familiarity with HPWHs would increase commercial customers’ willingness to undertake an HPWH conversion and to overcome the barriers to the adoption of this new technology. The Focused Pilot offered targeted customers a no-cost light-duty HPWH as a demonstration to encourage these commercial sites to adopt new technology and give contractors experience installing HPWHs in a commercial setting. When necessary, the project team connected the commercial site with a contractor in network to get the equipment installed. The pilot developed marketing materials on HPWH installations to inform contractors of commercial customers best suited for HPWHs. This project provides program implementers with findings and recommendations to inform new and existing HPWH programs about approaches to cost-effectively increase participation and reduce barriers for commercial sites. The project team concluded with the following recommendations: • The greatest barrier to adoption of light-duty HPWHs in commercial buildings identified through this pilot is cost, which are primarily driven by the diversity of buildings, the relative installation complexity, and existing building and water heater conditions. • Additional cost barriers include limited capital budgets for commercial building owners, renters, and property managers, as well as the potential increase in energy costs when shifting from natural gas to electricity. • Commercial buildings require an increased focus on matching HPWH capacity to meet a diverse set of hot water needs, especially in high-demand or recirculation applications. Limitations of HPWHs relative to existing natural gas systems in high-demand applications, existing distribution inefficiencies, and lack of customer familiarity with the technology all serve as barriers to scaling adoption. • Current water heating rebate eligibility and amounts favor gas-to-HPWH conversions, which manufacturers indicated during interviews are a greater challenge than electric-to-HPWH conversions. • Demographic analysis established that the key building typologies with the most immediate opportunity for HPWH adoption in the state are small offices (71,000 sites) and warehouses (74,000 sites). • Generally, commercial end users have competing priorities and few have dedicated personnel to working on electrification projects. • Measure packages should be updated to allow for lower rated Uniform Energy Factor requirements to include 120-volt HPWHs and include larger tank size changes for gas-to-HPWH conversions to account for performance differences. Resources Montclair Event News Article Montclair Event Presentation Montclair Event Poster Montclair Event Flyer Focused Pilot Report News Article	ET24SWE0062	Water Heating	FP	Complete Final Report	2025/12	Community, AO Smith, Bradford White, Enovative Mechanical and Energy Service, TRC, Wildan, Montclair Presbyterian Church, Bethel Presbyterian Church	Energy Solutions, VEIC	Commercial	Field Study	Measure Study/Recommendation	Complete
Multifamily Domestic Hot Water Recirculation Survey The multifamily domestic hot water recirculation survey will gather data from common, representative buildings to inform remediation measures, heat pump water heater sizing tools, and decarbonization readiness. There is a lack of information on recirculation systems in existing buildings and what cost-effective measures might be possible for support through energy efficiency and decarbonization programs. Recirculation systems can have up to 60% wasteful losses and could be a large, missed opportunity for both energy efficiency and heat pump water heater retrofits. Based on the observations and data analysis, the project team will recommend (1) approaches to assessing recirculation losses based on building characteristics, (2) possible refinements to heat pump water heater sizing tools, and (3) possible new or updated program measures for recirculation system remediation.	ET24SWE0061	Water Heating	TSR	Active	2026/04		AESC, ASK Energy	Residential, Commercial	Field Study	New Measure Package Development	Active
Multi-Function Heat Pump Research Home Test – Variable Speed =Between 30 and 65% of residential buildings in California are expected to need electrical service upgrades to fully electrify, causing delays and costing $5,000 or more. Multi-Function Heat Pumps (MFHP) have the potential to reduce total installed costs by avoiding service upgrades because they can have lower peak power consumption compared to the typical two separate heat pumps for space conditioning and water heating. MFHPs use one efficient compressor to provide space cooling, space heating, and domestic hot water heating. Variable-speed air-to-air MFHPs have the potential for higher efficiency and can recover heat from space cooling to heat hot water. Equipment performance curves are needed to estimate energy savings. This project laboratory tested a 24kBtu/h (7.1kW) rated variable-speed air-to-air MFHP, measuring capacity and energy consumption in all operating modes across a range of outdoor conditions that match California climate zones. At 95℉ outdoor and 80℉ indoor temperatures, the space cooling capacity at full rated compressor speed was 24.8 kBtu/h (7.28 kW) with COP of 3.42, and at intermediate speed was 15.7 kBtu/h (4.60 kW) with COP of 4.32. At 47℉ outdoor and 70℉ indoor return air temperatures, the space heating capacity at full speed was 24.8 kBtu/h (7.28kW) with COP of 3.96, and at intermediate speed was 13.2 kBtu/h (3.83 kW) at a COP of 4.90. At 47°F outdoor, the unit heated water from 65 to 120°F in 48 minutes and heated from 65 to 127°F with a capacity of 7.25kW and COP 3.24. The unit achieved an estimated water heating first-hour rating of 86.4 gallons. Heat recovery from space cooling for heating hot water from 110 to 120°F saved an average of 33% of electrical energy compared to separate cycles. Heat recovery mode with 80°F indoor, heated the water tank from 65 to 125°F with a combined space cooling and water heating COP of 7.9. The measured results were analyzed to develop performance curves that future projects will use in simulation tools to estimate annual energy savings in multiple types of residential buildings across climate zones. Compared to the typical single speed split system heat pumps and standalone heat pump water heaters, this variable-speed air-to-air MFHP has the potential to increase energy savings and help avoid panel upgrades to reduce retrofit electrification costs. This equipment has the potential for significant energy savings compared to the single speed air-to-air MFHP previously tested ET23SWE0047. We recommend that MFHP technologies move forward to lab and field test commercially available products and to develop new efficiency measures for utility energy efficiency and electrification programs.	ET24SWE0058	Whole Buildings	TDR	Active	2026/11	University of California Davis	UC Davis	Residential	Lab Study	Follow-Up Project	Active
High Speed Oven Energy Use Field Monitoring for the Commercial Foodservice Industry High-speed ovens are a rapidly growing appliance category, with high demand from customers and increasing interest among utility programs. However, the data needed to properly characterize high-speed oven current market usage and prospective energy savings potential when optimally integrated into a foodservice operation is still significantly lacking. To fill this data gap and develop a comprehensive outlook on the high-speed oven market in California, Frontier Energy generated data throughout this study through a mixture of market analysis and field data acquisition. Through stakeholder interviews, Frontier estimated a current inventory of about 23,000 high-speed ovens in the state of California, with projections for the market continuing to grow 10to 20 percent over the next two years. Through the combination of data collected at eleven field sites and laboratory testing results, Frontier estimated 28% energy savings when converting from a standard high-speed oven to an energy efficient high-speed oven, equivalent to 2,354 kilowatt-hours per year for each replaced unit or 5.4 terawatt-hours per year for all of California, assuming 10 percent of the existing high-speed oven inventory are older units ready for replacement. With an incremental measure cost of $2,979, Frontier estimates a return on investment of 4.2 years for a high-speed oven replacement. Culminating this data, Frontier developed a draft measure package with the criteria of cooking efficiency ≥ 39% and idle rate ≤ 1.00 kilowatts, which may be adopted by utility programs to realize the energy savings potential of high speed ovens.	ET24SWE0057	Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2026/01		Frontier Energy	Commercial, Foodservice and Grocery	Field Study	CASE Advocacy and Code Readiness	Complete
New Toolkit for Outdoor Lighting Baseline Updates Outdoor lighting systems have evolved considerably in the past twenty years since the first California outdoor lighting baseline assessment project was completed in 2003. When the 2003 study was completed, LED fixtures didn’t exist in any form and Metal Halide (MH) lamps were the primary light source chosen for parking and other high-output applications in the commercial space. Most roadway applications utilized High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lamps due to long life expectancy and high lumen maintenance. This project will characterize new field study methods for verification of outdoor lighting loads to account for the effect that the evolution of lighting technology over the past two decades has on the actual baseline.	ET24SWE0055	Lighting	TDR	Complete Final Report	2025/10	HLB Lighting, Virginia Tech, Oregon State University, N.M. Lighting Design, SSLS, Inc., UC Davis, University of California Davis	TRC	Commercial, Municipal	Market Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Refrigeration Capacity Load Matching Commercial and industrial refrigeration systems frequently use fixed-speed compressors that operate inefficiently under variable load conditions, contributing to elevated energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In California, refrigerated warehouses consume over 2,600 GWh annually, underscoring the need for scalable efficiency solutions aligned with the state’s decarbonization goals. This study evaluates a retrofit emerging technology (ET) comprising a smart compressor control (SCC) system, a variable frequency drive (VFD), and temperature sensors. Unlike traditional pressure-based modulation, the SCC algorithm dynamically adjusts compressor operation based on suction and discharge temperatures, enabling more precise load matching. Field demonstrations were conducted at two refrigerated produce warehouses located in disadvantaged communities within California Climate Zones 9 and 10. The retrofit included four 40 horsepower (HP) compressors at Site 1 and four 25 HP compressors at Site 2, which were all fixed-speed reciprocating units. Compressor real power, compressor run time, outside air temperature (OAT), and space temperature were monitored during the summer season. Performance was normalized using temperature bins and regression modeling. Site 1 exhibited consistent improvements, achieving normalized energy savings of 20 percent to 22 percent, peak demand reductions of 25 percent to 30 percent, and annual GHG reductions of 10 to 11 metric tons of CO₂e per compressor. Site 2 yielded mixed results, two compressors demonstrated 12 percent to 22 percent energy savings, peak demand reductions of 5 percent to 7 percent, and annual GHG reductions of 4 to 7 metric tons of CO₂e per compressor, while the other two compressors showed increased energy use due to unadjusted defrost cycles. Simple payback periods ranged from 1.7 to 2.0 years for compressors with positive savings. Although the customer at Site 2 reported pre-existing defrost issues, customers at both sites reported no operational or performance issues after ET installation. These findings indicate that the ET offers a viable pathway to enhance refrigeration system efficiency and support broader energy and climate policy objectives.	ET24SWE0054	Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/09	La Mirada, Corona,	AESC	Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural, Foodservice and Grocery	Field Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Harvesting Mid-size Industrial BRO Savings The Project Team will recruit three midsize industrial customers within CA Investor-Owned Utility (IOU) territory to participate, conduct two-to-three-day onsite tune-ups (retro-commissioning events) with each site, and build each site an energy regression model to capture BRO savings opportunities identified during the tune-ups. Midsize industrial customers frequently lack the staffing to support engagement in a full, two-year SEM program nor do they have sufficiently high annual usage to cost-effectively justify submitting multiple projects through the custom platform. Through this project, the Project Team aims to show the viability of using the NMEC platform and measurement and verification (M&V) methodology to engage these sites in a way that meets their needs. This will streamline the program engagement requirement and the pathway to claim and earn incentives for energy savings. Focusing first on low- and no-cost BRO measures eliminates a common budgetary barrier for SMB industrial customers in CA. This approach yields customers quick cost savings and builds enthusiasm for additional energy projects.	ET24SWE0053	Process Loads, Whole Buildings	TSR	Active	2026/12	Cascade Energy	Energy Solutions	Industrial	Demonstration Showcase	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Active
Commercial Building Duct Sealing Energy Savings and Cost Analysis This report builds on the Commercial Building Duct Sealing Market Characterization study, which identified significant energy efficiency opportunities from duct sealing technologies in small commercial buildings (J. Breda et al., 2024). Through comprehensive market analysis and field research, the prior study highlighted critical factors impacting duct configurations and leakage characteristics. This subsequent study focuses on quantifying energy savings potential through detailed energy modeling and cost-effectiveness analysis to guide targeted incentive programs. This comprehensive evaluation of cost versus savings and payback periods highlights duct sealing as a strong candidate for incentive programs. The substantial energy savings, combined with relatively short payback periods, demonstrate duct sealing’s effectiveness in achieving rapid energy and cost reductions. Therefore, targeted diagnostic programs and performance-based incentives tailored for sealing projects present a highly attractive investment opportunity for California’s small commercial sector, supporting statewide energy efficiency and decarbonization goals.	ET24SWE0048	Whole Buildings	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/10		TRC	Commercial	Market Study	New Measure Package Development	Complete
Electric Infrastructure Upgrades Alternatives Study for Manufactured Housing The project team proposes to conduct a field demonstration project that will seek to install intelligent power management technologies (IPMTs) (e.g., smart electrical panels, smart circuit breakers/relays) in manufactured housing with limitations in both customer-side and utility-side electric infrastructure to facilitate electrification of end uses that otherwise could not be done without an electrical service infrastructure upgrade. Electrifying home appliances — such as space and water heating, cooking, clothes drying, and EV charging — may require more electric capacity than is currently available to the home. This is especially true in mobile home parks in California, which typically have electrical service of 100-amps or less to individual lots, and where park ownership has decision-making authority regarding service upgrades. While IPMTs are commercially available today, there is limited deployment due to inexperience with the technologies by local permitting and inspection authorities. This project will seek to overcome this barrier by working with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to gain permitting approval for installing IPMTs in manufactured housing. This project team will also work with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and other stakeholders to identify a mobile home park that recently upgraded the park to 100-amp service through the CPUC’s Utility Conversion Program and has residents and park ownership interested in decarbonization efforts. The project team will then work with a local contractor to complete the installation of the IPMTs and coordinate with other utility programs and state decarbonization programs to electrify end uses in the field demonstration homes. By installing IPMTs to control electrical loads, this project will open up decarbonization opportunities to a key segment of naturally-occurring affordable housing while demonstrating the value of IPMTs as a safe and effective alternative solution to more expensive electrical infrastructure upgrades.	ET24SWE0047	Whole Buildings	TSR	Active	2026/08		VEIC	Residential	Demonstration Showcase	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Active
Modeling CO2 System Refrigeration Loads This project aims to update and refine existing analysis tools, improve modeling methodologies through a validation process, and apply lessons learned to the automated modeling workflow that can serve as the underlying framework for future software tools. The goal is to support utility programs by building open-source models for TC CO2 refrigeration systems that are flexible, transparent, and efficient in both new and existing stores that will provide a streamlined and structured approach for CA IOUs to claim savings on these projects. The proposed validation study will improve and adapt OpenStudio tools to natural refrigerant systems, which have not consistently been captured due to unsubstantiated analysis methodologies, and provide a cost-effective modeling approach for smaller, independent, and DAC/HTR grocers.	ET24SWE0046	Process Loads	TDR	Active	2026/08		VEIC	Commercial	Tool Development/Enhancement	Tool Development	Active
DIY HPWH Installation & Market Study This project will assess pathways, technical solutions and guidance for simplified DIY homeowner or general contractor replacement of existing electric and gas water heaters with new heat pump water heaters (HPWH) in California. Permitting and code requirements for water heater installations can place significant limits on what residential homeowners can legally perform in water heater replacements, but the introduction of new plug-in 120V unitary and split HPWH products are designed to reduce the complexity of installations. Identifying the necessary plumbing, mechanical and electrical requirements and potential technical or process solutions to simplify and expedite permitting and installation could conceivably make DIY (or alternatively, general or HVAC contractor installations) more prevalent. The project team will engage existing programs offering rebates accessible to non-professional installers to evaluate opportunities to provide additional resources and guidance for quality HPWH installations, including a public facing DIY digital fact sheet/guide that will be available should California IOUs and CCAs want to share with their customers. The guide will identify the most important considerations for homeowners regarding the technical and permitting process to install their own HPWH, including supporting customers through DIY install feasibility while directing to relevant rebate and incentive programs. The project team will interview homeowners and general contractors that have completed recent HPWH installations to capture their reasoning, access to rebates and installation instructional guidance, and overall approach and experience. The project will also document recommended maintenance procedures for homeowners to support continuous high efficiency operation and product longevity. Our research intends to validate the size of the market that might be interested and able to take advantage of DIY installations, understand the necessary equipment and skill sets and provide actionable recommendations to program administrators on how to best support this alternative residential HPWH replacement path. Resources in Final Report DIY HPWH Digital Fact Sheet and Guide in English DIY HPWH Digital Fact Sheet and Guide in Spanish	ET24SWE0044	Water Heating	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/06	Barnett Plumbing, SunWork, Penninsula Clean Energy, Silicon Valley Clean Energy, Redwood Coast Energy Authority	VEIC	Residential	Market Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Multipurpose Hydronic CO₂ Heat Pump for Commercial Buildings Space cooling, space heating, and domestic hot water (DHW) are major energy end-uses in California. Space heating and domestic hot water needs account for approximately 70 percent of natural gas use across all commercial sector buildings and over 90 percent of natural gas use in multifamily buildings, making these end-uses two of the state’s largest building decarbonization targets. Innovative technologies that are both energy-efficient and cost-effective are necessary to achieve these decarbonization targets and still satisfy demands for all three end-uses. This study evaluated the design and feasibility of a retrofit multipurpose hydronic CO₂ heat pump at one office building and one low-income multifamily building. The technology electrifies and decarbonizes heating, cooling, and DHW systems in a packaged, high- efficiency heat pump system that uses CO₂, a refrigerant with low global warming potential (GWP). The project team assessed the technology at each site through site observations, design and sizing of the new system, cost evaluation methodology, building energy modeling approaches, cost proposals, and modeling results. Both sites showed potential energy and cost savings compared to gas-fired baselines by reducing natural gas use and improving efficiency, although fuel switching increased peak electricity demand. Site 1 achieved estimated GHG emission reductions of 22 metric tons of CO₂e, improved their baseline COP from 1.7 to a peak COP of 3.4, and demonstrated a Total System Benefit (TSB) of about $1,428. Site 2 had larger baseline heating loads and observed estimated GHG emissions reductions of 79 metric tons of CO₂e, improved their baseline COP from 1.2 to a peak COP of 2.8, and demonstrated a TSB of about $2,259. These findings highlight the technology’s potential to electrify and decarbonize heating, cooling, and DHW systems in commercial and multifamily buildings. Further research, including pilot demonstrations, is recommended to validate real-world performance, quantify energy impacts, and address market barriers.	ET24SWE0042	HVAC	TDR	Complete Final Report	2025/10	CHW, HHW,	AESC, ASK Energy, Ecotope	Commercial	Field Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Commercial Building Duct Sealing Market Characterization This market characterization study focuses on evaluating the range of duct sealing technologies available for commercial buildings, emphasizing their effectiveness, market availability, and implementation challenges. Through market research, including literature reviews and expert interviews, the study aims to establish a comprehensive understanding of the current duct sealing technology landscape. Together with a parallel CalNEXT study on commercial duct sealing energy savings and costs, this study supports the development of a measure package (or measure package update). This project supports the adoption of energy-saving duct sealing practices by providing a detailed analysis of each technology’s advantages and limitations, thereby contributing to enhanced energy efficiency and sustainability in the commercial sector. This project was designated Fast Track.	ET24SWE0041	Whole Buildings	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/12	UC Davis, Western Cooling Efficiency Center, cooling, University of California Davis, WCEC	TRC	Commercial	Market Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
CO₂ Chiller for Agricultural Sector California’s dairy sector faces increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and comply with stringent refrigerant regulations. Conventional synthetic refrigerants have high global warming potential (GWP), making the transition to natural refrigerants critical for meeting decarbonization goals. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) offers a sustainable alternative with zero ozone depletion potential and a GWP of one, but its adoption in large-scale agricultural cooling remains limited due to technical complexity and equipment cost barriers. This study evaluates the performance, environmental benefits, and market readiness of CO₂ based chiller systems for high volume milk cooling in California dairies. The goal is to determine whether CO₂ chillers can deliver energy efficiency, operational reliability, and lifecycle cost advantages compared to synthetic refrigerant systems, while supporting statewide climate mandates. A field demonstration was conducted at two large dairy farms using a hybrid CO₂-synthetic chiller system at Site 1 and a standalone CO₂ chiller at Site 2. Measurement and verification followed IPMVP protocols, with data normalized using temperature binning and regression modeling. Key metrics included annualized energy use, peak demand, heat recovery potential, GHG reductions, and lifecycle cost. A market study complemented the technical analysis through stakeholder surveys. CO₂ chillers achieved comparable or slightly better energy performance than synthetic systems, with hybrid configurations offering up to 23–27% energy savings. Heat recovery enabled significant fuel reductions; 40,500 gallons of propane at Site 1 and 2.61 million cubic feet of natural gas at Site 2, avoiding 359 tons of CO₂e annually. Lifecycle cost analysis showed a 16% lower total cost of ownership for CO₂ systems over 20 years. However, CO₂ chillers exhibited 33–49% higher peak demand and occasional shutdowns under high ambient conditions, mitigated by adiabatic cooling retrofits. CO₂ refrigeration systems present a viable, environmentally superior alternative for dairy cooling, aligning with California’s decarbonization targets. While upfront costs and technical complexity remain adoption barriers, integrated heat recovery, optimized sizing, and incentive programs can accelerate market penetration. Broader deployment could significantly reduce GHG emissions in agricultural refrigeration, positioning CO₂ technology as a cornerstone of sustainable dairy operations.	ET24SWE0040	Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/12	Central Valley,	AESC	Agricultural	Field Study	Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development	Complete
Laboratory Evaluation of Residential Smart Panels Widespread residential electrification in California is constrained by legacy service panels (100–125 A) that cannot support concurrent operation of high-demand loads such as heat pumps, EV chargers, and electric dryers. Conventional service upgrades are expensive, require utility coordination, and disproportionately burden lower-income households. Smart electrical panels offer a potential alternative by dynamically managing circuit-level loads to prevent main-breaker trips and defer service upgrades, but there is limited independent validation of their technical performance or market readiness. This project evaluates three commercially available smart-panel architectures—a full smart-panel replacement, a downstream smart subpanel, and retrofit smart breakers—through controlled laboratory testing at UC Davis and stakeholder engagement with contractors, utilities, and building-department officials. Laboratory testing assessed service-upgrade-avoidance (SUA) behavior using overload conditions from 5% to 100% above configured limits, circuit-level metering accuracy, and load-reenergization logic. Stakeholder engagement examined awareness, perceived barriers, and inspection challenges. All systems successfully prevented sustained overloads below main-breaker thermal-trip curves, demonstrating technical feasibility for SUA. The panel-replacement system employed overload-dependent and adaptive 1–6 min recovery intervals. The smart subpanel initiated shedding within ~4 seconds but used a fixed 1-min re-enable timer, producing frequent cycling under sustained loads. The smart-breaker system relied on user-defined “scenes” rather than automated sensing, providing limited autonomous protection and depending heavily on correct configuration. All products achieved circuit-level metering accuracy within ±5 W of laboratory reference equipment, sufficient for consumer feedback but not revenue-grade. Advanced features marketed as demand response, TOU optimization, or carbon-signal control were either minimally implemented or dependent on third-party smart-home platforms. Interviews revealed low installation experience, inconsistent inspector familiarity, unclear software-driven control behaviors, and high upfront cost as primary barriers. Results indicate that smart panels can technically defer service upgrades today, but broader adoption will require improved software transparency, installer training, and aligned permitting/inspection procedures.	ET24SWE0039	Whole Buildings	TDR	Complete Final Report	2025/11	California Lighting Technology Center, UC Davis, VEIC	CLTC	Residential	Lab Study	Measure Study/Recommendation	Complete
Water and Wastewater Pump Replacement Industry Standard Practice & Measure Package Update The SWWP004-03 Measure Package currently targets clean water pump applications, excluding wastewater pumps despite their similar design and testing criteria. Wastewater pumps, particularly non-solids-handling types, undergo the same Pump Energy Index (PEI) testing as clean water pumps. This gap limits the adoption of high-efficiency pumps in wastewater applications. A prior CalNEXT Emerging Technologies study (ET23SWE0039) highlighted this issue and recommended developing a measure package for wastewater pumps. This study aimed to establish industry standard practice (ISP) baseline PEI ratings for both clean water and wastewater pumps and update the SWWP004 Measure Package accordingly. Surveys were conducted with 16 stakeholders, including end-use customers, manufacturers, distributors, and experts, to understand the market and purchasing drivers. Findings revealed that most customers are unaware of PEI ratings, with reliability and initial cost being the primary decision factors. Vendors, even those familiar with PEIs, rarely include them in specifications or recommendations. NEEA sales data from the Northwest region provided insights into average PEIs but reflected a market influenced by incentives, not representative of California’s baseline. Notably, there was no significant difference in PEI ratings between clean water and wastewater pumps. The study recommends using the DOE Pump Compliance Certification Database to update baseline PEI values in the SWWP004 Measure Package. Setting baseline PEIs at the 25th percentile of the DOE database ensures alignment with both survey findings and DOE standards, promoting energy efficiency while addressing market barriers for clean water and wastewater pumps. This project was designated Fast Track.	ET24SWE0038	Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/12	Lincus, pumping systems, Southern California Edison, SCE	Lincus	Industrial	Measure Package Development	Measure Package Revision	Complete
Cooling and Dehumidification for Indoor Farming This project aims to address the humidity and temperature regulation challenges in enclosed indoor farming facilities, known for high energy consumption, by utilizing a high-efficiency heat pump-powered solid desiccant dehumidification system and an indirect evaporative cooling system. The system’s performance will be evaluated in the Controlled Environment Engineering Lab at UC Davis in addition to developing a model to project system performance under different operating and climate conditions. The project holds significant value as it proposes cost-effective and environmentally friendly HVACD solutions for enclosed indoor farming facilities. By improving the energy efficiency of the dehumidification and cooling processes, the project has the potential to lower the carbon footprint of indoor farming and ultimately achieve the target for net-zero indoor food production, contributing to environmental sustainability.	ET24SWE0037	Process Loads	TDR	Active	2026/08	University of California Davis	UC Davis	Agricultural	Lab Study	Measure Study/Recommendation	Active
Nonresidential Heat Recovery Chiller and Air-to-Water Heat Pump Measure Package Development To advance California’s decarbonization goals, Energy Solutions is collaborating with the state’s investor-owned utilities to expand the California Electronic Technical Reference Manual (eTRM) by introducing measure packages for hydronic air-to-water heat pumps (AWHP) and heat-recovery chillers (HRC). These technologies, which offer significant energy efficiency potential, are poised for greater market adoption. This report summarizes a comprehensive literature review of studies and manufacturer data on AWHP and HRC systems, including insights from DOE, ASHRAE, and field case studies. The analysis identified retrofit opportunities for replacing natural gas-fired boilers in large commercial buildings with AWHPs and water-to-water heat pump heat recovery chillers (WWHRC). For partial decarbonization, the team recommends monitoring boiler runtime to facilitate future electrification. For full electrification, the focus is on readiness, including panel capacity and mechanical heat recovery measures. Stakeholder engagement, including feedback from the California Technical Forum (CalTF) Measure Screening Committee, shaped the measure development process. The committee’s encouragement supports the development of a comprehensive measure plan. The team proposes 14 measures, divided into three phases: near-term (three measures), mid-term (six measures), and long-term (five measures). These offerings aim to address technical, market, and application challenges while accelerating the adoption of AWHP and HRC technologies in California’s commercial building sector. This project was designated Fast Track.	ET24SWE0036	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/12	heating, cooling,	Energy Solutions	Commercial	Measure Package Development	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Lab Grade Refrigerators and Freezers Measure Package Development The Lab Grade Refrigerators and Freezers Measure Package Development project aims to establish a new California (CA) electronic Technical Reference Manual (eTRM) Measure Package for the high-performance subset of the equipment defined by ENERGY STAR®’s Laboratory Grade Refrigerators and Freezers Specification Version 2.0. The project included capturing baseline energy consumption data through onsite field equipment metering, conducting a market assessment, developing incremental measure cost values for the measure package, and submitting a measure package to the California Technical Forum (Cal TF) for affirmation.	ET24SWE0034	Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/12	laboratory, universities, pharamceuticals,	Energy Solutions	Commercial, Industrial, Medical	Measure Package Development	New Measure Package Development	Complete
New Commercial Foodservice Measure Prioritization The Commercial Foodservice Measure Prioritization Project has developed a database to help investor-owned utilities prioritize energy-efficiency measure development for electric commercial food service programs. This was achieved through extensive assessments of non-incentivized commercial food service equipment including developing preliminary savings estimates, estimating measure costs and sales volumes, identifying equipment testing needs and fuel-substitution potential, and discussions with market actors to help determine market trends and efficiency efforts. This data was gathered to help maximize the impact of limited measure development funds by identifying which technologies provide the most savings and cost-effective opportunities in the energy-efficiency programs like the California Foodservice Instant Rebates Program. Resources in Final Report Prioritized Measure List	ET24SWE0032	Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/11	Frontier Energy, database, California Foodservice Instant Rebates, Food Service Technology Center,	Energy Solutions	Commercial	Market Study	Tool Development	Complete
Central Heat Pump Water Heating Control Optimization Central heat pump water heating systems (CHPWH) are crucial for California’s greenhouse gas, decarbonization, and energy efficiency goals. Potential greenhouse gas emissions reduction in the California multifamily market alone are around 1.7 million tons per year as estimated by a recent CHPWH retrofit field demonstration and market study (ET22SWE0017). This follow-up project returned to the same two low-income, senior living high-rise buildings in San Francisco to optimize load flexibility controls. The team tested various controls sequences that were designed to minimize energy costs, reduce emissions, and increase total system benefit. The improved controls were shown to reduce annual energy costs by up to 19 percent, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 12 percent, and increase total system benefit by up to 24 percent. These results demonstrate the value and justify improved CHPWH controls in future products, commissioning processes, standards, and program requirements. The report also includes recommendations that can help ensure these benefits are widely realized during the domestic hot water market transformation towards CHPWH use in California and elsewhere.	ET24SWE0030	Water Heating	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/05	AESC, SkyCentrics, senior living facility,	ASK Energy, Ecotope	Commercial, Multifamily	Market Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Multifamily Central Heat Pump Water Heater Field Study Central HPWH systems are a relatively new technology. While there are previous studies that focus on lab testing and field demonstration of specific products and highly engineered system designs, field evaluation of typical real-world installations of a wide range of systems and products will be of significant value in terms of improving industry’s knowledge of the technology, creating awareness and confidence among consumers, and consequently providing data to support or expand existing utility program design, and advancing market adoption. This study will leverage the opportunity primarily provided by the Energy Smart Home (ESH) program. This project team will work with the program participants to collect system installation data, install monitoring instruments to collect operational data for evaluation of the field performance of their systems. This performance evaluation of installed HPWH systems at five sites in combination with prior documented field studies will allow for preliminary identification of high, medium, and low performing hot water system designs. We will identify design, installation and operational features that are critical for a success application.	ET24SWE0029	Water Heating	TSR	Active	2026/12		TRC	Commercial	Field Study	Measure Study/Recommendation	Active
Electrifying Large Commercial Central Plants: Demonstration of TIER and Program Delivery Solutions Decarbonizing large commercial buildings requires a viable pathway to replace conventional gas-fired central plants with efficient all-electric alternatives. However, existing approaches—primarily air-to-water heat pump (AWHP) systems—often suffer from high costs, large footprints, limited cold-weather performance, and complex integration challenges. These barriers have slowed adoption despite the urgent need for scalable electrification solutions. This project addresses these challenges by evaluating Time Independent Energy Recovery (TIER), a novel all-electric central plant concept that integrates heat recovery chillers, thermal energy storage (TES), and AWHPs to maximize heat recovery and system efficiency. The study combines field demonstration, analytical modeling, and market assessment. First, an in-depth performance evaluation was conducted on the first operational TIER installation serving a 1.2 million square foot office building in California. Second, simplified spreadsheet modeling tools and a comprehensive design guide were developed to analyze TIER configurations across climates, load profiles, and system designs. Third, parametric energy, cost, and life-cycle analyses were performed, alongside stakeholder engagement to identify barriers and market transformation strategies. Measured results confirm that the TIER system significantly outperforms conventional all-electric baselines. The demonstrated plant achieved an average combined coefficient of performance of 5.5 compared to 4.0 for a baseline AWHP plant. Parametric simulation analysis shows that TIER configurations deliver 10 to 30 percent annual energy cost savings relative to conventional chiller/boiler systems, with additional benefits in emissions reduction and peak demand management. Results also indicate that performance is highly dependent on climate, load characteristics, and part-load equipment behavior, with hot water TES configurations generally providing the most favorable efficiency and cost outcomes. Beyond technical performance, this project identifies critical barriers to market adoption and outlines targeted strategies to overcome them. Key challenges include system complexity, lack of standardized design approaches, modeling limitations in conventional simulation tools, insufficient workforce familiarity, and high perceived risk among owners and designers. To address these issues, the project proposes a coordinated market transformation pathway including development of standardized design guidance and sequences of operation, expansion of accessible modeling tools, manufacturer engagement to create packaged or modular TIER solutions, and workforce training to build industry expertise. Additional recommendations include utility program interventions such as targeted incentives, support for early adopters, integration with normalized metered energy consumption frameworks, and alignment with codes and standards to reduce uncertainty and improve confidence in all-electric central plant designs. These actions are designed to reduce design and implementation risk, lower costs, and accelerate familiarity across the supply chain. Overall, the findings validate TIER as a high-performance and scalable solution for large-building electrification, capable of overcoming key limitations of current all-electric systems. While the technology introduces new design and operational complexities, the combination of demonstrated performance benefits and clear market strategies positions TIER as a promising pathway toward widespread adoption of efficient, all-electric central plants. Resources in Final Report All-Electric Central Plant Design Guide	ET24SWE0028	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2026/04	Taylor Engineers	Energy Solutions	Commercial	Tool Development/Enhancement	Tool Development	Complete
Characterization of Central Heat Pump Water Heating Deployment in the Multifamily Market This report analyzes Central Heat Pump Water Heating (CHPWH) systems in multifamily buildings, highlighting market trends, challenges, and adoption strategies. With water heating accounting for 27–32% of multifamily energy use, CHPWH systems are key to decarbonization. Retrofitting faces challenges such as space constraints, electrical limitations, and integration issues, which impact performance. Solutions include modular systems, QA/QC frameworks, and enhanced contractor training. Single-pass systems offer higher efficiency and better Legionella control, while multi-pass systems are installer-friendly and resemble gas boilers. Optimized control strategies can improve performance. Manufacturers are shifting to low-GWP refrigerants like CO₂ and propane. Improved data collection and modular installations can enhance deployment. SysCOP is a key efficiency metric, influenced by controls, system sizing, and maintenance. Proper temperature control and ventilation improve performance. Utility programs prioritize new installations over retrofits and focus on equipment rather than system efficiency. Streamlining applications, increasing cost coverage, and adopting SysCOP metrics can enhance effectiveness. Industry professionals support CO₂-based systems but cite challenges in sizing, affordability, and integration. Training and financial incentives are crucial for adoption. Single-pass systems achieve COPs up to 3.9 with 68% energy savings and 90% GHG reductions, while multi-pass systems provide stable performance with COPs up to 2.3. Effective system design, financial incentives, and training are critical for widespread adoption.	ET24SWE0027	Water Heating	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/02		TRC	Multifamily	Market Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Performance Evaluation of DC EVSE This project will focus on two distinct electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) categories: EVSE with an Alternating Current (AC) output and EVSE with a Direct Current (DC) output. The PEV battery requires a DC source for charging, but when connected to an AC charger, the PEV’s on-board charge converter hardware is active. The immediate outcome of the project will be determining the measured and reported difference in total charging pathway efficiency between market-available AC and DC EVSE. This knowledge can then be published and used by the public to decide between the two EV charging methods. Another outcome will be a detailed understanding of the efficiency of PEV onboard chargers and their impact on the overall charging pathway efficiency.	ET24SWE0025	Plug Loads & Appliances	TSR	Active	2026/08	University of California Davis	UC Davis	Residential	Lab Study	Measure Study/Recommendation	Active
Commercial Cooktop Fuel Substitution The Commercial Cooktop Fuel Substitution project is developing a new measure package for the electronic Technical Reference Manual (CA eTRM). The measure is designed to show the benefits of utilizing electric induction cooktops in place of natural gas-fired cooktops in a commercial environment. The project team used the existing measure package for commercial electric and gas cooktops, SWFS026, to develop the new measure. Commercial Cooktop Fuel Substitution will support California’s decarbonization goals by introducing a new fuel-substitution measure for the commercial foodservice industry. Natural gas is the most used fuel in commercial cooking and cooktops are one of the most used commercial kitchen appliances. Electric induction cooktops are gaining acceptance, and the introduction of a new fuel-substitution measure will help increase market share of the appliances and promote electrification of the food service industry by enabling deemed savings and incentives for commercial cooktop fuel substitution. The proposed project supports California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Decision 23-04-035 by developing a fuel-substitution measure package for customers switching from natural gas to electric. The project aims to deliver a comprehensive measure package, fully developed and ready for approval by the CPUC. This package will be submitted to the California Technical Forum (Cal TF) measure screening committee and will encompass the creation of a draft measure packet within the CA eTRM, along with all necessary review and editing tasks for Cal TF affirmation. This project was designated Fast Track.	ET24SWE0024	Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/11		Energy Solutions	Commercial	Measure Package Development	New Measure Package Development	Complete
Field Demonstration of Electric Clothes Dryer Controller Residential electric clothes dryers account for approximately 6 percent of household electricity use in the U.S., yet their efficiency has remained largely unchanged for decades. Over-drying is a common issue, even with automatic termination features, resulting in unnecessary energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Improving dryer efficiency is critical to California’s SB 100 decarbonization goals and offers a cost-effective pathway to reduce residential energy demand. This study evaluates an add-on controller designed to terminate drying based on exhaust air temperature and humidity, aiming to reduce energy waste. The objectives were to quantify real-world energy savings, assess user satisfaction, and identify adoption barriers for this emerging technology. The controller was installed in ten homes across California’s Climate Zone 12, including disadvantaged communities. Energy consumption and cycle duration were monitored for three months before and after installation using IPMVP Option A protocols, supplemented by customer surveys for user feedback. Data analysis compared baseline and post-installation performance. The controller achieved an average 19.4 percent reduction in energy per drying cycle and 15.8 percent shorter drying cycle times, translating to annual savings of 133 to 220 kWh per household and 53 to 88 kg CO₂e emissions reduction. Customer satisfaction was high, with 100 percent reporting adequate dryness and 78 percent noticing shorter cycles. Simple payback ranged from 4.0 to 6.6 years, depending on usage. Field results confirm that add-on dryer controllers can significantly reduce energy use and support statewide decarbonization goals. Broader adoption through utility incentive programs, particularly in disadvantaged communities, could deliver substantial cumulative savings. Future work should focus on algorithm optimization, expanded testing, and design improvements for plug-and-play installation.	ET24SWE0023	Plug Loads & Appliances	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/12		AESC, ASK Energy	Residential	Field Study	New Measure Package Development	Complete
Heat Pump Customer Questions Study Air source heat pumps for replacing gas-powered water and space heating are a keystone technology in efforts to decarbonize buildings.[1] Heat pumps have the potential to save approximately 60% of total residential heating energy consumption and reduce GHG emissions by 13.1 MMTCO2e if installed in homes throughout California.[2] Utility programs in the state offer generous rebates to address the high initial costs of heat pumps, but market adoption must accelerate substantially to achieve the Governor’s goal of installing 6 million heat pumps by 2030. Doing so will require addressing customers’ questions and concerns about heat pumps. Recent research on this topic has relied on third-party reports of customers’ perspectives or data collected from early adopters. By contrast, the proposed project would collect data from the next wave of potential heat pump adopters rather than their proxies. We will mine information from questions and comments posted in public forums (e.g., blogs, news articles, podcasts, online forums), conducting broad sweeps and targeted searches to uncover data on issues such as split incentives between building owners and occupants and views on the need for backup fossil fuel systems. Other priority topics will be identified in consultation with utility program implementers. Using recently available web scraping and AI-assisted data cleaning techniques, we will be able to hear from customers contemplating heat pumps like never before. This project will identify consumers’ most critical questions and concerns about heat pumps and answer three research questions. RQ1: What are the most common questions, comments, and concerns about heat pumps among California’s residential electricity customers? RQ2: What insights do their comments and questions give us about the experiences of prospective heat pump adopters? RQ3: What insights do they give us about potential adopters’ impressions of heat pump performance, quality of service, and non-energy impacts?	ET24SWE0022	HVAC, Water Heating	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/06	University of California Davis	UC Davis	Residential	Market Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Enabling Non-Residential Electrification and Efficiency with Fault Managed Power Systems (FMPS) The Non-Residential Electrification and Efficiency with Fault-Managed Power Systems (FMPS) CalNEXT project explored the technology’s market potential and assessed how FMPS can reduce barriers to electrification efforts by reducing the complexity and cost of electrical infrastructure upgrades across non-residential (commercial, industrial, and agricultural) customer segments. This project characterized associated individual technologies to better understand the landscape and program impacts with an interest in scaling the market for commercial, industrial, and agricultural systems. With the rising need for widespread electrification of buildings in California, innovative solutions are needed to support broad decarbonization efforts. FMPS technology capitalizes on providing direct current (DC) power to DC-powered devices, reducing line losses over long distances via efficient power delivery. The team installed an FMPS system at one indoor farm in California to evaluate the energy savings potential of FMPS for horticultural lighting process systems and uncover a strategic direction for FMPS program development. These systems observed energy and environmental data for four weeks to confirm lighting system operation during a flowering cannabis growth cycle. The Project Team observed that electrical infrastructure with a higher power factor has lower potential FMPS energy savings. It was also noted that FMPS has the potential to achieve 5 percent electricity savings in indoor agriculture process lighting applications. The indoor cannabis industry could save 71 million kWh across 9,500,000 square feet of cultivation facilities with FMPS-powered horticultural lighting. Customer insights from the study showed FMPS is easier to implement in new construction projects or phased retrofits of large buildings. The insights support considerations for creating new inducement payments for FMPS through new construction programs to encourage new construction projects to adopt Class 4 Power while electrifying other building systems.	ET24SWE0021	Whole Buildings	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/08	ERI, Energy Solutions, Pacific Gas & Electric, PG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric, SDG&E, Southern California Edison, SCE, Thrive Agritech, VoltServer	ERI	Commercial		Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Demonstration of “Combi” Air-To-Water Heat Pump Air-to-water heat pumps (AWHPS) have been gaining traction worldwide in countries where hydronic heating is the predominant HVAC option. With the United States increasing national focus on decarbonization of the building sector, the AWHPs market still trails behind other more popular HVAC options. AWHPs provides year-round space conditioning, and in several AWHPs also provide dedicated domestic water heating. This “three function” (i.e., space heating, space cooling, and domestic water heating) combination operation is attractive as a cost-compression technology. In the proposed work, GTI Energy will conduct two field evaluations to validate the performance of the high-efficiency and low-GWP state-of-the-art AWHPs technology in the California single-family home residential market to support future market adoption	ET24SWE0020	HVAC	TSR	Active	2027/09	GTI Energy	Energy Solutions	Residential	Field Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Active
Automated Guideline 36 Validation Building automation systems (BAS) often fall short of their performance potential due to inconsistent control implementations, commissioning gaps, and repeated project specific reprogramming. ASHRAE Guideline 36 (G36) provides standardized, high performance control sequences that can significantly improve comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. Manufacturer provided G36 libraries can streamline application of G36 but industry currently lacks an objective validation method to ensure conformance with G36. Without such validation, users face uncertainty regarding the conformance, completeness, and robustness of manufacturer provided G36 libraries, a challenge already reflected in early field deployments that reveal frequent inconsistencies. This motivates the need for a rigorous, repeatable approach to evaluating G36 control programming. This project develops and demonstrates a draft method of test (MOT) capable of automating bench scale validation of BAS programming against G36 sequences of operation. The approach uses a software-based testbed interfaced with a physical BAS controller to apply scripted operating conditions and compare actual controller outputs to expected behavior. The test method incorporates modular test blocks, machine readable input files, detailed stepwise conditions, and systematic reporting intervals, enabling precise evaluation across a wide range of G36 airside sequences. Pilot tests conducted with both a commercial G36 variable air volume reheat library and an open source G36 implementation confirmed the feasibility of automated conformance testing. These trials informed refinements to test script architecture, point mapping conventions, and software tool capabilities. Engagement with BAS manufacturers and ASHRAE Guideline 36 committee members culminated in the formation of ASHRAE SPC 236, which will advance this MOT toward an American National Standards Institute standard. Standardized, automated validation can improve programming quality, reduce project specific rework, and support codes, standards, and utility programs. By enabling scalable quality assurance at the programming library level, this method has the potential to streamline deployment and enhance long term BAS performance across the market.	ET24SWE0019	HVAC	TDR	Complete Final Report	2026/05	CoPPER, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, ASHRAE,	Taylor Engineers, Eubanks Engineering Research, TRC	Residential, Commercial, Industrial	Tool Development/Enhancement	CASE Advocacy and Code Readiness	Complete
Small Medium Business HPWH Emergency Deployments This field study will evaluate the viability of plug-in HPWHs as emergency replacements for the small medium business market. Lessons learned from this project can advance commercialization of this technology and provide program design data points for CalTF and IOUs, contributing to addition of the measure in existing TRMs, and allowing faster deployment and scaling.	ET24SWE0017	Water Heating	TSR	Active	2026/12		TRC	Commercial	Field Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Active
Large Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Measure Offering The Large Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Measure Offering project will update the existing eTRM Measure Package SWCR017. It will align the measure offering size categories with the new ENERGY STAR® Laboratory Grade Refrigerators and Freezers Specification V2.0 by removing the upper and lower limits of the existing 15-29 ft³ size categories and modifying the HVAC interactivity methodology. This will align the measure with current market purchasing trends and help reach the state’s energy efficiency goals by expanding the model offerings to energy efficiency programs. The project included capturing baseline energy consumption data, a market assessment, updating the eligible building types and incremental measure cost updates for the measure package. This project was designated Fast Track.	ET24SWE0016	Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/11	HVAC, Energy Star	Energy Solutions	Industrial	Market Study	Measure Package Revision	Complete
Smart Ventilation Retrofit Demonstration Project As residential construction moves toward tighter building envelopes to enhance energy efficiency, maintaining indoor air quality (IAQ) has become a critical challenge. California’s Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards mandate continuous or scheduled outdoor air (OA) ventilation in residential new construction but does not provide a path to dynamically vary ventilation based on pollutant levels. This project explored the potential of smart ventilation systems that activate ventilation based on real-time IAQ measurements, aiming to improve energy efficiency while maintaining acceptable IAQ. The study included field demonstrations in 17 apartments across two multi-family sites, energy simulation modeling, and resident surveys. The smart ventilation system operated the OA fan intermittently and was able to maintain acceptable IAQ in the majority of the apartments. But for most apartments, the OA fan status did not need to change much before vs. after the smart ventilation system. At the first site where the OA fan was always off before, the smart ventilation system only needed to operate the OA fan 17 to 34% of the time for acceptable IAQ. At the second site, where the OA fan was always on before, the smart ventilation system needed to operate the OA fan continuously or near continuously for acceptable IAQ except in one apartment (75% operation). Energy modeling showed significant savings potential for smart ventilation compared to continuously operating the OA fan, particularly in climates with high heating or cooling demands, with annual savings ranging from 450 to 1,400 kilowatt-hours per dwelling unit. User feedback showed satisfaction from most participants but highlighted the need for improved system interfaces and user education. The findings emphasized the importance of addressing underlying ventilation system issues, including ensuring adequate ventilation airflow, and tailoring systems to specific climate conditions. This research demonstrated the feasibility and energy-saving potential of pollutant-based smart ventilation systems, supporting California’s energy and IAQ goals. Future efforts should focus on system reliability, enhancing user understanding, and then developing programmatic offerings, and integrating smart ventilation pathways into residential energy codes.	ET24SWE0015	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/11		TRC	Residential	Field Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Controllers for Inverter-driven Compressors The proposed project will evaluate patent-pending compressor controller technology through a field demonstration. The field demonstration entails installing the technology onto an existing VRF system with inverter-driven compressor to understand its potential energy savings. Technology is commercially available. The technology increases the suction pressure of the compressor to optimize the inverter compressor operation when system demand reduction occurs. As a result, the optimization allows for an overall compressor lift decrease, which saves compressor energy while maintaining occupant comfort. To our knowledge, there are no known competing manufactures of this technology or existing EE measure.	ET24SWE0012	HVAC	TSR	Active	2026/11		ASK Energy, AESC	Commercial	Measure Package Development	Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development	Active
DAC HTR Statewide SF Housing Characteristics Study The DAC HTR Statewide Single-Family Housing Characteristics Study offers a comprehensive analysis of the housing conditions within disadvantaged communities (DAC) and hard-to-reach (HTR) single-family residences across California. Conducted in 2024, this study represents the second phase of a CalNEXT research project completed in 2023. The primary objectives were to assess the readiness of these communities for electrification, understand the barriers they face, and provide actionable insights to guide the design and implementation of utility programs aimed at equitable electrification. The study surveyed 300 single-family homes across various regions, leveraging networks of Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) program contractors and community-based organizations (CBOs). The resulting dataset establishes a comprehensive baseline of current electrification readiness in DACs and HTR communities. The baseline, combined with the electrification readiness scoring mechanism, provides a valuable framework for assessing progress and making iterative improvements to programs over time. By using this baseline to inform ongoing program adaptation, stakeholders can foster a responsive, collaborative approach to supporting DACs and HTR communities in their transition to electrification.	ET24SWE0011	HVAC, Plug Loads & Appliances, Whole Buildings	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/10	ASK Energy, heat pump, induction stove, electric panel	Ortiz Group, AESC	Residential, Single-Family, Disadvantaged Communities (DAC), Hard-to-Reach (HTR)	Market Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Medical Devices Market Characterization Study This report presents findings from a market study of medical device energy efficiency. The specific devices studied in this report include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, computed tomography (CT) scanners, X-ray machines, positron emission tomography (PET) scanners, infusion pumps, dialysis machines, ventilators, room air cleaners (air purifiers and ionizers), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, and heating pads. The project team quantified the potential for energy savings and identified device types with opportunities for higher efficiencies through review of existing research, applicable regulations, codes and standards, and operational manuals as well as conversations and interviews with individuals representing national laboratories and ENERGY STAR^®, healthcare professionals working within radiology departments, and manufacturers of medical devices. This report identifies mechanisms and recommended efforts for achieving higher energy efficiency and energy savings in the California market.	ET24SWE0008	Plug Loads & Appliances	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/11	National Renewable Energy Laboratory, NREL, Plug and Process Load Team, US Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, ENERGY STAR, Mazzetti, UC Davis Health, Stanford Health Care, University of California Davis	VEIC	Medical	Market Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Commercial High-Efficiency Windows Measure Package Completion The proposed project will continue the measure package development process for commercial high efficiency windows, picking up where project ET23SWE0018 ends. The proposed project will provide measure package development support from the point of Cal TF submission of the measure package suitable for submission to the CPUC and will include all review and editing activities required for Cal TF and IOU review of the measure package to prepare the measure package for CPUC review and approval, including assisting the Cal TF as they add the measure to the CA eTRM as a measure developer. This project was designated Fast Track.	ET24SWE0005	Whole Buildings	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/10	Southern California Edison, SCE, eTRM, CPUC	Energy Solutions	Commercial	Measure Package Development	New Measure Package Development	Complete
Residential High-Efficiency Windows Measure Package Completion Project ET24SWE0004 continued the measure package development process for residential high-efficiency windows, picking up where project ET23SWE0043 ends. This project provided measure package development support from the point of Cal TF submission of the measure package to CPUC submission of the measure package. Support included all review and editing activities required for Cal TF and IOU review of the measure package to prepare the measure package for CPUC review and approval, including adding the measure to the CA eTRM as a measure developer.	ET24SWE0004	Whole Buildings	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/09	Southern California Edison, SCE, investor-owned utilities, IOUs, Energy Star, eTRM	Energy Solutions, VEIC	Residential	Measure Package Development	New Measure Package Development	Complete
HPWH Conversion Readiness Program Focused Pilot The intent of this Focused Pilot was to break down barriers to residential heat pump water heater (HPWH) adoption in the marketplace. The pilot targeted four of the most significant barriers to test for scalable solutions that will result in faster time to market for HPWH. Those barriers are: 1) gaps in homeowner awareness of opportunities for prioritizing electrification improvements; 2) evaluating primary constraints to heat pump water heater installations including, but not limited to, space and ventilation; 3) assessing the need for and cost of required electrical upgrades for heat pump water heaters and other electrification opportunities; and 4) potential negative customer experiences associated with heat pump water heater installations, such as hot water supply or utility bill impacts. The Focused Pilot tested interventions at the stages of customer engagement, participation in home assessments, and installation of heat pump water heaters, and evaluated the scalability of the heat pump water heater conversion readiness program. The Focused Pilot offered targeted customers with a free, in-home “electrification readiness assessment” that detailed the opportunities for electrification projects within single family homes. These assessments included a guide to incentives available to the customer, list the expected “readiness” tasks that will be necessary to complete the work, and showcased an offer of electrical upgrade incentives (available through the pilot) to assist participants in pursuing electrification while adopting a HPWH measure.	ET23SWE0075	Water Heating	FP	Complete Final Report	2025/07	Southern California Edison, SCE, Franklin Energy, MCE Home Energy Savings Program	Energy Solutions, VEIC	Residential, Single-Family	Market Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Plug-in 120V HPWH Measure Package Updates to eTRM This research highlights the potential of 120-volt (120V) plug-in heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) as a transformative solution for residential water heating electrification. These systems provide a cost-effective, easily deployable alternative to traditional natural gas water heaters, addressing the challenges posed by emergency replacements, which account for 90% of water heater installations. Unlike 240V HPWHs, 120V systems can plug into existing outlets, eliminating the need for costly electrical panel upgrades. A California-wide study reported average monthly energy savings of approximately 85% compared to pre-existing gas water heaters when normalized to kilowatt-hours (kWh). With 93% of California’s water heating stock reliant on gas or propane, 120V HPWHs represent a critical opportunity to decarbonize households, particularly in disadvantaged communities (DACs) and power-constrained homes. While current California Electronic Technical Reference Manual (eTRM) measure packages primarily focus on 240V HPWHs, this project emphasizes the need to integrate 120V systems, despite their lower uniform energy factor (UEF) ratings, as they deliver significant energy savings by avoiding inefficient electric resistance elements. This study informs updates to SWWH025 and SWWH014 measure packages, recommending eligibility criteria for 120V HPWHs with a UEF of 2.6 or greater. Incorporating these systems into the eTRM will enable utilities to incentivize this technology, target hard-to-reach customers, and support emergency replacement programs. By promoting 120V HPWHs, California can advance toward its goal of 6 million heat pumps by 2030, fostering equitable decarbonization and reducing energy costs for residents. This project was designated Fast Track. Resources in Final Report Energy Saving Results	ET23SWE0074	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/11	San Diego Gas & Electric, SDG&E, Southern California Edison, SCE, Energy Solutions, CLEAResult	TRC	Residential	Measure Package Development	Measure Package Revision	Complete
Supply Chain Engagement for Increasing Packaged Unitary Heat Pump System Adoption This project provides a market characterization of the commercial heat pump market to identify challenges and opportunities to transform the commercial RTU market in favor of HP RTUs. To complete this market characterization, the project team engaged with market actors across the supply chain to gain insights into barriers to sales, design, and installation of HP RTUs, and to explore potential interventions to mitigate these obstacles. A logic model was also completed to map out the path forward for overcoming identified barriers. Additionally, a midstream incentive pilot program was hosted as part of the focused pilot to evaluate HP RTU program participation challenges. The study identified recommendations to increase the adoption of this technology including the proposal of measure updates for CA programs. Resources in Final Report HP RTU Logic Model	ET23SWE0073	HVAC	FP	Complete Final Report	2025/05	Comfortable California, CLEAResult, CalMTA	TRC, Energy Solutions	Commercial	Market Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Occupant-Centric Micro-Zone Control for Commercial Buildings Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems represent a major contributor to building energy consumption, yet conventional zone-based control strategies often fail to optimize airflow for dynamic occupancy patterns, leading to inefficiencies and compromised indoor air quality. Micro-zone control, an emerging technology, addresses this challenge by leveraging advanced sensors and smart dampers to enable real-time adjustments to ventilation, heating, and cooling, at a more granular level than traditional zone-based systems. Successful implementation of this approach could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support California’s climate and electrification goals. This study evaluated the real-world performance of micro-zone control across different HVAC configurations and occupancy conditions. Field demonstrations were conducted at two Southern California Edison sites: a college campus building equipped with a variable air volume system and a single-zone rooftop unit retrofitted for micro-zone control. Testing spanned 11 months at the first site and six months at the second, with data analysis incorporating regression modeling and California Climate Zone 8 weather files to estimate annual energy impacts. Based on field test data, annual electricity savings were estimated at 38% for Site 1 and 9% for Site 2. These results indicate that micro-zone control can reduce electricity consumption and peak demand during low-occupancy periods, while improving indoor air quality through continuous monitoring of CO₂, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter. These findings highlight the potential for micro-zone control to enhance HVAC system performance, delivering both energy savings and healthier indoor environments. Broader adoption, supported by utility pilot programs and integration with Networked Lighting Controls, could accelerate market penetration and contribute to statewide energy and climate objectives, positioning micro-zone control as a scalable solution for advanced building energy management.	ET23SWE0072	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/11	ASK Energy, Southern California Edison, SCE, heat pump	AESC	Commercial	Field Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Field Evaluation of Ultra-Efficient, Compressor-less, Packaged Rooftop Unit with Integral Energy Storage Commercial building energy performance has improved significantly over the past two decades through evolving codes, technology innovations, and building standards. Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems remain the largest energy consumer in buildings and represent the greatest opportunity for energy and carbon emission reductions. As Title 24 standards evolve to include dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS), it is important to evaluate how the operational efficiency of DOAS contributes to energy and carbon emission savings. This project demonstrated and validated a novel emerging technology that has the potential to achieve high cooling efficiency using a desiccant-enhanced, indirect evaporative cooling approach with integrated storage for providing load flexibility. This field evaluation project measured the energy performance and peak load-shifting capability of this emerging DOAS technology. The technology combines liquid desiccant with indirect evaporative cooling and thermochemical energy storage to fundamentally reimagine how buildings are cooled, dehumidified, and interact with the grid. The field test results showed that the DOAS with integral energy storage has the potential to increase distribution grid resilience during periods of extreme heat, futureproof buildings against the frequency and duration of heat waves with rising dew points. This technology advances building decarbonization by providing improvements in energy efficiency and load flexibility. Furthermore, operating costs can be reduced by lowering total electricity use and by shifting electricity consumption to take advantage of time-of-use rates and utility-sponsored load management tariffs and incentives. This CalNEXT project aims to reduce risk and accelerate adoption of advanced DOAS systems for the benefit of ratepayers and society at large. Future efforts should both inform the development of new code requirements and identify potential barriers to broader adoption and codification of these advanced systems. It is recommended that additional field evaluation of the final commercial product be conducted to validate the energy savings determined in this project and provide additional data for measure development.	ET23SWE0071	HVAC	TDR	Complete Final Report	2025/12	University of California Davis, ASK Energy, AESC	UC Davis	Commercial	Field Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Industrial Microwave Technologies Market Study This report describes the current technology readiness levels for industrial microwave technology applications, including metallurgy, mining, food production, chemicals, and industrial refrigeration industries. The report identifies commercially available technologies that can produce microwaves for industrial applications and compares the theoretical energy performance. Microwave technology benefits compared to other heating technology can include operational cost savings, reduced processing times, lower energy usage, and higher operating temperature ranges.	ET23SWE0070	Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/11	Alternative Energy Systems Consulting	AESC	Industrial	Market Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Light Commercial Variable Speed Heat Pump Performance Map This project advances California’s goal of deploying six million heat pumps by 2030 by improving understanding of commercial Variable Capacity Heat Pumps (VCHPs)—unitary, single-split, and multi-split systems with three or more capacity steps exceeding 5.4 tons. In collaboration with California investor-owned utilities (PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E), the project focused on performance data collection and modeling to enhance energy savings forecasts. Accurate modeling enables higher incentives, boosting adoption of energy-efficient VCHPs and benefiting manufacturers through increased sales. The team partnered with VCHP manufacturers and distributors to acquire performance data while ensuring confidentiality. Despite challenges—such as limited product availability, manufacturer focus on DOE compliance, and refrigerant transitions—this research has prompted manufacturers to prioritize data organization and participation. Efforts are ongoing to convert collected data into anonymized curve coefficients for use in EnergyPlus and DEER measure packages. A key success was the proof-of-concept modeling of publicly available two-speed VCHP data in EnergyPlus. Comparisons with BeOpt (DEER) curves demonstrated simplified modeling processes, including correlations between COPs at various stages. The project recommended phasing out outdated DEER options to streamline two-speed VCHP modeling. This effort highlights challenges and solutions for future research, including the complexity of VCHP data gathering, the need to explore theoretical modeling, component-level simulations (e.g., VapCyc®), and collaborations for independent testing. Continued engagement with stakeholders and field data monitoring will further validate modeling results. By addressing market barriers and advancing VCHP performance insights, this project supports California’s decarbonization goals and accelerates VCHP market adoption. This project was designated Fast Track.	ET23SWE0069	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/11	Department of Energy, DOE	Energy Solutions	Commercial	Market Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Advanced Motors Channel Partner Support and Measure Package Development Advanced Electric Motors in this pilot are defined as electric motors with energy efficiency levels above current federal conservation standards published by DOE in 2014, which encompasses those listed on the 2022 Focused Pilot TPM as well as additional advanced motor technologies.[1] The technologies encompassed within Advanced Motors include motor technologies with efficiencies greater than current federal minimum standards: switched reluctance motors, synchronous reluctance motors, permanent-magnet (PM), PM alternating current (AC) (PMAC) motors, PM synchronous motors (PMSM), and Brushless DC Motors (ECM motors). This pilot will address the non-OEM market, which focuses on motor replacements and retrofits in non-residential systems, with emphasis on variable torque motor-driven systems, such as pumps and fans. Through existing research, the following have been identified as primary barriers to the adoption in the non-OEM market: 1) Advanced Motors are seldom stocked by distributors. Product availability (both the quantity and diversity of motor frame, speed, and horsepower) and very high prices compared to standard induction electric motors are holding back this market. Long lead times for these products are also resulting in missed opportunities, especially in the replace on burn out (ROB) market. Manufacturers are not incentivized to increase production volume however until demand rises. 2) Only Software Controlled Switch Reluctance Motors for Packaged Unit HVAC are currently covered as a measure within the CalTF eTRM. All other Advanced Motors are not listed as eligible measures in the CalTF eTRM and, therefore not incentivized by utilities. 3) Broad lack of industry awareness, understanding of benefits and demand. The non-OEM motor replacement/retrofit market requires specialized expertise from contractors, distributors and manufacturer representatives and there is a significant opportunity to increase the number of professionals with this expertise. Expertise is particularly important given the complexity of compatibility with existing drives. If a customer has to replace a functioning existing drive just to accommodate the new motor, this represents a significant additional cost with an unknown customer payback. Fostering a better understanding of motor drive compatibility could therefore help to spur customer uptake. There are several types of advanced electric motor technologies available on the market today. Electric motor customers, including commercial building owners, managers, HVAC contractors, and maintenance managers are generally not aware that advanced motors exist, what their performance benefits are, whether they are appropriate for their applications (e.g., HVAC air handlers), how to ask for them, or where to buy them. These are all significant barriers on the customer side but also more broadly for several market actors. As a result, most commercial and industrial consumers are not aware of advanced motors, including their energy savings, improved control/operation or their environmental benefits compared to regulated induction motor. To address the identified barriers, this pilot will: Identify non-residential building types and systems that are recommended for advanced motor and drive retrofits. This will inform deliverables for the rest of this pilot. Develop a draft Advanced Motor and Drive Measure Package for submission to the California Technical forum (Cal TF). This is meant to address barrier (2) and consequently barrier (1) from above: lack of eTRM coverage and limited distributor stocking/sales. This would be successful if the measure package is accepted by Cal TF into the eTRM and then used for a deemed utility incentive program to increase stock and sales the equipment detailed in the measure package. Document technical requirements such as NEMA Design, torque (starting, accelerating, constant, running, full load, stable), sizing, frame size, enclosure type, rpm, hazardous location, and mounting base, that must match existing motor specifications. Document savings from onsite monitoring of advanced motor and drive in specific motor system applications. The sample of field monitoring sites will provide both an average savings and a range of savings based on the sample size. This will address barrier 2: lack of eTRM cover for advanced motors. Success of this task will be measured by CalTF’s acceptance of this measure package which will provide a foundation for an advanced motors incentive program utilizing deemed incentives. The scope of this pilot will only include the development of the draft measure package. Draft educational materials and draft QPL for channel partners (such as contractors, sales engineers, manufacturers, distributors) aimed at increasing advanced motor and drive awareness and adoption. This is meant to address barrier (3), barrier (4), and barrier (1) above: the need for channel partners to have specialized knowledge, limited awareness about advanced motors, and limited distributor stocking/sales. By creating materials for the channel partners and interviewing them to determine what kinds of materials they’d find most useful, the project will raise awareness about advanced motors in the market and identify future opportunities for developing effective trainings. The success of this intervention will be measured through surveying the channel partners before and after they have trialed the draft educational materials; the surveys will measure their awareness and how materials will impact their stocking and selling behavior.	ET23SWE0068	Process Loads	FP	Complete Final Report	2024/12	Variable-Frequency Drives, VFD, IE4, IE5,	Energy Solutions, VEIC	Commercial, Industrial	Measure Package Development	Measure Package Revision	Complete
Smart Controls for Data-Driven Indoor Agriculture Field Evaluation The CalNEXT Smart Controls for Data-Driven Indoor Agriculture Field Evaluation project explored the market potential for and evaluated the impact of “smart controls” technologies on controlled environmental agriculture (CEA). This method of agriculture involves the cultivation and manufacturing of floriculture, food, and cannabis products. The study focused on automated, integrated, and intelligent environmental control technologies used in indoor and greenhouse CEA facilities in California. Smart controls monitor, evaluate, and control energy consumption of the facility’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC); lighting; crop irrigation; and nutrient management systems. More greenhouses and indoor farms are being built in California to meet increasing demand for a consistent supply of high-quality horticultural products. The project included a market assessment, field evaluations, and this technology roadmap (recommendations) to identify cost-effective energy efficiency and demand response measures for smart environmental controls in California’s CEA sector. From December 2024 to May 2025, the project team documented issues and resolutions to identify field demonstration deficiencies. The technology roadmap shares five program pathway recommendations, including ideas for two new energy efficiency measure packages. The results from the study yielded the following lessons learned: 1. California cannabis, tomato, vegetable, herb, and strawberry growers are more likely to use smart heating, ventilation, and air conditioning controls than some floriculture growers due to higher profit margins and tighter plant-specific environmental requirements. 2. CEA businesses are more likely to be Hard-to-Reach customers and require unique outreach strategies. 3. Automated greenhouse lighting controls and automated greenhouse ventilation fan controls can achieve significant energy savings for growers across California. 4. The proposed changes to the 2028 version of the California Energy Code Title 24, Part 6 requirements for greenhouses may include a requirement for greenhouse lighting controls. The project concluded that accelerating the adoption of integrated and intelligent control systems with energy monitoring at CEA businesses may be challenging because some CEA facilities are located in areas that require a higher level of effort for program outreach. Similarly, small farms may not produce cost-effective energy savings for a smart CEA environmental controls energy efficiency program.	ET23SWE0067	Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/10	ERI, Cornell University School of Integrated Plant Sciences, Energy Solutions, Greenhouse Lighting and System Engineering (GLASE) consortium, Microclimates Inc., Pacific Gas & Electric, PG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric, SDG&E, Southern California Edison, SCE, DesignLights Consortium, GrowFlux, Sollum Technologies, Hoogendoorn Growth Management, Automation, Artificial Intelligence, AI		Agricultural	Field Study	New Measure Package Development	Complete
Lab Test of a Variable Speed Air-to-Air Multi-Function Heat Pump Between 30 and 65% of residential buildings in California are expected to need electrical service upgrades to fully electrify, causing delays and costing $5,000 or more. Multi-Function Heat Pumps (MFHP) have the potential to reduce total installed costs by avoiding service upgrades because they can have lower peak power consumption compared to the typical two separate heat pumps for space conditioning and water heating. MFHPs use one efficient compressor to provide space cooling, space heating, and domestic hot water heating. Variable-speed air-to-air MFHPs have the potential for higher efficiency and can recover heat from space cooling to heat hot water. Equipment performance curves are needed to estimate energy savings. This project laboratory tested a 24kBtu/h (7.1kW) rated variable-speed air-to-air MFHP, measuring capacity and energy consumption in all operating modes across a range of outdoor conditions that match California climate zones. At 95℉ outdoor and 80℉ indoor temperatures, the space cooling capacity at full rated compressor speed was 24.8 kBtu/h (7.28 kW) with COP of 3.42, and at intermediate speed was 15.7 kBtu/h (4.60 kW) with COP of 4.32. At 47℉ outdoor and 70℉ indoor return air temperatures, the space heating capacity at full speed was 24.8 kBtu/h (7.28kW) with COP of 3.96, and at intermediate speed was 13.2 kBtu/h (3.83 kW) at a COP of 4.90. At 47°F outdoor, the unit heated water from 65 to 120°F in 48 minutes and heated from 65 to 127°F with a capacity of 7.25kW and COP 3.24. The unit achieved an estimated water heating first-hour rating of 86.4 gallons. Heat recovery from space cooling for heating hot water from 110 to 120°F saved an average of 33% of electrical energy compared to separate cycles. Heat recovery mode with 80°F indoor, heated the water tank from 65 to 125°F with a combined space cooling and water heating COP of 7.9. The measured results were analyzed to develop performance curves that future projects will use in simulation tools to estimate annual energy savings in multiple types of residential buildings across climate zones. Compared to the typical single speed split system heat pumps and standalone heat pump water heaters, this variable-speed air-to-air MFHP has the potential to increase energy savings and help avoid panel upgrades to reduce retrofit electrification costs. This equipment has the potential for significant energy savings compared to the single speed air-to-air MFHP previously tested ET23SWE0047. We recommend that MFHP technologies move forward to lab and field test commercially available products and to develop new efficiency measures for utility energy efficiency and electrification programs.	ET23SWE0066	HVAC	TDR	Complete Final Report	2025/10	Western Cooling Efficiency Center, AHRI 210.240-2023, ASHRAE 206-2024, ASHRAE MFHP test, California Energy Commission, CEC, California Technical Forum, CalTF, San Diego Gas and Electric, SDG&E	UC Davis	Residential	Lab Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Central HVAC Advanced Electric Motor Lab Evaluation The Western Cooling Efficiency Center at the University of California, Davis, completed a field evaluation of advanced electric motor technology in hydronic pumping for the variable air volume HVAC system of a three-story, 47,459-square-foot office building constructed in 1998. The study compared the performance of ferrite-assisted synchronous reluctance motors, a type of permanent magnet-assisted synchronous reluctance motor, against the commonly used National Electrical Manufacturers Association premium induction motors. New motors, variable frequency drives, and pump heads of both the upgrade and baseline types were installed side by side in a variable speed pumping application for heating hot water and chilled water. The advanced motors were compatible with standard pump mounts and required minimal changes to installation procedures or building energy management controls. Electricians noted minor differences in VFD setup, but no additional training or tools were needed. On the heating hot water system, the ferrite-assisted synchronous reluctance motor reduced measured energy use by 18 percent, with an expected simple payback of 0.34 years for motor additional equipment cost only, or 3.3 years including the full equipment cost of a new variable frequency drive, assuming $0.39/kWh tariff. Calculating the baseline motor energy consumption to correct for asynchronous motor slip increases the predicted energy savings to 28 percent for a simple payback of 0.25 years for motor equipment cost premium or 2.4 years including the full equipment cost of a new VFD. On the chilled water system, the ferrite-assisted synchronous reluctance motor reduced measured energy use by 17.9 percent, with a simple payback of 2 years for motor additional equipment cost only, or 5 years including the full equipment cost of a new VFD. Adjusted to correct for baseline motor slip, the savings are 18.9 percent with a simple payback of 1.3 years for the motor equipment cost premium; adding the full equipment cost of a new VFD, the simple payback would be 4.4 years. This study demonstrates that ferrite-assisted synchronous reluctance motors can deliver meaningful energy savings in hydronic HVAC systems with minimal changes to standard retrofit practices. The results of this project support further deployment of this technology and provide a foundation for utility program development, a comparison for future energy savings simulation estimates, and are a resource for contractor training.	ET23SWE0065	Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/10	Western Cooling Efficiency Center, EC Titanmium Motor, ABB, National Electrical Manufacturers Association, NEMA, ASHRAE 90.1 standard	UC Davis	Commercial	Lab Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
120V Induction Stoves with Battery Back-Up The project scope is to replace propane fueled stoves in the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria, with 120V induction stoves that have an internal battery. The results of the project will include providing the IOUs with electrical operational data, customer testimonials, and program development recommendations. This project will specifically study the stove’s energy use, load shifting capabilities, cost, resilience, and user experience. The energy use and cost of the stove will be compared and benchmarked to a propane stove. The stove (oven + cooktop) that will be utilized for this project is called “Charlie” by its manufacturer Channing Street Copper Company. There is no competing stove on the market that incorporates both a cooktop, oven and battery all powered by 120 volts, making it the only candidate to replace existing gas stoves at the time of this study. Utilizing an 120V induction stove with an internal battery can provide resilience during power outages and can dramatically change the impact of electric cooking on the electric grid during the evening peak, reducing the potential for grid impact from 9600W down to 1800W—an 81% reduction of potential peak. A battery integrated stove can also provide boosted power to cooking, while staying on a smaller circuit so there is no change in provided service compared to a typical 240V electric stove. In addition, because 120V appliances do not need new wiring of 240V circuits (or potential electrical panel or service upgrades), they can save electrification retrofit costs, which can be essential in hard-to-reach and disadvantaged communities. To ensure the benefits of this project were delivered to those most in need, the project team partnered with Lisa Sundberg, who is an active Tribal member of Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria, and who has held numerous other leadership roles in the community. The project aims to replace propane stoves in 36 tribal households, focusing on homes of tribal members with asthma or cardiopulmonary disease, which is aggravated by propane’s invisible “smoke,” and households that are subject to frequent multi-day power outages from winter storms and summer Public Safety Power Shutoffs. Ms. Sundberg worked on behalf of the Tribal Council to discuss with fellow tribal members their affirmative interest in replacing their propane stoves with induction and secured the attached letter of support from the Rancheria’s Tribal Council. All homes that will be in the study are by definition “Hard-to-reach” because they are geographically rural, and all homes in the study will qualify as Disadvantaged Communities because they will be located on Tribal Land.	ET23SWE0064	Plug Loads & Appliances	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/10	Department of Energy, DOE, California Public Utilities Commission, CPUC, investor-owned utilities, IOUs	Energy Solutions	Commercial	Measure Package Development	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Residential Heat Pump Financing Solutions Analysis While HVAC heat pumps (HP) and heat pump water heaters (HPWH) continue to grow in market share for California (CA) single-family households, upfront cost remains a significant barrier to market transformation. Legislation, incentives, and education efforts have all motivated electrification. However, if the state and its investor-owned utilities (IOU) intend to achieve mass market adoption of HP technologies and significant progress toward decarbonization goals, they will need to support the deployment of a robust set of financing products for residential customers. Yet, to date, effective financing solutions for HP technologies are not widely available to CA residents at scale. Through this CalNEXT market study, the Project Team aims to document the feasibility of multiple financing solutions that can accelerate HP market transformation in CA. The Project Team will start by reviewing the state of energy and electrification financing in CA, identifying salient HVAC and related energy technology financing products along with legislation influencing development of these solutions. Through this research, the Project Team will select up to four financing products with high potential to support HP market transformation to focus on for additional evaluation. The Project Team will interview key stakeholders across the supply chain and source financing project data, as available, to gain insight into how each of these solutions align with customer financial interests. By analyzing opportunities and barriers and risk and reward allocation for these solutions, the Project Team plans to provide a guide for thoughtfully deploying these financing solutions to targeted customer segments across the residential market. If effectively scaled, multiple, targeted residential financing products would aid all CA homeowners in adopting HP technologies, benefiting themselves and helping CA and the state’s IOUs make progress on decarbonization goals.	ET23SWE0063	HVAC, Water Heating	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/12		Energy Solutions, Ardenna	Residential, Low-Income	Market Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Craft Brewery Industrial Heat Pump Screening Tool The project team developed a screening tool to help craft breweries and other stakeholders better understand the capabilities and potential applications of industrial heat pumps (IHPs). While IHP technology is relatively new to the brewing industry, interviews revealed strong interest in its adoption. The tool addresses this by categorizing IHPs into three main applications: water heating, steam generation, and heat recovery/chilling, corresponding to air-source heat pumps, heat recovery chillers, and high-temperature heat pumps, respectively. It allows users to explore the performance of each technology relative to traditional combustion heating methods and provides insights into the potential energy and cost impacts. Though designed as an introductory resource and not for specific equipment selection or sizing, the tool indicates that all three heat pump applications offer emissions savings, with heat recovery chillers showing the most favorable cost impacts, followed by air-source and steam-generating heat pumps. However, results will vary based on the unique circumstances of each brewery. This project was designated Fast Track. Resources in Final Report Craft Brewery IHP Screening Tool	ET23SWE0062	Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/10	Lincus, Pacific Gas & Electric, PG&E, Southern California Edison, SCE, California Public Utilities Commission, CPUC, Department of Energy, DOE		Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural, Residential, Municipal	Measure Package Development	Tool Development	Complete
Residential Smart Panel Field Demonstration Smart electrical panels provide energy efficiency and electrification benefits to single family homes through monitoring and control of each electrical circuit in the home. This may allow homeowners to install high-efficiency appliances in situations that may otherwise be constrained by panel capacity. This field study will identify 3-5 host sites to gather occupant and installer feedback, quantify costs, and assess benefits. Each installation will include accompanying EE measures such as a HPWH, HP, or EVSE. EE measures will be assessed in terms of how the measure is supported by smart panel capabilities. Recruitment will also focus on sites including photovoltaics and energy storage; evaluating the ability to control the DERs using the smart panel. Different panel manufacturers will be used to assess manufacturer specific functionality.	ET23SWE0061	Whole Buildings	TSR	Active	2026/11	CLTC, California Lighting Technology Center, VEIC, electric vehicle, University of California Davis, UC Davis	AESC	Residential	Lab Study	Follow-Up Project	Active
PG&E HVAC Tool Validation The PG&E HVAC Tool, developed to estimate savings for retro-commissioning (RCx) measures in commercial buildings pursuing utility incentives in California, has faced limited adoption due to the need for additional validation and CPUC approval. To address this, the project team validated the Tool using EnergyPlus (E+) models, comparing results for Air Side and Hot Water System measures. The analysis involved 132 runs across four DEER commercial prototypes (Retail, Office, Education, and Manufacturing) and three California climate zones (mild, hot, and cold). The report details the modeling procedures, savings comparisons, sensitivity analyses, and identified discrepancies between Tool and model estimates, including sources of uncertainty. Recommendations for improving the Tool’s accuracy and usability are provided to encourage adoption by IOU managers, implementers, and CalTF staff, increasing the likelihood of CPUC approval. This project was designated Fast Track. Resources in Final Report PG&E HVAC Tool v2.2.03 PG&E HVAC Tool v2.2.03 Documentation Support File: Minimum Air Flow Ratio Support File: DAT Heating Load Fan Energy	ET23SWE0060	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/11	Central Valley	AESC	Agricultural	Field Study	Tool Development	Complete
CHPWH Unpressurized Storage Design Optimization Central heat pump water heater systems are crucial for the efficient decarbonization of multifamily and commercial buildings. These systems can provide electrified, efficient hot water for both new and existing buildings while minimizing grid impact and energy costs with load shifting capabilities. However, additional production options and design solutions are necessary to overcome remaining barriers to widespread market adoption. This project studied return-to-primary central heat pump water heater designs with unpressurized, atmospheric thermal storage that can reduce several of these adoption barriers and expand the market. The team used computational modeling to assess the capacity, performance, and benefits in comparison to both swing tank and natural gas alternatives. The market implications and recommendations for future work are discussed.	ET23SWE0059	Water Heating	TDR	Complete Final Report	2024/07	Western Cooling Efficiency Center, WCEC, University of California Davis, UC Davis	TRC	Commercial	Market Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
HVAC Capacity Controller The custom-built HVAC capacity controller (HCC) studied in this project is a standalone device capable of interfacing with fixed-capacity or fixed-speed HVACR systems. The function of the HCC is to provide signal inputs to the VFD, so that the VFD’s output supplies the correct voltage and frequency to produce improved cooling load matching, less on and off cycling, soft start-ups, and faster temperature pulldowns of the HVACR system. The project team’s findings are broadly relevant for any HCC, however, at the time of this report, the custom-built HCC was the only one available that could work with a VFD to reduce HVACR power demand. In this study, the project team installed custom-built HCCs to interface with the VFD, to retrofit various fixed-capacity or fixed-speed HVACR equipment that operates from 230 volts AC, 60 hertz single-phase power of 5 kilowatts maximum. Hereafter, we refer to the VFD as “the test unit” or “the VFD.” Participants in the study included several single- family residences, schools, and churches located within the Southern California Edison (SCE) service area. Data were gathered and evaluated to determine reductions in demand (peak kilowatts) and consumption (kilowatt-hours).	ET23SWE0058	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/01	ASK Energy, Ecotope	AESC	Commercial, Multifamily, Low-Income	Market Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Overcoming Key Barriers to Electrification of Foodservice Hot Water in California This research project addresses a key barrier to decarbonizing foodservice water heating systems: the California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health (CCDEH) Water Heater Sizing Guidelines (Guidelines). The Guidelines are enforced by California county health and safety departments and do not currently include guidance for heat pump water heaters (HPWH), a high-efficiency technology critical to decarbonizing water heating systems. To address this barrier and increase the adoption of HPWHs in the foodservice sector, the project gathered present-day hot water usage data from full-service restaurants and developed a HPWH sizing approach to inform updates to the Guidelines. This report documents the literature, data, and policy review, learnings from engaging with environmental health stakeholders, and findings from field data collection at three full-service restaurants. It concludes by providing specific recommendations to revising the CCDEH Guidelines, building codes and standards enhancements, and outlines future research needs. [1] TRC, 2023. ET22SWE0019 Market Potential for Heat Pump Assisted Hot Water Systems in Foodservice Facilities. Final Report prepared for Energy Solutions for the CalNEXT program. CCDEH. 2020. Guidelines for Sizing Water Heaters. [2] California Office of Governor, Gavin Newsom. 2022. California Releases World’s First Plan to Achieve Net Zero Carbon Pollution. [3] SCAQMD Proposed Amended Rule 1146.2 Working Group Meeting #2 Presentation Slide 9	ET23SWE0057	Process Loads, Water Heating, Whole Buildings	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/09	Barnett Plumbing, SunWork, Peninsula Clean Energy, Silicon Valley Clean Energy, Redwood Coast Energy Authority	VEIC	Residential	Market Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
High Efficiency Refrigerated Display Case VEIC and NREL completed a market potential study and technology performance assessment of high-efficiency, liquid-cooled, low-GWP, self-contained, medium temperature, refrigerated display cases with advanced controls. The performance assessment included a laboratory assessment of energy use and heat rejection for the efficient case and used EnergyPlus modeling software to create a building-scale model to quantify HVAC system interactive effects and compressor waste heat reclaim potential across multiple climate zones. With refrigeration accounting for roughly 50% of energy usage in supermarkets and grocery stores, these buildings have one of the highest EUIs and CUIs in the commercial sector. The state of California has nearly 18,000 food retail establishments that operate more than 8 million linear feet of refrigerated cases. As new case technologies and low-GWP refrigerant options come into the market, high-efficiency refrigerated cases present cost-effective, energy efficient, and decarbonization opportunities for food retailers.	ET23SWE0056	Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/02	NREL, Hussmann, Eversource, United Illuminating, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, SMUD, KW Engineering, Grocery Outlet, Albertson’s	VEIC	Commercial, Foodservice and Grocery	Market Study	Measure Study/Recommendation	Complete
Heat Pump Rooftop Unit Demonstration Packaged rooftop units are estimated to provide space conditioning for 75% of commercial building space in California and represent a significant opportunity for electrifying space heating loads using heat pump technology. Though space conditioning heat pumps are a keystone technology in California’s plans to decarbonize, there are still uncertainties in the market about what heat pump technology to select for a particular application and the benefits of different features offered by heat pump products. This paper presents the findings from a field demonstration project that evaluated the performance of two 3-ton rooftop heat pump units to assess the impact of electrification retrofits in commercial buildings. The study collected primary data on a standard-efficiency and a high-efficiency heat pump, alongside a baseline gas-fired unit. Detailed monitoring allowed performance data to be normalized to local weather, ensuring accurate comparisons. The high-efficiency unit featured inverter-driven compressor technology, enabling variable capacity operation to match building load. This modulation capability resulted in longer cycle durations and improved overall efficiency. Notably, the advanced features of the high-efficiency unit allowed it to operate without supplementary electric resistance heating, maintaining occupant comfort while reducing peak demand by over 50%. This reduction in peak demand can facilitate heat pump installations using existing electrical infrastructure for gas-fired rooftop units, significantly lowering installation costs. The high-efficiency heat pump demonstrated approximately 7% higher overall efficiency compared to the standard unit which was lower than expected based on the 30% higher rated performance. Analysis of defrost cycles revealed that the high-efficiency unit’s control strategies avoided comfort issues during defrost events by temporarily shutting off the supply fan to avoid blowing cold air on occupants. Overall, the results highlight the advantages of advanced heat pump technologies in electrification retrofits, including reduced installation and operating costs, improved energy performance, and enhanced occupant comfort.	ET23SWE0054	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/11	University of California Davis, Western Cooling Efficiency Center, WCEC, Center for Energy and Environment	UC Davis	Commercial	Field Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Insights from Innovative Programs on Barriers and Opportunities for Heat Pump Adoption Addressing non-cost barriers to heat pump adoption is critical to accelerating their uptake. This project highlights programs, strategies, and efforts to promote residential heat pumps led by utilities, governments, and non-governmental organizations around the world. Examples were gathered from heat pump program databases, news media, and targeted web searches. Efforts to address the specific characteristics that hinder heat pump adoption (e.g., low observability, low trialability) are described and synthesized, presenting a range of options for mitigating challenges associated with each technology characteristic. The information collected is summarized in brief case studies as well as a searchable database. The project is intended to inform Energy Savings Assistance programs and other stakeholders about innovative options to promote residential heat pump adoption. Resources in Final Report Heat Pump Adoption Program Database	ET23SWE0053	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/06	Western Cooling Efficiency Center, WCEC, UC Davis, University of California Davis	TRC	Commercial	Market Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Performance Assessment of Integrated Core Daylighting Technology Core daylighting technologies, particularly fiber optic systems like the solar-tracking fiber optic lighting system (STF) studied in this project present an innovative solution for enhancing natural light access within buildings, especially in areas unreachable by conventional daylighting methods. These systems are potentially more impactful in regions like California, where energy efficiency and sustainable building practices are increasingly prioritized due to the state’s environmental goals and its high number of clear, sunny days. The team installed the STF system on the south side of the research building. This installation aimed to leverage the lessons learned from the previous deployment while improving overall system performance and scalability. The installation site was chosen to maximize exposure to sunlight throughout the day, ensuring minimal shading from surrounding structures. The STF system delivered high-quality daylight with stable spectral characteristics, with a CCT of 4,623 to 5,158 Kelvin and a CRI of 88; however, luminous output varied substantially across fibers (396 lumens to 729 lumens), falling below the manufacturer’s stated maximum of approximately 700 lumens per fiber. Dust accumulation measurably reduced delivered light and required either rain or manual cleaning to restore performance. The hybrid fixtures achieved CRI values of 85 to 88 across operating modes, with color temperature shifting predictably as the LED to daylight ratio changed. Temporal stability analysis showed that fluctuations in daylight produced by cloud transients rarely created perceptible dimming events when the STF system was integrated with electric lighting. After filtering for human perception thresholds, the probability of an occupant noticing any event within a one-hour period remained low: 1.0 percent (partly cloudy), 0.7 percent (cloudy), and 3.4 percent (overcast). Among controllers tested, faster response and smaller deadbands reduced event frequency. During occupied daytime hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), when most office lighting energy use occurs, the STF combined with a controllable electric lighting system achieved a 40 percent reduction in energy usage when compared to the installed LED baseline. This results in annual savings of 75 kilowatt-hours, assuming that the system is operated during business hours Monday through Friday, with 10 days of holidays hours. Project findings include an identified need for improving collector uniformity, lens alignment, and fixture optics would increase delivered lumens and reduce variability. Dust mitigation measures—such as coatings, improved housings, or automated rinsing—should be pursued to stabilize long-term performance. Cost reductions are essential, with the continued development of low-cost plastic fiber, simplified collector geometries, and modularized tracker assemblies representing the most impactful levers.	ET23SWE0051	Lighting, Plug Loads & Appliances	TDR	Complete Final Report	2026/04	California Lighting Technology Center	CLTC	Residential, Commercial	Field Study	Measure Study/Recommendation	Complete
Comfort Impacts of Partial Coverage ASHPs Air source heat pumps (ASHP) are essential for meeting California’s climate goals, but high initial costs limit adoption in existing homes. This study evaluates two alternative ASHP configurations—suitable capacity and indirect coverage—to determine their potential for reducing upfront costs while maintaining occupant thermal comfort. Suitable capacity ASHP systems are designed to meet 70-90% of a home’s heating or cooling design load, enabling smaller equipment and lower first costs. Indirect coverage ASHP systems heat and cool homes without directly distributing conditioned air to every interior space, reducing installation costs. Ducted indirect coverage systems eliminate the need for vents and ductwork in every space, while ductless systems avoid installing indoor units in all conditioned spaces. Both configurations were compared to baseline systems, which meet 100% of heating or cooling loads and distribute conditioned air directly to all spaces. The project team developed prototypes for a single-family home and a multifamily unit, and used Manual J and Manual S calculations determined design loads and heat pump sizes. Energy simulations predicted space temperatures and humidities, which were used to model occupant comfort. Results showed that both suitable capacity and indirect coverage ASHP systems will reduce first costs compared to a baseline ASHP system. The suitable capacity system is estimated to save less first costs than the indirect coverage system, while still maintaining occupant comfort. The indirect coverage ASHP system is estimated to reduce first costs more than the suitable capacity system, but occupant comfort will need to be maintained with clothing adjustments or a transfer fan.	ET23SWE0050	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/12		AESC	Commercial, Industrial	Field Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Enhanced Normalized Metered Energy Consumption Analysis with Rapid Interventions This study evaluated two methods for estimating energy savings from heat pump water heaters, using data from 25 homes in two multifamily buildings located in San Jose, California, and Woodland, California. The first method, traditional normalized metered energy consumption analysis, compares long pre- and post-intervention periods using utility billing data. The second method, enhanced normalized metered energy consumption with rapid interventions, applies randomized on/off control intervals to estimate savings more quickly. The intervention system used forecasts of energy cost, comfort, and greenhouse gas emissions to decide when to slightly preheat the tank. For example, if it anticipated high electricity prices soon and low emissions around midday, it raised the temperature to avoid running the heat pump during expensive or high-emission times while keeping comfort as the top priority. Our objective was to determine whether enhanced normalized metered energy consumption with rapid interventions can produce savings estimates comparable to those from traditional normalized metered energy consumption. Many programs cannot support 12 months of pre- and post-intervention data collection due to schedule or budget constraints. Enhanced normalized metered energy consumption with rapid interventions addresses this by mixing baseline and intervention data throughout the study period, allowing models to adapt in near-real time to changes in behavior or external conditions. Because both traditional normalized metered energy consumption and enhanced normalized metered energy consumption with rapid interventions are estimates of an unknown quantity, device-level data analysis is compared to the actual heat pump hot water heater usage.	ET23SWE0049	HVAC, Whole Buildings	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/07	HBL Lighting, Virginia Tech, Orgeon State University, N. M. Lighting Design, SSLS Inc., University of California Davis, UC Davis	TRC	Public	Field Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Commercial Air-to-Water HP Market Study The industry is at the very beginning of the process to electrify existing large commercial buildings. Technological and financial elements of electrification retrofits remain unknown, particularly for this market segment. However, there are many recent innovations that designers are pursuing to transform these electrification retrofits into common practice. Numerous studies and programs have addressed small residential and small commercial buildings, but only a select few have been completed for large commercial buildings, presumably because large commercial buildings are more complex resulting in additional challenges and barriers to overcome. Additional solutions must be identified and documented for large commercial buildings to overcome the unique challenge of custom-built, complex heating and cooling systems, and larger building heating and cooling loads. As a result, electrification of these systems is one of the most challenging in the current market. We are proposing a market study to assess existing opportunities and barriers for electrifying heating systems in existing large commercial buildings, with a focus on electrifying large boilers with air-to-water heat pumps, including hybrid solutions. In large commercial buildings, boilers are used primarily for this space heating, which is typically the largest source of fossil fuel consumption in these facilities. Air-to-Water heat pumps pull heat from ambient air to heat water that is then circulated through radiators, baseboard units, radiant panels, or heat/re-heat coils throughout large buildings. This project will help understand the market potential and solutions available for decarbonizing these large systems through air-to-water heat pumps.	ET23SWE0048	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2023/12		Frontier Energy	Commercial, Foodservice and Grocery	Field Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Residential Multi-Function Heat Pump Laboratory Testing Residential Multi-Function Heat Pumps (MFHP) use one efficient compressor to provide space cooling, space heating, and domestic hot water heating. MFHPs have lower peak power consumption compared to the typical two separate heat pumps, for space conditioning and water heating, and may enable retrofit electrification without electrical service panel upgrades reducing cost and installation time. This project laboratory tested a commercially available single-speed MFHP measuring capacity and energy consumption in all operating modes across a range of outdoor conditions that match California climate zones. The measured results were analyzed to develop performance curves that will be used by future projects to estimate annual energy savings in residential buildings across climate zones. At 95°F outdoor and 80°F indoor temperatures, the space cooling capacity was 45.3 kBTUh at a COP of 3.57. Waste heat recovery from space cooling for heating hot water saved an average of 38% of electrical energy compared to separate cycles.	ET23SWE0047	Whole Buildings	TDR	Complete Final Report	2024/12	WCEC, University of California Davis, Western Cooling Efficiency Center, heat pump, HVAC, California Energy Commission, CEC, CalTF, San Diego Gas and Electric, SDG&E	UC Davis	Residential	Lab Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Field Assessment of Refrigerated Display Cases Air Curtain Guiding Vanes In 2022, Southern California Edison (SCE) conducted a laboratory study to explore the potential benefits of installing air vanes on vertical open refrigerated display cases in grocery stores, the same technology was then evaluated to determine actual savings based on a 2024 field assessment. Airfoil guides are attached to shelves of grocery store refrigerated display cases, positioned perpendicularly across the air curtain of the display case. The vane directs airflow down by strengthening the barrier and reducing infiltration between the refrigerated air and warm moist air outside of the display case. Given the large presence of open vertical refrigerated display cases used in grocery stores in California and throughout the United States, it is reasonable that if this efficiency measure achieved high adoption rates, the potential energy savings would be significant. Key findings from the completed field assessment include: • Savings ranged from 9 percent to 14 percent of total compressor energy consumption, depending on CZ. • Overall kilowatt-hour (kWh) savings averaged 147 kWh/ft of installed airfoil. • A typical store, with 330ft of refrigerated cases, would save 42,722 kWh/year. • Average simple Payback is calculated at between 7 months and 1.4 years – depending on the cost of energy. • Savings averaged 16.79 W/ft of installed air vane as compared to the 17 W/ft in the lab study.	ET23SWE0046	Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/10		Cypress Ltd	Commercial, Foodservice and Grocery	Field Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Benchtop Efficiency Measurements for Residential Mesh Networking Equipment Currently, 40% of advertised Integrated Access Device (IAD) products use mesh networking. MNS are a group of devices, offered by a single manufacturer, and typically purchased as a package, that establishes a single integrated Wi-Fi network accessible at multiple points. By having multiple connection points, it is easier to place devices in key locations that increase signal connectivity and reliability. Within five years, MNS could account for 80% of the IAD installed base. However, MNS electrical characteristics are not well defined and IAD energy consumption, which was estimated at 1.5 TWh in 2020 in California, could increase dramatically over the coming years. This project consists of a market assessment of today’s commercially available mesh networking systems combined with a laboratory evaluation to characterize their performance in residential settings. MNS performance will be compared to business-as-usual IADs to quantify relative energy use, savings, and other performance benefits expected from this emerging product category.	ET23SWE0044	Plug Loads & Appliances	TDR	Complete Final Report	2025/01	A.O. Smith, Bradford White, Enovative Mechanical and Energy Services, TRC Companies, Willdan, Montclair Presbyterian, Bethel Presbyterian	Energy Solutions, VEIC	Commercial	Emerging Technology Focused Pilot	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Residential High-Performance Windows Measure Package Development For this project, the project team developed a measure package for residential high-efficiency windows to the standards of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) requirements for measure packages. The measure package, including all major characterization sections and supporting energy modeling files and outputs, is ready for submission to the California Technical Forum (Cal TF) for review and approval. The Database for Energy Efficiency Resources (DEER) Residential Building Prototypes were used for building energy modeling simulation, and to determine energy savings. The measure package utilizes eligibility criteria specified in the ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for Residential Windows, Doors, and Skylights, Version 7.0, and provides two measure offerings: new construction and retrofit high-efficiency residential windows. This project was designated Fast Track.	ET23SWE0043	Whole Buildings	TSR	Complete Final Report	2023/12	CalMTA, Energy Solutions, Pacific Gas & Electric, PG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric, SDG&E, Southern California Edison, SCE, Sempra Utilities, University of California Davis	TRC, UC Davis	Residential	Emerging Technology Focused Pilot	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Propane Air to Water Heat Pump Market Study Heat pumps are crucial for building decarbonization, but their widespread adoption could yield unintended climate consequences from the release of refrigerant greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. R-290 air-to-water heat pumps are an exciting solution due to both R-290’s ultra-low global warming potential value and their ability to provide hot water and thermal storage in addition to space heating and cooling. The technology is widely used internationally, but regulatory confusion impedes its inclusion in American utility incentives. This market study investigated these challenges and demonstrated the market potential and suitability of R-290 heat pumps—specifically monobloc air-to-water heat pump designs— as an end-to-end decarbonization solution for domestic heating, cooling, and hot water needs across California’s single-family residential market.	ET23SWE0041	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2023/12		VEIC	Residential	Market Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
AMI Intelligence Connected Building Energy Modeling VEIC developed and refined a building simulation modeling tool that uses Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) data and regression methods to identify customer specifics about their facility. The model outputs generated are efficiency measure suggestions customized to the customer’s specific building situation. VEIC demonstrated this technology on K-12 schools, pharmacies, and health clinics – and can be applied to medium-sized commercial buildings. The ease of use and customized savings analysis of the tools can be a catalyst for users to continually make efficiency enhancements beyond the original suggested control-based strategies. Resources in Final Report California Commercial Building Energy Modeling Tool (.zip file)	ET23SWE0040	Whole Buildings	TDR	Complete Final Report	2024/11	Western Cooling Efficiency Center, WCEC, University of California Davis	UC Davis	Commercial	Market Study	Tool Development	Complete
Wastewater Pump Measure Development This study has developed the necessary data for the development of a deemed measure offering for the replacement of wastewater pumps, for eventual application within the statewide program. Among the 171 offerings within the CA Electronic Technical Reference Manual (eTRM) is an offering for the replacement of clean water pumps (Statewide Measure ID SWWP004) with high-efficiency units. As the existing offering is applicable only to clean water pumps within the commercial, industrial, and agricultural sectors, a gap exists for the replacement of pumps within the wastewater industry. The study draws upon data from hundreds of pumps supported by CA wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) program-related projects as well as the existing measure methodologies to provide the framework needed for the development of a new statewide offering. The measure development followed methodology of the existing approved statewide measure for Water Pump Upgrade, SWWP004-02. The bulk of the analysis used pumping data from Southern California Edison’s Hydraulic Services for a variety of pumping systems used to derive annual use profiles for the various bin sizes of pumps, which were used to establish the deemed metrics. The data and findings presented in the report are recommended to be utilized by the lead investor-owned utility (IOU) team to facilitate the development of a statewide offering to complement the existing clean water pump offering. This project was designated Fast Track.	ET23SWE0039	Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2023/12	California Technical Forum, CalTF, Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, AHRI, University of California Davis	Energy Solutions, TRC, UC Davis	Commercial	Emerging Technology Focused Pilot	New Measure Package Development	Complete
Double Duct Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Field Demonstration The project will evaluate the installation and performance of double duct packaged terminal heat pumps (DDPTHP) in a low-income multifamily new construction. The product can enable cost-effective electrification and energy efficient heat pump usage providing space heating and cooling in a single package for each apartment. This technology has potential benefits and advantages over efficient alternatives such as variable refrigerant flow, ductless heat pumps, and typical packaged terminal heat pumps. Monitoring and analysis of the installed systems will enable normalized performance assessment and conclusions for the statewide market. Although the field demonstration will be conducted in a new construction building, retrofit applications will be discussed. Recommendations for program support, product roadmap, and best applications will be provided based on the study findings.	ET23SWE0038	HVAC	TSR	Active	2026/06	Cypress, CARB, ASHRAE, Danfoss, NASRC, Hillphoenix	ASK Energy, AESC	Foodservice and Grocery	Field Study	Measure Package Revision	Active
Integrated HVAC RTU Remote Monitoring Systems The Integrated HVAC RTU Remote Monitoring System is the first of its kind and includes factory installed equipment where wiring and sensors are manufactured together with the new roof top package units (RTU) and heat pumps as a packaged solution. The system provides standard data points for system operation status and are the same points of data that are evaluated when a technician puts instrumentation on at the site. This makes available diagnostic data available at a fraction of the cost for in field installation of the same sensor points. The project team will work closely with the facility management and engineering customers to define and detect appropriate tolerance ranges for applicable parameters monitored to ensure optimal operational conditions while achieving energy savings.	ET23SWE0037	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/09	RMS Energy Consulting, Alternative Energy Systems Consulting, ElRancho Unified School District, ERSUSD, Russell Sigler, BEMA	RMS Energy Consulting, AESC	Commercial	Field Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Industrial Heat Pump Market Study This project involves a market characterization study for Industrial Heat Pumps. Industrial Heat pumps are heat pumps that are used in large-scale industrial processes. Standard heat pumps are generally used for residential and small-scale commercial applications. Industrial heat pumps, on the other hand, are typically designed to handle much larger heating loads, temperatures, and pressures and overall more robust to meet the demands of industrial processes. Available studies suggest that industrial heat pumps are an underserved sector mostly due to the critical roles the incumbent technology plays within existing processes. End users are generally hesitant to embrace technology that is less common/mature and ones they are less familiar with. Existing studies indicate that there are significant energy and greenhouse gas savings potential by replacing more common natural gas heating technologies with industrial heat pumps. For example, an ACEEE study notes a savings of up to 32% of source energy. The IEA report suggests a savings of up to 10% of global emissions if fossil fuel boilers were replaced by heat pumps in these applications. This study was completed to provide additional context as to how this technology can play a role in decarbonization and reducing energy usage within California. The study includes the following: 1) market sizing of the potential market of industrial heat pumps in CA, 2) identification of the highest benefit applications and locations, 3) identification of commercial and pre-commercial technologies and manufacturers, 4) identification of technology feasibility including technology and market barriers and opportunities, and 5) recommendations for utility interventions to support market adoption.	ET23SWE0036	Process Loads	TDR	Complete Final Report	2023/12	Association for Energy Affordability, AEA, Bay Area Regional Energy Network, BayREN, Jonathan Rose Companies, LG Electronics USA, Inc., Redwood Energy, Self-Help Enterprises, Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation	VEIC	Multifamily	Market Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Residential HPWH Market Study and Measure Gap Analysis This project will analyze the current CA eTRM measure packages for residential Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH) based on market and product data to identify gaps and recommend enhancements to the measure offerings. The final report will be delivered to the California Technical Forum and other eTRM stakeholders for consideration of measure package enhancements with the goal of improving HPWH measure options for energy efficiency programs. The current measure packages for HPWH are based on limited information, necessarily so because market penetration for these products has been well below 1% and so fuller market data has been impossible. Limitations that make certain HPWH replacements ineligible or outside the savings and load shape analysis of the measure package include installations with mixing valves or demand control connectivity, or units where the tank size has been increased to compensate for lower heating power. HPWH product offerings from manufacturers have evolved quickly. Recently, 120V products have entered the market, and many more HPWH offerings have become available. Both the California market and available installation data have been undergoing significant changes; new products have captured attention, and the TECH program has funded efforts at promotion, supply chain awareness and training, product cost and use data at scale, as well as an array of new market approaches to HPWH. The market will likely continue to evolve rapidly as the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) takes a significant funding role and adds requirements for CTA-2045 controls. The market conditions and the TECH data make an analysis of the current measure packages possible and useful with the goal of an eTRM that covers the popular use cases (such as tank size changes) and benefits (such as demand flexibility). This is an evolving energy efficiency program implementation area; CalNEXT’s suggestions for the portfolio should include scenarios where EE portfolio administrators promote comprehensive residential energy efficiency and decarbonization measures including HPWH. This project will study current gaps and provide the Cal TF and California IOUs with recommendations for addressing them. Aspects of the HPWH to be considered include base case fuels, measure case uniform energy factor (UEF), base case tank capacity and tank capacity increases, mixing valves, and CTA-2045 controls and their impact on load shapes and demand flexibility. The study will start by gathering data from TECH, SGIP, installers, and the supply chain. Available data will be described in a Preliminary Findings Report. Written analyses from the TECH program relevant to the eTRM, such as installation cost issues or impacts to DAC/HTR customers, will be summarized for their impact of EE programs. Data will be analyzed to highlight trends for residential HPWH and identify the importance of installation types that are and are not covered by the current measure packages. These findings will be described in Draft and Final Reports, along with recommendations for the HPWH measure packages and a summary of HPWH data sources. This project was designated Fast Track.	ET23SWE0035	Water Heating	TSR	Complete Final Report	2023/12	TRC, TECH Clean California, SGIP, AHRI, CEDARS	Energy Solutions	Residential	Market Study	Measure Study/Recommendation	Complete
Emerging “Micro” Heat Pumps: Testing and Heating Performance Metrics California has set a goal of installing six million heat pumps by 2030. Emerging technologies such as micro heat pumps (MHPs) are additional product options that can to serve heating and cooling needs in certain single-family and multifamily buildings. MHPs in new form factors are entering the U.S. market that could potentially address critical barriers to consumers such as high costs to electrify, skilled labor challenges, limited electrical capacity within existing electric panels, or split-incentive challenges. MHPs are self-contained, up to 120V, and have variable-speed compressors that can provide space cooling or heating in low ambient temperatures in spaces up to 1,000 square feet. The project’s goal was to collaborate with key stakeholders such as manufacturers, industry trade associations, state agencies, utility representatives, energy efficiency advocates, and regulatory bodies, to test and model the cooling and heating performance of MHPs. Room heat pumps in various form factors such as saddle type, through-the-wall, portable heat pump and window systems were evaluated. In tandem with this project, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an ENERGY STAR® heating mode performance test method in 2024 prescribing a new heating performance metric for room heat pumps. While the project’s test plan was based on this ENERGY STAR final test method, energy modeling was also performed to estimate performance of MHPs in some California climate zones using tested data. Further investigative testing opportunities continue to exist for these products via CalNEXT or other interested parties.	ET23SWE0034	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/12		VEIC	Commercial, Hard-to-Reach (HTR), Disadvantaged Communities (DAC)	Market Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Manufactured Housing Electrification Measure Development Support With rising housing costs in California, the prevalence of affordable manufactured housing has been growing, especially in areas affected by recent wildfires. Many homeowners find manufactured housing to be a means to get them back in a home much faster, and much more affordably. For years, manufactured homes have been excluded from efficiency rebate programs, but with the number of manufactured homes growing every year, there is an increasing need to ensure the units going into the market are efficient all-electric units. The project team will utilize existing DEER prototypes for single-, double-, and triple-wide all-electric manufactured homes meeting the updated HUD code and the new ENERGY STAR® 2.1 Certification to model energy consumption and expected energy savings over the HUD baseline across California’s climate zones. This modeling effort will include both standard resistance heating technologies and heat pumps of varying above-code efficiencies and induction cooking technologies. Development of an all-electric manufactured home measure package allows for a more streamlined inclusion of manufactured housing in utility rebate programs. With both the new updated HUD code for manufactured housing (first update since 1993) and the EPA implementation of ENERGY STAR 2.1 for manufactured housing in 2023, development of new manufactured housing measure packages is timely.	ET23SWE0031	Whole Buildings	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/04	Brady Peeks, Northwest Energy Works, manufactured housing	TRC	Residential	Measure Package Development	Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development	Complete
Heat Pump Crankcase Heat Management Heat pumps are a key tool for meeting the state’s GHG goals and decarbonization goals. Recent studies have shown that up to 50% of annual energy use arise from energy penalties from the incorrect operation of heat pump crankcase heaters (CCH). CCH are installed in air source heat pumps (ASHP) systems to ensure that no liquid refrigerant is in the compressor. Defrost controls in ASHP systems results in significant energy penalties. The California eTRM measure packages currently do not adequately address these energy penalties from incorrect operation of crankcase heaters, defrost controls or phantom baseloads. This project will address eTRM modifications to address heat pump CCH defrost controls and standby power usage in CCH. This project was designated Fast Track.	ET23SWE0029	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2023/12	San Diego Gas & Electric, SDG&E, Southern California Edison, SCE, Frontier Energy, CalTF Measure Screening Committee, Association for Energy Affordability, AEA	TRC	Residential	Field Study	Measure Study/Recommendation	Complete
Market Characterization of Ultra-Low GWP Space Conditioning Heat Pumps for Commercial Buildings Heat pumps provide significant energy savings and a path for electrification, but they typically use refrigerants with a high global warming potential (GWP), which can degrade the greenhouse gas reductions from energy savings. The California Air Resources Board has regulations that will require refrigerants in stationary air conditioners in nonresidential buildings to be <750 GWP starting in 2025, and for refrigerants in variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems to be <750 GWP (low GWP) starting in 2026. This study is a characterization of the market for low GWP and ultra-low space conditioning heat pumps for commercial buildings.	ET23SWE0028	HVAC	TDR	Complete Final Report	2023/12	Southern California Edison, SCE	TRC	Commercial	Market Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Characteristics of Energy Efficiency Emerging Technology for Wineries Wineries and vineyards have been at the forefront of sustainability efforts, but the complexity of deploying energy efficiency (EE) improvements has often disqualified them from participating in EE programs due to undefined baselines, lengthy review processes, reduced incentives, and financial uncertainty. This project aimed to identify and assess emerging technologies in this sector, such as pulse cooling for refrigeration, fluidized bed reactors for tartrate removal, and smart irrigation, by gathering insights from industry stakeholders through interviews. Our findings indicated that while some innovative technologies are being piloted, key factors like risk sensitivity, operational impacts, and payback periods influence their adoption. Regulations, such as ammonia laws and new winery general orders, significantly shape decision-making. To enhance future EE programs, it is crucial to consider winery and vineyard characteristics, including business size, location, fuel sources, and utility rate structures, ensuring that program implementers can effectively tailor their recommendations.	ET23SWE0027	Process Loads, Whole Buildings	TDR	Complete Final Report	2024/05	wineries, vineyard	TRC	Commercial, Agricultural	Market Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Water-Cooled Chillers Market Assessment & Performance Evaluation The current Water-Cooled Chiller (WCC) measure package (SWHC005) in eTRM of Cal TF has a disconnect where WCC Tiers of CPUC’s DEER do not match market conditions. The FLE/PLE efficiency levels for Tier 1 and Tier 2 are 10%/10% and 15%/15% respectively. The Energy Solutions team worked with CPUC in 2021 and adjusted these Tiers to 7%/12% respectively. The objectives of this CalNEXT Fast Track project were, therefore, to perform the background work to update the eTRM with new high-IPLV offerings for cooling-only WCCs within SWHC005 and to develop a new measure package for the Heat Recovery Chillers (HRCs). This project was designated Fast Track.	ET23SWE0025	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2023/12		Energy Solutions	Commercial	Measure Package Development	New Measure Package Development	Complete
eTRM Heat Pump Baseline Systems Assessment Heat pumps are an important technology in the residential sector for both energy efficiency and decarbonization efforts. The California Electronic Technical Reference Manual (eTRM) is the official repository for deemed measures which has several individual measure packages that address deemed savings for HP related technologies and smart thermostats that together form the technical basis for most of the State’s electrification efforts. This project will address gaps in current EE Portfolio offerings for Residential Heat Pumps when retrofitting existing homes and multifamily units with no existing space cooling systems or systems; systems currently not addressed as baseline systems in measure packages. This project was designated Fast Track.	ET23SWE0024	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2023/12	SCE, SDG&E, CalTF, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric	TRC	Residential	Market Study	Measure Study/Recommendation	Complete
HVAC Thermal Energy Storage System (TESS) Field Evaluation This project evaluated the in-field performance of an in-duct thermal energy storage system (TESS) that uses phase change material as a medium. The field test demonstrated that TESS installed in the supply duct of four RTUs in San Diego reduced 46% of energy used during a peak period between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. by shifting cooling load from the peak, while reducing peak demand by 32% when sequenced. The daily energy consumption of RTUs was also reduced as much as 14% by operating compressors in the cooler morning hours. Moreover, the simulated DR test showed TESS could shed 42% of energy during the four-hour peak, an additional 17% when compared to the traditional reset strategy without TESS.	ET23SWE0022	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/01	Pump Energy Index	AESC	Agricultural	Market Study	New Measure Package Development	Complete
Residential Electrical Service Upgrade Decision Tool California’s electrification goals necessitate upgrading the state’s residential housing stock. However, the widespread belief that electrification requires panel and service upgrades for homes with less than 200-amp capacity is overstated. Under this assumption, 30–40% of homes would require costly upgrades, adding up to $25–40 billion in investments, in addition to grid upgrades. This project seeks to challenge that assumption by developing a “Residential Service Upgrade Decision Tool.” The tool, offered in two versions, guides contractors, homeowners, utilities, and policymakers in making informed decisions about panel upgrades. The first tool is designed for individual homes, helping contractors and homeowners assess whether an upgrade is necessary or if optimization strategies can meet electrification goals within existing panel capacity. The second tool targets utilities and policymakers, providing a portfolio-level analysis to guide investment decisions for widespread electrification. Both tools offer practical insights based on user inputs, such as current conditions and electrification priorities, and display optimization strategies to minimize costly upgrades. While the tools help reduce unnecessary electrical upgrades, utilities must continue supporting broader electrification efforts, including program measures, education, and product development. The project demonstrates the viability of such tools and outlines further steps, including ongoing tool refinement, code updates, and public availability. Resources in Final Report Individual Home Decision Tool Building Stock Assessment Tool	ET23SWE0021	Whole Buildings	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/08	Energy Solutions, Pacific Gas & Electric, PG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric, SDG&E, Southern California Edison, SCE, SHARC Energy	ERI	Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural	Market Study	Tool Development	Complete
Emergency Replacement Heat Pump Water Heater Market Study Emergency failures drive a reported 70-90% of water heater replacements and over 85% are in-kind natural gas models, locking in future barriers to electrification. In the Emergency Replacement Heat Pump Water Heater Market Study, VEIC assessed the tradeoffs of customers’ and contractors’ preference for in-kind or HPWH replacements, as well as the impact of installation costs, project duration, site-specific limitations (e.g. location, space, electrical service upgrades, noise, etc.), and two specific solutions, plug-in 120V HPWHs and the use of temporary gas loaner water heaters as part of emergency replacements. Customer, contractor and manufacturer interviews, and installation data informed the key factors in customer and contractor decisions and guided recommendations for boosting acceptance of heat pump water heaters for emergency replacements.	ET23SWE0020	Water Heating	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/08	TECH Clean California, 3CREN, Alligator Plumbing, Barnett Plumbing, Bradford White, Discount Plumbing, Energy Solutions, Excalibur Water Heaters, New Buildings Institute, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Peninsula Clean Energy, Rock Rabbit	VEIC	Residential	Field Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Process Water Recycling Systems for Ag Dairy Farms The project is a field demonstration of a floating bead filtration system on a dairy farm wastewater treatment and process water recycling application in Central Valley, California in 2024. The floating bead filter is installed after the mechanical screen to reduce the remaining total solids from the wastewater, thus reducing the nutrient accumulation, therefore minimizing the dilution of water needed to use the wastewater for fodder irrigation. The technology uses low-power automatic pneumatic backwash, and the backwash water is recycled internally for low water loss. The process may reduce groundwater for dilution, groundwater pumping energy from the grid, grid anthropogenic CO2 emission, and GHG emission from liquid manure treatment.	ET23SWE0019	Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/01	Western Cooling Efficiency Center, WCEC, University of California Davis	UC Davis	Residential	Market Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Commercial Windows Market Study and Measure Package Development This project presents findings on various commercial window projects including new construction, retrofit replacement and secondary windows. Energy Solutions interviewed regional, California statewide, and national market actors to understand high-performance window sales trends, new and emerging technologies, and barriers to adoption. Additionally, this report contains an overview of the total market size of commercial windows, an economic analysis of window measures available in California investor-owned utilities’ (IOU) service areas, recommendations for a program delivery model and finally, details on the windows measure package Energy Solutions plans to submit to the California Technical Forum (“CalTF”).	ET23SWE0018	Whole Buildings	TSR	Complete Final Report	2023/12	AO Smith, Association for Energy Affordability, AEA, CalMTA, Carbon Zero Buildings, Eco-Logical, ECO2Systems, Embertec, Midea, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, NEEA, Redwood Energy	VEIC	Multifamily	Market Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Mobile and Manufactured Housing Market Characterization Study This study analyzed data on the mobile and manufactured housing (MMH) sector to better understand technical and market barriers to electrification. Data analyzed include the distribution of MMH by geography/climate zone, ownership data, and site/building characteristics including age, equipment and appliance baselines, and fuel types. Additional information on existing programs, permitting processes, codes & standards, manufacturer landscape, and contractor network were assessed through a literature review and extensive stakeholder engagement to develop a more complete picture of the MMH market in California. Energy modeling was conducted to characterize typical existing MMH across California climate zones and develop an understanding of the potential impacts on energy use, utility bills, peak load, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with electrification retrofit measure packages and all-electric new construction built to various voluntary above-code manufactured housing standards. The project report includes recommended strategies for reaching MMH occupants with energy efficiency and electrification offerings, a list of technologies likely to benefit residents, a summary of opportunities and barriers for retrofit programs, and a retrofit versus whole-home replacement decision logic model for potential comprehensive electrification and energy efficiency programs to use in targeting program opportunities to this housing segment.	ET23SWE0017	HVAC, Water Heating, Whole Buildings	TDR	Complete Final Report	2023/12	Battery, The Mobility House, Fermata Energy, Nuvve, Inc., National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Bidirectional Energy, General Motors, Nissan, Vehicle Grid Integration Council (VGIC), California Energy Commission (CEC), Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), University of Delaware, Redwood Energy	AESC	Manufactured Housing, Residential	Market Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Market Study of Household Electric Infrastructure Upgrade Alternatives for Electrification This report provides a market assessment of commercially available intelligent power management technologies (IPMTs) – which shut off circuits when current draw exceeds a maximum limit and may minimize or avoid cost and time associated with residential household electrification projects. This report is informed by a market scan of the IPMT landscape, combined with vendor interviews which validated and built upon the secondary research. This report is also informed by stakeholder engagement which included comprehensive interviews of key market actors including investor-owned utility (IOU) program managers and program implementers, direct install contractors, and staff at community-based organizations (CBOs). There are four distinct IPMT Product Groups on the market: Smart Electrical Panels, Smart Control Units, Smart Breaker and Relays, and Circuit Splitters. IOU program managers and implementers, direct install contractors, and staff at CBOs have varying levels of familiarity, awareness, and perceived benefits and barriers associated with IPMTs.	ET22SWE0057	HVAC, Plug Loads & Appliances, Whole Buildings	TSR	Complete Final Report	2023/12	Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, LBNL, University of California Davis, UC Davis, Build it Green	VEIC, Ortiz Group	Residential	Market Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Increasing Heat Pump Water Heater Deployment The CalNEXT Increasing HPWH Deployment project, conducted in collaboration with TECH Clean California, sought to accelerate the adoption of 120-volt HPWHs among residential contractors by addressing key barriers such as installation complexity and performance concerns. The project engaged 400 contractors through distributor channels and direct outreach, with 51 contractors completing a two-stage process involving enrollment in TECH Clean California and manufacturer-specific training. Following the training, 67% of participants reported increased confidence in HPWH installations. While 25 units were successfully installed in low-income or disadvantaged communities—half of the initial goal—the project nonetheless made significant progress in introducing and familiarizing contractors with 120V HPWH technology. The contractors’ firsthand experience with these units, combined with up to $1,000 in participation incentives, encouraged greater acceptance of the technology. Moreover, positive contractor feedback indicated growing trust in 120V HPWHs, highlighting the potential for broader future adoption. The project demonstrated that contractor engagement and tailored training can effectively build confidence in 120V HPWH technology. To further enhance future programs, key recommendations include extending implementation timelines, leveraging partnerships with manufacturers and distributors, incorporating 120V HPWHs into income-eligible programs, and integrating comprehensive data collection and quality control measures to ensure program effectiveness and long-term success.	ET22SWE0056	Water Heating	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/09	California Air Resources Board, CARB, CALGreen, Buy Clean California, Senate Bill 596, Assembly Bill 2446, Assembly Bill 43	Energy Solutions	Residential, Commercial, Public	Market Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Performance Evaluation of Advanced HEMS As residential electrification expands, these systems, integrating solar, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging, are increasingly important for optimizing home energy use and supporting California’s decarbonization goals. The Performance Evaluation of Advanced Home Energy Management Systems project conducted a comprehensive laboratory assessment of emerging residential energy platforms to evaluate their efficiency, operational behavior, and potential contributions to grid flexibility. Four AHEMS representing a range of architectures, from commercially deployed solar-plus-storage platforms to prototype DC-bus and vehicle-to-home systems, were examined across multiple energy transmission pathways. Testing focused on electrical efficiency, control logic, and system stability under simulated Time-of-Use conditions. Results demonstrated consistently high hardware efficiencies, with AHEMS 2 achieving 90–94 percent and AHEMS 4 reaching up to 99 percent efficiency across grid-related pathways. However, control strategy, not hardware, was a critical factor in determining system value. AHEMS 2 exhibited coherent, tariff-aligned dispatch behavior under TOU operation, discharging strategically during peak pricing periods and recharging overnight. This performance generated an estimated annual net benefit of approximately $1,492 for IOU customers and avoided approximately 4,464 kgCO₂e of emissions annually through strategic peak-period exports. In contrast, AHEMS 4, despite superior conversion efficiency, displayed irregular dispatch behavior, including off-peak discharging and missed charging opportunities, which limited its real-world economic performance. Prototype systems with V2H functionality (AHEMS 1 and AHEMS 3) were not fully testable due to hardware and software immaturity, underscoring development challenges in next-generation architectures. Overall, findings reveal a maturing market where differentiation now lies in software logic, interoperability, and grid-responsive functionality rather than raw efficiency. The study demonstrates that when AHEMS platforms pair high hardware efficiency with well-optimized control strategies, they can deliver tangible economic and environmental benefits, signaling a clear pathway for future advancements in residential energy management.	ET22SWE0055	Whole Buildings	TDR	Complete Final Report	2025/11	Direct Current, Investor Owned Utilities, California Lighting Technology Center, CLTC		Residential	Lab Study	Measure Study/Recommendation	Complete
Foodservice Refrigeration: High Efficiency Condenser and Evaporator Units Focused Pilot This Focused Pilot project was intended to identify and address the barriers associated with the purchase and installation of commercial high-efficiency condensing units (HECUs) and high-efficiency evaporator units (HEEUs) employed in walk-in coolers and freezers and remote condensing refrigerated cases, which are commonly used by food retail customers and restaurants. The pilot team worked with HECU and HEEU manufacturers, distributors, and operators to prepare a comprehensive market characterization study, test two potential midstream incentive program designs, and perform on-site equipment testing and energy analysis to develop and present a series of program implementation recommendations and to compile all data points needed to prepare a measure package for these measures.	ET22SWE0054	Process Loads	FP	Complete Final Report	2024/12	Frontier Energy	Energy Solutions, VEIC, Ortiz Group, TRC, AESC	Foodservice and Grocery	Emerging Technology Focused Pilot	Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development	Complete
PoE Microgrids for Commercial Buildings Lab Evaluation The PoE DC Microgrid project will evaluate the electrical efficiency and cybersecurity of a centralized PoE switch serving as the power and communications hub for multiple building systems in whole-building or floor-level microgrid. Power over Ethernet (PoE), leverages existing IT infrastructure including power switches, CAT cables and the IP protocol to communicate and distribute power among connected devices. Many building controls are PoE-compatible, which saves energy from AC-to-DC conversion, facilitates networking, and reduces installation costs. The project will assess the electrical efficiency of a cross section of PoE-enabled components relative to their AC counterparts, then model two, uniquely sized, PoE systems to assess relative and absolute performance in a commercial setting. Products slated for evaluation include VAVs, physical access controls, thin clients, window shading and displays. Outcomes will include cybersecurity best-practices for commissioning multiple systems under a centralized PoE switch.	ET22SWE0053	Whole Buildings	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/03	California Lighting Technology Center, CLTC, direct current		Commercial	Lab Study	Measure Study/Recommendation	Complete
Swimming Pools as Heat Sinks Using swimming pools as heat sinks for air conditioner waste heat has been estimated to reduce air conditioner energy use in California by 25-30%. There are two primary advantages of rejecting waste heat to an air conditioner instead of ambient air: 1) swimming pool temperatures are colder than ambient air during peak cooling periods, and 2) water is a superior heat transfer medium than air resulting in better heat exchange performance. This process also has the added benefit of providing “free” pool heating which would increase the benefits to consumers and spur market adoption. This project will perform two retrofit installations of this technology to evaluate the impact on air conditioner energy use, and develop an analysis tool for predicting energy savings in different applications.	ET22SWE0052	HVAC, Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/11	Heat Pumps, Southern California Edison, SCE	TRC	Residential	Tool Development/Enhancement	Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development	Complete
Residential Multi-Function Heat Pumps: Heat Exchanger Improvement Residential Multi-Function Heat Pumps (MFHPs) use one efficient compressor and outdoor heat exchanger coil to provide space cooling, space heating, and domestic hot water heating. The UC Davis Western Cooling Efficiency Center (WCEC) is field testing a production-ready prototype of an air-to-air MFHP that uses a hot water tank with both a refrigerant to water and a water-to-water heat exchanger. Preliminary results show good energy efficiency performance for typical heat pump mode cooling and heating, and even higher efficiency for the mode using waste heat from space cooling to heat hot water. The heat exchanger design can likely be improved to further increase energy efficiency and reduce costs. This project will collect specifications and cost data for relevant commercially available heat exchangers, build computer models of the refrigerant to water and water-to-water heat exchangers using different refrigerants to assess the current design, and complete a technoeconomic analysis to recommend improvements that can increase efficiency, reduce cost, and reduce refrigerant GHG impacts.	ET22SWE0051	Water Heating, Whole Buildings	TDR	Complete Final Report	2023/12	Refrigeration, Southern California Edison, SCE	TRC	Commercial	Tool Development/Enhancement	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Tech Evaluation of Air-to-Water Heat Pumps with Thermal Storage VEIC conducted a study of the efficiency, load shift, and cost of residential non-phase change thermal energy storage systems integrated with combined space heating and domestic water heating heat pump systems at four single family buildings in California. The field study evaluated the performance of systems comprising of a commercially available air-to-water CO2-refrigerant heat pump, domestic hot water storage tank, air handler, a supplemental air-to-air heat pump for cooling and heating, and a proprietary control system. The study assessed the appropriateness of such systems for existing and new California single-family homes in terms of cost to owners, cost to utilities, and public benefits. The results of the study can inform utility-sponsored programs for energy efficiency and load shift / load reduction.	ET22SWE0050	HVAC, Water Heating	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/01		VEIC	Residential, Single-Family	Field Study	Measure Study/Recommendation	Complete
REA Systems – Market Study Residential Energy and Automation (REA) systems are an emerging technology that intelligently manages residential Demand-side Energy Resources like solar, battery energy storage systems, and electric vehicle service equipment. Integrating these systems into California homes promises enhanced energy efficiency, significant cost savings, and bolstered grid resilience. This project aimed to comprehensively explore and assess REA systems, focusing on their capabilities, installation needs, market opportunities, and customer base. The team conducted a market survey to identify existing and emerging REA systems. Manufacturer data was used to develop an idealized REA system model that combines the best-identified performance qualities. This model, combined with California building standards and various IOU tariffs, was used to quantify potential impacts on energy and cost savings, peak energy reductions, and GHG reductions. The team also identified specific IOU customers who would uniquely benefit from REA adoption and assessed the overall grid impact of REA adoption. Findings indicated that REA systems offer substantial benefits over conventional energy architectures in new residential constructions, with energy savings ranging from 18 to 64 percent and potential annual cost savings of $500 to $2500 per household. The study highlights the significance of REA systems in supporting CA’s EE and sustainability goals, advocating for their widespread adoption to create a more resilient and energy-efficient home.	ET22SWE0049	Whole Buildings	TDR	Complete Final Report	2024/09	California Lighting Technology Center, CLTC		Residential	Market Study	Measure Study/Recommendation	Complete
Commercial Kitchen Hot Water System Design Guide Water heating for food service applications represents 340M therms of gas consumption in California presenting a significant opportunity for electrification. Public-facing design guides specific to improving hot water heating, delivery, and use in commercial kitchens are critical to restaurant operators, system designers, and other audiences. We will create a design guide intended for general audiences such as restaurant operators with an added focus on heat pump (HP). We will also develop a technical design guide for a designer audience to help guide commercial kitchen designers and DHW system designers toward creating efficient and optimized systems. Written guides, slide decks accompanied by audio, and Spanish translations will be produced. Resources in Final Report Operators’ Design Guide Operators’ Design Guide in Spanish Operators’ Design Guide PowerPoint Operators’ Design Guide PowerPoint in Spanish Operators’ Design Guide PowerPoint with Audio Movie Operators’ Design Guide PowerPoint with Audio Movie in Spanish Technical Design Guide Technical Design Guide in Spanish Technical Design Guide PowerPoint Technical Design Guide PowerPoint in Spanish Technical Design Guide PowerPoint with Audio Movie Technical Design Guide PowerPoint with Audio Movie in Spanish	ET22SWE0048	Water Heating	TSR	Complete Final Report	2023/12	Frontier Energy	TRC	Commercial, Foodservice and Grocery	Tool Development/Enhancement	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Master Mixing Valve Field Study The California Plumbing and Energy Codes do not require master mixing valves (MMVs) for domestic hot water (DHW) recirculation systems, though they are necessary in certain applications for health and safety. Research on digital master mixing valves (DMMVs) shows potential energy savings of 6.5%–18% for heat pump-based systems and 3% for gas-fired systems, based on prior studies. This study evaluated DMMV performance across five sites (e.g., multifamily buildings, restaurants, and hotels) using various water heating systems. Results showed an average energy savings of 4.5%, with variability (-4.9% to 11.4%), and highlighted challenges with heat pump water heaters (HPWH) due to their sensitivity to setpoints. The study emphasized the importance of contractor training and quality control for retrofits and noted non-energy benefits such as reduced runouts, higher tank temperatures for pathogen control, and scald risk management. Further research is recommended to optimize DMMV performance, especially with HPWHs.	ET22SWE0047	Water Heating	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/10		TRC	Commercial	Field Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Restaurant Field Monitoring Hot water is a critical resource in commercial kitchens, primarily used for sanitation purposes. Across 85,500 facilities, the estimated fuel gas demand for domestic hot water is 340 million therms per year (CalNEXT. 2023), making it a high-energy intensity end-use. Decarbonizing this sector is essential for achieving state-level greenhouse gas reduction goals. However, significant barriers exist, including added complexity of heat pumps for design, added installation complexity, space and electrical capacity limitations, high retrofit costs, potentially increased operating costs, and water heater sizing guidelines imposed by California health departments that lack heat-pump-specific guidance. This field demonstration project aimed to address these challenges by implementing and analyzing a heat pump assist water heating system in a full-service restaurant.	ET22SWE0046	Water Heating	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/11	Frontier Energy	TRC	Foodservice and Grocery	Field Study	Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development	Complete
Compressed Air End-Use Air Management Compressed air energy systems account for about 10 percent of all manufacturing electrical energy use and almost always have opportunities for improved efficiency. One unaddressed opportunity is control and monitoring of loads at large end-use machinery. These large end-use machines often have internal air leaks, losses, inefficiencies, and unproductive loads whether production is active or not. Remedying these losses is oftentimes prohibited or too costly if the interiors of these machines are difficult to access. A new plug-and-play product that can satisfy this need is known as an air management system which augments or replaces common, existing filter-regulator-lubricator assemblies. The new technology includes features that can be commissioned to reduce supply pressure and completely cut off airflow to these machines when they are idle and unproductive. These control features will generate dependable, reliable energy savings by reducing the load on the air compressors. Additionally, monitoring at these end-uses gives facility staff insight into their plant and machine health that would otherwise be unavailable. Savings for this technology were calculated on a per-unit basis for both a packaged frozen food host site and across a range of flow and runtime conditions that exist across the market. Across a range of conditions that would be seen in various plants, payback can be well under five years with savings exceeding 3,000 kWh per installed unit, depending on the end-use flowrate and idle time. In machinery with open pipe blowing and large idle flowrates in comparison to the working flow, payback can easily be under one or two years. These results suggest an uncommon and useful opportunity to develop a new workpaper for energy efficiency program portfolios. The emerging technology is broadly applicable across the industrial sector and is well-suited for rebate program support that could benefit both utilities and their customers.	ET22SWE0045	Process Loads, Whole Buildings	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/11	ASK Energy, Santa Rosa	AESC	Industrial	Field Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Lab Evaluation of Integrated Controls for Commercial Buildings This project will demonstrate an integrated, whole-building control system; quantify and compare performance against a similar building without an integrated control system; and document building energy use, demand, load flexibility, occupant comfort, and system costs. The 2,000 sq.ft. demonstration building is equipped with an off-the-shelf, programmable building automation system (BAS) capable of connecting to and controlling a wide-range of smart appliances including lighting, thermostats, window shades, plug-loads, electric water heaters, and actuated casement windows. The BAS is designed to minimize energy costs over time using a control model informed by environmental sensors, local forecasts and energy-management strategies such as occupancy-based HVAC setbacks and nightly precooling enabled by the actuated windows. Project results are expected Fall 2024.	ET22SWE0044	Whole Buildings	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/12	California Lighting and Technology Center, CLTC, UC Davis, University of California Davis		Commercial	Lab Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Standardized HVAC Sequence of Operations Savings Calculator One of the greatest underutilized opportunities for energy savings in buildings through retrofits and retro-commissioning is optimized HVAC system sequence of operations (SOO). A recent EPIC Best In Class research project funded by the California Energy Commission showed that implementation of standardized SOO in building automation systems (BAS) represents significant, cost-effective energy savings opportunities compared to typical practice and ensures long-term optimized performance and persistence of energy savings. Field implementation results in six nonresidential building types yielded 12-60 % HVAC energy savings. Standardized and optimized control sequences for HVAC systems have been developed and published by ASHRAE. Field validation of these control sequences in new construction and during major control upgrades confirms that significant and cost-effective energy savings outcomes are possible compared to typical practice. However, this work also revealed a variety of compatibility barriers when applied to existing control system hardware and the SOO have not been validated across a full range of physical conditions and building types. Utility program services and incentives play a crucial part in driving the market adoption of standardized HVAC SOO. While today a standardized HVAC SOO retrofit may be able to receive an incentive under a custom program, prescriptive programs are easier for the implementer (and the applicant) because savings algorithms and data inputs are pre-approved and the process is streamlined. Before an energy conservation measure can be introduced to a prescriptive incentive program, the baseline assumptions, calculation methodology, equipment useful life, incremental costs, and other measure attributes must be well established and typically published in a Technical Reference Manual (TRM) or technology workpaper. These protocols then serve as the basis for many aspects of program design, including the establishment of program eligibility criteria, incentive levels, measure cost-effectiveness pre-screening, and program reporting, among others. This process ensures that prescriptive programs are aligned with the requirements set by state regulators, and they utilize a set of pre-approved, standardized measurement and verification (M&V) approaches for claiming savings. Retrofitting existing HVAC system controls to a standardized SOO has great potential for energy savings in buildings. However, it is difficult and therefore costly to accurately estimate the energy savings of the control retrofits. Therefore, energy savings and an incentive-estimating tool is needed that can quickly assess the value of a potential retrofit before embarking on project design will reduce barriers to identifying promising retrofit sites. This project will establish energy savings estimates through simulation of a standardized HVAC SOO covering a variety of existing conditions in a variety of building types in California. First, we will use simulations to determine the control optimization measures with the most potential impact on energy savings. Second, we will develop an energy savings calculator to estimate energy savings using site-specific conditions and parameters. Third, we will develop supporting materials required for the development of a TRM/workpaper. Resources in Final Report ASHRAE G36 Savings Estimation Calculator	ET22SWE0043	HVAC, Whole Buildings	TSR	Complete Final Report	2024/04		TRC	Commercial	Tool Development/Enhancement	Tool Development	Complete
Field Study of HVAC Cost Optimized Supply Air Temperature Reset (CORE) This project demonstrates the development and deployment of Cost Optimized Reset (CORE), a dynamic, cost-responsive supply air temperature reset strategy designed to minimize heating, cooling, and fan energy use in multi-zone variable air volume (VAV) heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. With HVAC energy consumption varying significantly across supply air temperature reset strategies, Cost Optimized Reset offers a solution that optimizes energy use and cost efficiency. The project refined the algorithm for broader adoption in California commercial buildings and evaluated its performance in real-world applications. The research team implemented CORE in four medical office buildings in California and collected and analyzed HVAC energy consumption data. Measurement and verification analysis compared the new strategy to baseline supply air temperature controls, revealing 5 to 22 percent energy savings and 1 to 20 percent cost savings. Energy simulations further demonstrated that CORE could achieve 1 to 30 percent energy savings in buildings with typical loads and airflows, with simplified versions of the algorithm achieving comparable performance, making it accessible to a wider range of buildings. Key advancements to CORE included adding smoothing factors for operational stability, updating calculations to accommodate diverse HVAC systems, and creating versions of the algorithm that function with partial or no zone-level data. The study also emphasized the importance of thorough system evaluations and retro-commissioning to address pre-existing issues, ensuring effective implementation of advanced controls. Additionally, the team recommended integrating CORE into programming libraries offered by building automation system manufacturers to streamline deployment and improve compatibility with other controls. This project highlights the potential of Cost Optimized Reset to enhance energy efficiency and cost savings in commercial buildings, while also identifying pathways for broader adoption and implementation.	ET22SWE0042	HVAC, Whole Buildings	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/10	Dynamic H2O, Association for Energy Affordability, AEA, Carbon Zero Buildings, Eden Energy, Htec Packaged Systems and Controls, Insolcorp, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, LBNL, Nyle Water Heating Systems, Sunamp, Tapani Plumbing, TRC, Whole Systems Energy Consulting	VEIC	Multifamily	Market Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
High Efficiency Dehumidification System Field Study This project involves field demonstration of the High Efficiency Dehumidification System (HEDS) technology. The technology was first developed to address dehumidification issues but has evolved to include energy efficiency benefits. The technology reduces loads on both the chiller and reheat water source by expanding dehumidification and reheat coils, lowering chilled water flows, and utilizing dehumidification coil outlet flow for reheat purposes. This saves energy over the traditional design that has separate dedicated higher flow chilled water and hot water coils. The technology supports decarbonization and electrification by reducing the natural gas consumption common in hot water reheat systems while also reducing energy consumption at the chiller.	ET22SWE0040	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/03		AESC, ASK Energy	Commercial	Field Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
ASHRAE Guideline 36 Open Source Supervisory Control Technology Development and Demonstration This project demonstrates a scalable approach to implementing ASHRAE Guideline 36 (G36) sequences of operations for chilled water and hot water plants in existing buildings. G36 establishes industry best practices for standardized HVAC control strategies, enabling improved energy efficiency and system performance and previous studies have shown significant energy savings for airside systems. Expanding on this, the research team deployed G36 sequences in one chilled water plant and two hot water plants across two buildings using a layered architecture that integrates supervisory control platforms, Control Description Language programming, and Brick ontology tagging. The supervisory control layer enabled seamless coordination with existing building automation systems, minimizing infrastructure changes. Control Description Language facilitated transparent and modular implementation aligned with G36 specifications, while Brick ontology tagging created a machine-readable semantic model for scalable integration and diagnostics. Prior to deployment, the team conducted a comprehensive evaluation and retro-commissioning process to correct existing control and equipment issues that could limit performance. Measurement and verification were performed using metered energy data and regression models with typical meteorological year weather data to determine weather-normalized annual energy consumption. The results demonstrated 7 and 11 percent energy savings in the hot water plants and 15 percent savings in the chilled water plant, translating to annual cost reductions ranging from $0.095 to $0.17 per square foot. This project highlights the potential of modular and scalable G36 adoption to enhance energy efficiency across diverse systems while minimizing engineering effort. It also emphasizes the critical role of retro-commissioning in optimizing system performance and ensuring successful implementation in complex environments.	ET22SWE0039	HVAC, Whole Buildings	TSR	Complete Final Report	2026/01	ASHRAE G36 SOO	TRC, UC Berkeley, Taylor Engineers	Industrial	Field Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Aerosol Sealing of Existing Attics and Crawlspaces Retrofit air sealing of homes provides a significant opportunity for reducing residential energy use. According to results published on the impact of retrofit air sealing in single-family homes in California, reducing envelope leakage by 50% would result in 7-15% reduction in heating and cooling energy use. This project developed and tested new applications of aerosol envelope sealing that allows the process to be applied to existing occupied homes. The new method avoids issues related to unwanted deposition of sealant particles on finished surfaces in the home by applying the technology from the outside of home in a ventilated attic or crawlspace. This project found that the aerosol sealing process was much more effective at sealing envelope leakage compared to traditional methods. Across 13 demonstrations, the aerosol sealing process sealed an average of 40% of the existing home leakage compared to just 14% sealed using the common manual sealing approach.	ET22SWE0037	Whole Buildings	TDR	Complete Final Report	2024/08	Western Cooling Efficiency Center, WCEC, University of California Davis, aerosol sealing	UC Davis	Residential, Multifamily	Field Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Residential Water Heater Sizing Measure Package Support Currently, incentives for energy efficient water heater retrofits require a like-for-like replacement. However, anecdotal evidence exists that contractors upsize heat pump water heater (HPWH) replacements relative to existing gas water heaters. This projects’ results can add to current statewide water heating measure offerings by enabling incentives for non-like-for-like size replacements. TRC utilized data from existing fuel substitution workpaper development with prototype buildings and various water heater sizes to update the (CPUC-approved) DEER Water Heater Calculator V 5.1 across the California (CA) climate zones establishing like-for-like baselines for savings claims. A survey of current practice found: 1) most contractors upsize tanks when replacing a gas or electric resistance water heater with a HPWH, 2) a HPWH replacement required circuit breaker upgrades in approximately half their projects but rarely an electrical panel upgrade, and 3) the most common type of HPWH retrofit is from a natural gas water heater to a HPWH.	ET22SWE0036	Water Heating	TSR	Complete Final Report	2022/12	DEER Water Calculator,	TRC	Residential	Measure Package Development	Measure Package Revision	Complete
Multifamily In-Unit Heat Pump VEIC conducted a study to examine the market opportunity and technology performance of 120-volt and 240-volt (120V/240V) variable speed, high-efficiency in-unit heat pumps for use in direct replacement of less efficient room air conditioning units and displacing or replacing in-unit gas or electric heating in California multifamily buildings. The market opportunity and technology performance are examined and informed through a review of the existing multifamily building stock in California and a technical review of new in-unit heat pump solutions, building energy modeling, and interviews with key market stakeholders including manufacturers, multifamily program implementers, consultants and property managers, and national, regional, and state level energy efficiency organizations.	ET22SWE0035	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2023/11	cooling	VEIC	Multifamily	Market Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Hybrid Heat Pump and Indirect Evaporative Cooling Packaged Unit (Hybrid RTU) Rooftop packaged units (RTUs) provide heating, ventilation, and air conditioning for approximately 75 percent of commercial building floor area in California. This project laboratory tested a commercially available Hybrid RTU that includes a heat pump and Indirect-Direct Evaporative Cooling across a range of outdoor conditions that match California climate zones. This Hybrid RTU can replace conventional RTUs on commercial buildings. For common California outdoor conditions of 95°F dry bulb, 50°F dew point humidity, the Hybrid RTU has a room (system) cooling capacity of 4.60 (4.85) tons and coefficient of performance (COP) 4.19 (4.42) with 56% outdoor air ventilation fraction. The measured results were used to develop performance curves and lookup tables that will be used by future projects to estimate energy savings using Energy-Plus and CBECC-Com.	ET22SWE0034	HVAC	TDR	Complete Final Report	2025/05	University of California Davis, Western Cooling Efficiency Center, WCEC	UC Davis	Industrial	Lab Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Low-Income Multifamily Housing Characteristics Study With nearly a third of California’s low-income households living in large (5+ unit) multifamily housing, electrifying and deploying advanced electric technologies to this portion of the housing stock is critical to reaching the state’s goals for equitable climate action. Formulating policies and programs tailored to this segment’s specific housing characteristics is critical to achieving speed and scale in building electrification, yet there is a gap in statewide data on the characteristics of low-income multifamily housing. This Low-Income Multifamily Housing Characteristics Study analyzed the physical characteristics of this housing stock and occupant demographics utilizing Census data (American Community Survey, American Housing Survey) and other public data sources (Low-Income Energy Affordability Tool, Residential Energy Consumption Survey). It also conducted a field study of affordable multifamily buildings in the Bay Area to fill gaps in building-level characteristics not available in public data sources and assess prevalence of factors known to be key barriers to electrification in multifamily housing, such as the need for electrical system upgrades (wiring, circuit panels, service lines) and space constraints. Finally, it gathered input from existing programs serving this market segment with energy efficiency and electrification measures and other stakeholders. Findings from the market characterization, field study, and stakeholder engagement were used to inform recommendations for technology development and program strategies and needs for electrifying this market segment.	ET22SWE0033	HVAC, Water Heating, Whole Buildings	TSR	Complete Final Report	2023/12	Bright Power, AEA, TRC, The Ortiz Group, AESC, Caifornia Housing Partnership, Terner Center for Housing Innovation, UC Berkeley	VEIC	Multifamily, Hard-to-Reach (HTR)	Field Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Wastewater Treatment SB1383 Compliance Characterization This study is a market characterization of the various California Senate Bill No. 1383 (SB1383) Landfill Diversion compliance solutions under consideration or are in planning by wastewater treatment facilities. The State’s vast network of operating facilities within the investor-owned utilities (IOU) territories offer significant untapped potential for process-based energy savings and load optimization related to both existing operations, planned expansions, and capital investments as a result of these legislative changes. This characterization effort has worked with industry partners and solutions providers to classify compliance strategies by plant size, treatment type, and other key drivers/limitations, and characterize each in terms of relative energy consumption, demand response (DR), and load management potential and fit, biogas generation/cogeneration impacts, carbon impacts, trucking/transportation impacts, creation of beneficial byproducts and other co-benefits. Using several collaborative sources, the project team was able to inventory and classify the various biosolids management compliance strategies, including infrastructure improvements to enable enhanced treatment and process control, existing drying and caking strategies, regional solutions, and emerging technologies and strategies. This report can be used as a starting point for further in-depth analysis of proposed solutions, cost-benefit analysis, capital infrastructure needs, and project life cycle. While SB1383 presents a challenge to the existing infrastructure, it also presents a unique opportunity for the wastewater sector to act as a resource in meeting California’s ambitious goals.	ET22SWE0031	Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2023/08		AESC	Industrial	Market Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Solar Assisted HVAC Market Study A market evaluation study of solar-assisted heat pumps (SA-HP) was performed to understand configurations, commercially available products, and market size for applications in the heating mode, since previous research has shown inconclusive heating mode energy savings. Primary and secondary research was performed in this study. The three categories of direct expansion (DX) SA-HP, indirect expansion (IX) SA-HP, and hybrid SA-HP, were identified and explored for use in space heating applications. The more basic DX SA-HP systems cost less than the more complex IX DA-HP systems but have lower solar heat gains and resulting system benefit. California climate zone weather data was analyzed, and it was determined climate zone 16 would have the highest potential benefit for SA-HP. This study found there is limited commercial availability, which was noted a barrier for mass adoption, in addition to contractor training related to SA-HP systems and applications, and existing roof conditions.	ET22SWE0030	HVAC	TDR	Complete Final Report	2022/12		AESC, ASK Energy	Residential	Market Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Packaged Central CO₂ Heat Pump Water Heater Multifamily Demonstration Central heat pump water heaters (CHPWH) are essential to the reduction of energy usage and carbon emissions, addressing one of the largest energy-consuming end-uses in buildings. Packaged models show promise for reducing costs of these systems while increasing reliability and easing the hot water market transformation. Packaged CHPWHs can ease the installation and enable scaling of CHPWH adoption with fewer supply chain and installation barriers. Validation and enhancement of packaged CHPWH products is needed to encourage market adoption and find opportunities to maximize mutual benefits of the technology. This report presents the findings of a field demonstration of packaged, carbon dioxide (CO₂) CHPWHs installed at two new construction multifamily buildings. An average annual coefficient of performance of 2.9 was observed, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions of 86 percent in comparison to a natural gas code baseline. Effective load shift controls displaced up to 52 percent of the energy out of peak time-of-use periods which reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 4.9 percent over a system without load shifting. Total system benefits and energy cost impacts are also presented. Since these were among the first of this product type to be installed, the project team identified some opportunities for improvement which will yield even further benefits to building owners, utility programs, manufacturers, and installers. Recommendations include commissioning considerations of swing tank setpoints and recirculation return water balancing, attention to loads and efficiency in new construction buildings that may have partial occupancy residents move in, and active monitoring with fault detection diagnostics for maximizing impacts, quality installation, and persistence of savings. Future study should include demonstrations of packaged systems that minimize temperature maintenance loads through design variations and new program or rate structures that provide value to the building owner reflective of the benefits to the utilities and grid.	ET22SWE0028	Water Heating, Whole Buildings	TSR	Complete Final Report	2025/08		ASK Energy, Ecotope	Multifamily	Field Study	Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development	Complete
Greenhouse Lighting Controls This project continued a study begun for PG&E to evaluate the potential of adaptive lighting controls in greenhouses. The tasks were to gather more user experience from the grower, estimate energy savings potential, record the grower’s observations on crop yield and quality, and conduct outreach to other growers and industry stakeholders. The Project Team could not collect field data as hoped, so it created a model to estimate savings potential based on typical photoperiod, daily light integral (DLI), and glazing transmittance parameters. Working with industry experts, the Project Team estimated 9% and 11% potential annual energy savings for cannabis and tomatoes, respectively. As a next step, the Project Team recommended that CalNEXT facilitate pilot projects by industry actors to study how effectively the technology could be incentivized through Normalized Metered Energy Consumption (NMEC) projects.	ET22SWE0027	Lighting	TSR	Complete Final Report	2023/05	Pacific Gas & Electric, PG&E	Energy Solutions	Agricultural	Field Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Advanced Multifamily EV Load Management System This project evaluates a new electric vehicle (EV) charging solution designed to provide charging access in existing multifamily buildings that have limited electrical capacity. This technology is worth studying because it claims to offer features with significant potential for helping address barriers to implementing cost-effective multifamily EV charging access. Multifamily buildings rarely have available capacity to add traditional charging solutions for more than a few drivers, are often subject to significant demand charges (and grid impacts) from high-power charging solutions, require complex or expensive billing administration, and involve significant capital outlay to install EV chargers. This technology claims to offer power-sharing capabilities, built-in load shifting, scalability, and a turnkey subscription model which can help provide more charging access per site. The study seeks to verify circuit- and panel-sharing capabilities to provide charging within capacity-constrained environments and to identify barriers to broader commercialization for this type of technology.	ET22SWE0026	Plug Loads & Appliances	TDR	Complete Final Report	2023/12		Energy Solutions	Multifamily	Field Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete
Next Generation Refrigeration Analysis Tool Proof of Concept The project developed an energy modeling framework based on OpenStudio, EnergyPlus, and ancillary tools and was the first step toward creating a grocery refrigeration analysis tool. VEIC performed sensitivity analysis and validation on the OpenStudio modeling framework to ensure it appropriately represented the target project population to serve CA and low-GWP refrigeration systems in support of utility programs. This project supported the recommendations identified in the “SCE Report – June 2021 – ET18SCE7080 Next-Generation, Low-GWP Refrigeration Systems: Tool Assessment and Market Impacts.” An analysis tool was created which included automation capabilities that could form the backbone of a refrigeration tool for CA. With further development, it may result in an easy-to-use tool for grocery stores of all sizes, including independent grocers that tend to serve disadvantaged and hard-to-reach communities. Resources in Final Report Grocery Analysis Tool (.zip) NASRC Stakeholder Survey Questions	ET22SWE0025	Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2023/11	Effecterra, Optimized Thermal Systembs (OTS), North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council, NASCR, DS Engineering, CoolSys, Henderson Engineers	VEIC	Commercial, Foodservice and Grocery	Market Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Occupancy-based Thermostats for Commercial Offices A field demonstration of occupancy-based control (OBC) for thermostats with remote occupancy sensors was conducted at two offices in San Diego County to evaluate the savings potential of the technology. In this field test, programmable thermostats were replaced with thermostats with OBC, an emerging technology consisting of a smart thermostat and wirelessly connected PIR occupancy sensors. The technology can decide whether to turn on/off a single-zone HVAC unit by gathering occupancy information from occupancy sensors placed in each individual space in its zone. The offices were separated into a control group with existing programmable thermostats and a treatment group with emerging technology. The energy consumptions of single-zone HVAC units in each group were monitored from September 2022 to November 2022.The study found that the occupancy-based thermostat the treatment group consumed less energy and expected to save 15% to 34% annually.	ET22SWE0023	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2022/12		ASK Energy	Commercial, Foodservice and Grocery	Field Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Residential Housing Characteristics Study This California Low-Income Residential Housing Characteristics Study project proposes to address the lack of complete data on housing structures in disadvantaged communities (DAC) and Hard-to-Reach (HTR) single-family residential housing. While high-level data such as the number of homes in DACs and other key demographic and market information (housing age, access to broadband, etc.) can be pulled from census and other research, data on the baseline physical conditions of DAC and HTR homes is lacking (i.e., structural integrity, electrical panel, and wire capacity, and code adherence). This data is foundational to being able to both size the total available market for emerging technologies and develop effective, properly budgeted program pathways to serve and transform these communities. The results will help facilitate the deployment of emerging technologies including heat pump water heaters, heat pump HVAC, smart plug loads, efficient appliances including induction stove-tops, home networking equipment, and other decarbonization measures. The project will leverage past studies and piggyback on existing IOU programs and contractor networks serving CA IOU DAC and HTR communities to perform targeted incremental housing condition data collection. For example, the San Joaquin Valley Disadvantaged Communities Pilot has provided initial data on home readiness for electrification and identified some initial costs needed to ready homes for electrification. The study will also use contractors to conduct in-home survey assessments and identify a home that is ready for electrification and will estimate costs for those homes that require upgrades and or retrofits to allow electrification. We estimate the number of Single Family Homes in California where occupants are low-income to be 3.5 M. We plan to create a survey for in-depth contractor assessments. This information, analyzed in combination with other data, will be used to inform the scope and nature of barriers to serving DAC and HTR communities with Emerging Technologies efforts and to develop programmatic strategies for helping California achieve its decarbonisation and equity goals.	ET22SWE0022	HVAC, Plug Loads & Appliances, Water Heating	TSR	Complete Final Report	2023/11		Ortiz Group, ASK Energy, AESC	Residential, Disadvantaged Communities (DAC), Hard-to-Reach (HTR)	Field Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Residential Multi-Function Heat Pumps: Product Search Residential Multi-Function Heat Pumps (MFHP) use one efficient outdoor compressor and heat exchanger coil to provide space cooling, space heating, and domestic hot water heating. Air-to-air versions of MFHP use refrigerant to provide heating and cooling services and have the potential to eliminate the need for electric resistance backup heaters. Eliminating electric resistance keeps the maximum power consumption lower and can avoid the need for electrical service breaker panel upgrades in many residential buildings, reducing cost and speeding up installation times compared to the typical separate space conditioning heat pump and standalone heat pump water heater products. The Villara AquaThermAire will be commercially available in California in Q1 2023, Panasonic offers the Aquarea EcoFleX in Europe, and other manufacturers have interest in offering MFHP products in the future.	ET22SWE0021	Whole Buildings	TDR	Complete Final Report	2022/12	Western Cooling Efficiency Center, WCEC, University of California Davis	UC Davis	Residential	Market Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Refrigerant Management Market Assessment If the grid achieved 100% zero carbon today and all homes adopted heat pumps, California could potentially emit at least 60 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent over the next 10 to 20 years solely from refrigerant leaks in residential and commercial HVAC equipment. Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant emissions have 400 to 4,000 times the climate forcing power of CO2 itself. Two new policies enable California’s drive to reduce HFC emissions and create a demand for more “refrigerant efficient” HVAC and ultra-low GHG refrigerants: • Utilities must now use the new Total System Benefit metric to evaluate energy efficiency incentives including consideration of refrigerant emissions, • Recent Air Resources Board (CARB) regulation of HFCs. This report examines the market for commercial HVAC focused on Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) and competitive technologies in light of these changes, finding that utilities should re-evaluate incentives for VRF or suspend them until 2027 when the most powerful and common HVAC refrigerant, R-410A, is replaced.	ET22SWE0020	HVAC	TSR	Complete Final Report	2023/11		VEIC	Commercial	Market Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Market Potential for Heat Pump Assisted Hot Water Systems in Food Service Facilities Electrifying the building sector is a critical step toward meeting California’s decarbonization goals. Water heating for food service applications represents 340M therms of gas consumption and thus presents a significant electrification opportunity through the application of heat pump (HP) assistance. For this study the program team conducted a market assessment of the potential for the adoption of heat pump-assisted hot water systems (HPaHWS) in food service facilities. This market assessment evaluated the total reachable market and the market penetration potential for HPaHWS. The program team also addressed the market barriers and opportunities for the adoption of HPaHWS as they currently exist. This study occurred in three phases: Literature search, Interviews, Numerical data collection, and analysis.	ET22SWE0019	Water Heating	TDR	Complete Final Report	2023/06	Energy Solutions, Frontier Energy	TRC	Commercial, Foodservice and Grocery	Market Study	Follow-Up Project	Complete
Commercial and MF CO2-based Heat Pump Water Heater Market Study and Field Demonstration AESC conducted a California-focused market study and field demonstration of an all-electric CO2 refrigerant heat pump water heater (HPWH) designed for central systems in commercial and multi-family (MF) buildings. The study added to existing research and non-residential HPWH initiatives with a focus on the California market, policies, rate structures, efficiency programs, demand flexibility programs, and market barriers. The field study evaluated product performance and impacts on energy, cost, and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) of the technology relative to baseline natural gas as well as load flexibility capabilities in the context of CA rates and the new Total System Benefit (TSB) metric for EE programs. The product was installed, monitored, and analyzed at two participant MF sites. Recommendations for possible technology improvements to optimize benefits and future design iterations were explored, focusing on items such as cost, installation challenges, energy and capacity performance, customer satisfaction, and load-shifting abilities.	ET22SWE0017	Water Heating, Whole Buildings	TSR	Complete Final Report	2023/12		ASK Energy, Ecotope	Commercial	Field Study	Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development	Complete
All-Electric Commercial Kitchen Electrical Requirements Study Evaluation This study identifies the impacts of converting a gas and electric commercial foodservice facility to an all-electric kitchen. Three categories, which represent 82% of foodservice sites in California, were analyzed to estimate the costs to update site electrical infrastructure and the added load to the site and grid. The analysis found the average connected amp load of the three categories increased between 50% and 79% with an average peak demand increase of 35kW per site at a cost of approximately $1,600 to $7,400 annually for sites that incur demand charges. These increases caused the loads to exceed the existing service capacity in 75% of sites analyzed. Significant upgrades to the existing electrical systems would be required to meet the added load of electric cooking equipment. The average cost per site was estimated as $40,000 for institutional sites, $123,000 for quick-service and $160,000 for full-service restaurants.	ET22SWE0010	Process Loads	TSR	Complete Final Report	2022/12	RBE Consulting Electrical Engineers, Metro Electric NG Associates, Forward Dining Solutions, Vacaville Unified School District, Southern California Edison, SCE	Energy Solutions	Commercial, Foodservice and Grocery	Market Study	Project Findings for EE Program Integration	Complete

Project Name

Project Number

Technology Area

Project Type

Status

Completion Date

Keywords

Organization

Market Sector

Research Type

Tech Transfer Pathway

Status

New Manufactured Home Quick Check

Major building envelope and duct leakage issues can occur during MH production, transport, or setup; these frequently will increase energy usage significantly. There is no standard practice to test for issues during the home siting process. A New MH Quick Check was developed and tested to address this issue (originally with funding from the DOE). This project will study, test, and support the adoption of the approach alongside a couple industry stakeholders. Increased deployment of the approach can identify and fix problems to save energy and prevent comfort complaints and other callbacks for home manufacturers.

ET26SWE0034

Whole Buildings

TSR

Active

2027/08

Active

Electric to Electric Central HPWH Measure Package Development

This project will provide measure package support for a new electric-baseline central heat pump water heater (CHPWH) measure for multifamily and commercial central domestic hot water systems. The work will define baseline and measure cases for electric-to-electric applications, including existing electric resistance central systems and Title 24 new construction/major alteration baselines, and develop EnergyPlus/DEER prototype modeling methods, savings estimates, and incremental cost inputs.

The project addresses a current gap in California measure offerings, where central HPWH pathways are largely oriented toward gas-baseline fuel substitution and do not provide a standardized pathway for electric-baseline central systems. The outputs will help CalTF, IOUs, and program implementers advance a scalable measure package, support midstream program delivery, and enable defensible kWh/kW savings claims.

ET26SWE0033

Water Heating

TSR

Active

2027/10

Active

Market Characterization of Hot Water as a Service for Central HPWHs

This project seeks to identify the barriers and opportunities in the market for adoption of central commercial heat pump water heaters (CHPWHs) in multifamily buildings via the Hot Water as a Service business model. In addition to potentially removing the first cost barrier to implementation, and the building owner/operator responsibility for owning and operating these systems, the service model comprises fault detection and diagnostics and preventive maintenance as part of the offering,

By engaging with all stakeholder groups with an interest in implementation of hot water projects in multifamily buildings, the Project Team will identify appropriate pathways and mechanisms for deployment of HWaaS within utility programs.

ET26SWE0032

Water Heating

TSR

Active

2027/07

Active

Lab Test of a Commercially Available Multi-Function Heat Pump

This project will test a commercially available Multi-Function Heat Pump (MFHP) to develop detailed performance maps of the system. Performance curves will allow annual performance to be modeled in different climate zones. Multi-Function Heat Pumps (MFHP) have the potential to reduce total installed costs by avoiding service upgrades because they can have lower peak power consumption compared to the typical two separate heat pumps for space conditioning and water heating. MFHPs use one efficient compressor to provide space cooling, space heating, and domestic hot water heating. Variable-speed air-to-air MFHPs have the potential for higher efficiency and can recover heat from space cooling to heat hot water. Equipment performance curves are needed to estimate energy savings.

ET26SWE0028

Whole Buildings, HVAC

TSR

Active

2027/08

Integrated Systems

UC Davis

New Measure Package Development

Active

Package CHPWH with PCM Storage

CHPWH systems are an emerging technology that can supply efficient, electrified domestic hot water to multifamily and commercial buildings with load-shifting capabilities. Standard CHPWHs currently face barriers including high cost, inefficient use of space, controls complexity, and installation challenges. CHPWH systems that use phase change materials (PCMs) as a storage medium may address these issues with a significantly smaller footprint, simplified installation, constant temperature thermal storage, and improved efficiency. This proposed study will demonstrate a new packaged CHPWH with PCM storage and load shifting capability in a real-world multifamily application. This first-of-its-kind field testing is a critical step toward broader adoption and program support. The project will assess performance, energy impacts, and provide recommendations for product improvement, early adopters, and program support pathways.

ET26SWE0026

Water Heating

TSR

Active

2027/08

Commercial Domestic Hot Water System Design

AESC

Commercial

Measure Study/Recommendation

Active

Measure Development HVAC Pump Motors

The Western Cooling Efficiency Center (WCEC) at the University of California at Davis recently completed a field study that implemented Ferrite Assisted Synchronous Reluctance (FASR) motors that demonstrated significant energy savings in a pumped hydronic system. The FASR motors demonstrated 18-28% energy savings over the baseline induction motors, with particularly good performance at part-load. The WCEC is now developing building models in EnergyPlus to calculate savings across multiple building types and support measure package development and wide adoption of highly efficient FASR motors. Additionally, a survey of installers and distributors will provide cost data for the economic calculations needed for measure package development.

ET26SWE0024

Process Loads

TSR

Active

2027/04

Advanced Motors, Pumping Systems

UC Davis

Industrial

Measure Package Revision

Active

Savings Profile for Residential Ductless Heat Pump (Mini Split) Cleaning Measure

This project evaluates the energy efficiency and performance benefits of professional coil cleaning for ductless heat pumps, a maintenance practice that removes accumulated dust and debris to restore airflow and heat transfer efficiency. By measuring before and after performance, the study will quantify impacts on energy use, system capacity, and IAQ in residential homes. The project addresses key market gaps for heat pump cleaning: low consumer awareness, lack of standardized guidance, and limited field data on cleaning frequency and performance degradation. Findings will demonstrate how routine coil cleaning can reduce energy consumption, lower peak demand, extend equipment life, and improve IAQ. Results will inform utility programs, support policy development, and advance California’s broader goals for electrification, load flexibility, and equitable access to energy-efficient technologies.

ET26SWE0021

HVAC

TSR

Active

2027/10

schools, RBE Consulting Electrical Engineers, Metro Electric NG Associates, Forward Dining Solutions, Vacaville Unified School District, Southern California Edison, SCE

Energy Solutions

Foodservice and Grocery, Schools

Field Study

Measure Study/Recommendation

Active

AI-driven HVAC & Lighting Integration

This project proposes a field demonstration of a commercial-ready ET that integrates networked lighting controls with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) systems. Using open-source protocols, the ET enables communication between lighting sensors and smart thermostats, with locally run machine learning algorithms optimizing HVAC performance based on real-time occupancy and historical data. This project will assess energy savings, occupant comfort, system compatibility, and performance in small commercial buildings, where HVAC systems often lack cost-effective controls. The goal of this project is to demonstrate a scalable, Title 24-compliant solution that improves overall efficiency and supports broader adoption of integrated systems across buildings of all sizes.

ET26SWE0019

Whole Buildings

TDR

Active

2027/05

ASK Energy, Ecotope, AESC

Multifamily

Field Study

Measure Study/Recommendation

Active

Open-Source HVAC Decarbonization Web Tool

The proposed project will expand the Berkeley Decarb Tool’s capabilities by adding functionality specific to CA(s), new building loads, equipment and controls options, and metrics such as utility costs and total system benefit. Enhanced visualization and user features will support more complete, transparent, and data-driven analyses. These improvements will align with CA(s) decarbonization goals via the built in decision making and accelerate the adoption of high-efficiency, low-global warming potential HVAC solutions. 

By improving access to standardized and transparent analysis, the Tool will help overcome key market barriers. By helping practitioners and decision-makers assess how HVAC choices interact with future grid scenarios and policy targets, the project will accelerate the adoption of high-efficiency, low-GWP, all-electric systems.

ET26SWE0018

HVAC

TSR

Active

2027/07

TRC, Frontier Energy

Foodservice and Grocery, Disadvantaged Communities (DAC), Hard-to-Reach (HTR)

Market Study

Tool Development

Active

Packaged Propane Refrigeration Field Evaluation

This Project demonstration will evaluate packaged propane refrigeration systems as energy efficient, low GWP replacements for HFC condensing units in small food service businesses located in hard-to-reach and disadvantaged communities. Up to two sites will receive new UL listed propane systems, with baseline and post installation metering used to validate energy performance, operational impacts, and greenhouse gas reductions. VEIC will document installation processes, code considerations, and stakeholder feedback to identify barriers, best fit applications, and lessons learned. Results will inform the development of a measure framework, commercial product list, and case study to support future program integration. Findings will provide IOUs with actionable guidance for program design, equitable decarbonization strategies, and broader adoption of natural refrigerant technologies.

ET26SWE0017

Process Loads

TSR

Active

2027/10

buildings, greenhouse gas

VEIC

Commercial, Residential

Market Study

Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development

Active

Demonstrating PCM TESS in Multifamily Central Water Heating

This project will demonstrate and document real-world performance of phase change material (PCM) thermal energy storage when integrated into an existing multifamily central domestic hot water system. The project will assess whether PCM storage can reliably support hot water supply, improve system efficiency, and reduce electrical load during high-demand hours. The study will give California utilities, contractors, and building owners insights into the potential benefits and challenges of using PCM in central water heating systems. Results will help determine how this technology can support electrification, lower operating costs, and make heat pump water heating feasible in buildings with limited space. The findings will also guide future program design and help accelerate adoption of flexible and efficient hot water solutions.

ET26SWE0012

Water Heating

TDR

Active

2027/09

Bard, Carrier, Daikin, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Rheem, Seeley, Trane, Villara

UC Davis

Residential

Market Study

Measure Study/Recommendation

Active

Evaporative Cooler for Air-Cooled Chillers

This project assesses the feasibility of an add-on evaporative cooler technology for air-cooled chillers in large telecommunications facilities such as data centers. This evaporative cooler technology takes an innovative approach to adiabatic evaporative cooling and introduces robust condenser protection, four-stage water treatment, and intelligent controls in a modular, easy-to-install system that can be retrofit onto most existing models. Previous demonstrations have resulted in up to 37% reduced electricity consumption and 41% increased cooling capacity post-retrofit. This project will investigate technology adoption for telecommunication facilities with large cooling demands in hot-dry climates where the ambient temperatures pose a challenge for both efficient energy usage and adequate cooling capacity. The project will collect real-time data of system performance at a host site then conduct energy modeling of a representative facility type across all of California’s climate zones to assess statewide cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency impacts. The project hopes to quantify best practices, applications, energy and non-energy benefits, and strategies including next-phase studies to overcome market barriers for this technology.

ET26SWE0001

Process Loads

TSR

Active

2027/05

PUMA, TECH Clean California, Housing Opportunities Corporation, Energy Savings Assistance (ESA)

Ortiz Group, ASK Energy, AESC

Residential, Disadvantaged Communities (DAC), Hard-to-Reach (HTR)

Field Study

Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development

Active

Modeling Distributed PCM CHPWH Systems

This project addresses a critical gap in modeling tools for simulating distributed Phase Change Material (PCM) Thermal Energy Storage Systems (TESS) integrated with Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWHs). Current tools fail to capture dynamic PCM behavior, limiting performance evaluation and incentive qualification. Through this work, the project team will integrate dynamic models of PCM TESS with building energy simulation platforms to optimize design and energy cost savings. Analyses will quantify impacts on energy use, costs, greenhouse gas emissions, and system performance across California’s multifamily building stock. By developing an approach to update tools like EcoSim and enabling quantification of PCM-integrated system performance, this effort supports broader adoption of PCM-integrated HPWH systems, advancing electrification and decarbonization goals in space-constrained multifamily housing.

ET25SWE0065

Water Heating

TDR

Active

2026/12

Offices

ASK Energy

Commercial

Field Study

Tool Development

Active

Remote Retro-Commissioning (RRCx) Study

The proposed project will study early adopters of virtual commissioning (VCx) programs, a type of retro-commissioning (RRCx) that is performed 100 percent remotely, has a relatively short engagement time, and features low / no cost energy efficiency opportunities. Existing virtual commissioning programs feature the use of AMI data in several stages including benchmarking and eligibility, measure identification via analytics analysis, savings calculations with NMEC models, and ongoing savings persistence.

This project will use data gathered to inform and enable adoption of RRCx services into existing California Statewide EE Programs. If adopted, the services could integrate easily and quickly with existing programs that feature AMI data and NMEC calculations. RRCx services will expand the savings opportunities for the existing program as well as any customers served by that program.

ET25SWE0064

Whole Buildings

TSR

Active

2026/12

modeling, OpenStudio, EnergyPlus, Effecterra, Optimized Thermal Systems (OTS), North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC), DC Engineering, CoolSys, Henderson Engineers

VEIC

Foodservice and Grocery

Field Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Active

Multifamily Micro Heat Pump Focused Pilot

Micro Heat Pumps (“Micro HPs”) are efficient, rapidly deployable heat pumps that require minimal professional installation. Micro HPs are suitable for compact spaces where heat pumps can replace or displace existing air conditioners and space heating, or where traditional split or central systems are too costly or difficult to install. Additionally, packaged Micro HPs can connect to standard 120V NEMA 5-15 outlets without field-installed refrigerant lines and are available in a variety of form factors such as saddle, window, portable, and through-the-wall.

This pilot will test Micro HP market invention strategies for multifamily customers. This pilot will be employing a new market mechanism by offering incentives to multifamily property and building owners to purchase and install Micro HPs into their buildings. The pilot will assess the viability and efficacy of property owner incentives in driving market adoption of Micro Heat Pumps, particularly as it pertains to DAC/HTR communities. If the pilot finds property owners are not a feasible route for an incentive program design, the pilot will evaluate potential tenant incentive program designs.

ET25SWE0063

HVAC

Active

2027/12

Energy Solutions

Multifamily

Field Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Active

Central HPWH Retrofit Readiness Through Hot Water Distribution System Optimization Focused Pilot

Commercial domestic hot water distribution systems in commercial buildings often have oversized plumbing, poor pipe insulation and controls, and poor maintenance, resulting in higher heating loads, elevated thermostat setpoints, higher recirculation flow rates, hot water delivery performance issues, and lower heater and system operating efficiency. As more central heat pump water heaters enter the California market, it is important to optimize distribution systems to ensure expected performance. This pilot focuses on developing a streamlined distribution system optimization approach for contractors to ensure the successful design, installation, and operation of central heat pump water heaters. To achieve this goal, the pilot will do the following: conduct a market study, create a field diagnostic procedure for identifying distribution system issues, create a guide for optimizing distribution systems, and develop a recommended delivery model for trainings.

ET25SWE0062

Water Heating

Active

2026/12

Indoor farm, greenhouse, Pacific Gas & Electric, PG&E

Energy Solutions

Agricultural

Field Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Active

Decarbonizing Household Appliances: Opportunities and Limitations with 120V Appliances

This focused pilot aims to test the scalability and flexibility of this business model, which is currently limited to solar and water heating, by expanding offerings to include comprehensive electrification solutions enabled by 120V plug-in appliances. These solutions would focus on 120V style appliances like HPWHs, HP washer dryer combos, and micro-HPs that are all likely to be able to be installed in many homes without significant electrical upgrades. Other potential benefits of this market offering include increased homeowner electrification awareness and readiness through engagement and education, increased contractor marketing/recruitment opportunities, and reduced labor costs through fewer callbacks.

ET25SWE0061

Water Heating, HVAC, Lighting, Plug Loads & Appliances

Active

2026/12

Menlo Park, load shifting,

ASK Energy, Ecotope

Multifamily

Field Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Active

Smart-Panel Integrated Variable Speed Heat Pumps

This project will demonstrate variable-speed heat pumps (VSHPs) integrated with smart electric panels that actively manage household electrical loads. By modulating operation in real time, VSHPs can maintain comfort while reducing strain on the home’s electrical service and the grid. The study addresses a key barrier to electrification in California’s electric service limited homes with 100-amp or smaller where traditional single-speed heat pumps (SSHPs) create high peak demand and often require costly service upgrades due to electric resistance backup and inefficient cycling. The project will analyze load data from existing smart panel homes and test system performance in a controlled research home, comparing smart panel integrated VSHP and SSHP operation. Findings will inform utility programs by demonstrating efficiency, comfort and demand flexibility for California’s electrification goals.

ET25SWE0060

Whole Buildings

TDR

Active

2027/11

heating, cooling, photovoltaic (PV), thermal collectors

AESC, ASK Energy

Residential, Commercial

Market Study

Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development

Active

Outdoor Lighting Toolkit Validation

Outdoor lighting systems have evolved considerably in the past twenty years since the first California outdoor lighting baseline assessment project was completed in 2003 (CEC, 2003). The rapid advancement of LED technology and the increasing stringency of Title 24 outdoor lighting and controls codes make all new projects and recent renovation and retrofit projects much more difficult to accomplish with a high degree of certainty using 2003 field audit methods. This proposed project is the data collection phase of creating and validating a toolkit and model (CalNEXT, 2024) to predict outdoor electric lighting loads and illuminance values using direct measurements and indirect methods along with concurrent directly metered lighting loads. The project team will select outdoor sites in CA and collect geo-tagged illuminance data using new methods including drone photometry and satellite imagery.

ET25SWE0059

Lighting, Plug Loads & Appliances

TDR

Active

2027/05

Energy Solutions, wastewater,

AESC

Industrial

Market Study

Tool Development

Active

Field Assessment of R-454C Compared to R-404A / CO2 Supermarket Systems

Refrigeration in supermarkets and grocery stores can account for nearly 50% of total electricity use. Most California systems still rely on high-global warming potential (GWP) hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which face strict state and federal phase-down requirements.

This project evaluates R-454C refrigeration systems—a new, low-GWP A2L refrigerant—by comparing their energy use and operational performance to existing R-404A and carbon dioxide (CO₂) baselines as evaluated by ET25SWE0005. The field assessment will capture energy and demand impacts, installation feasibility, and customer feedback, while also documenting potential market adoption barriers. Findings will provide utilities with actionable data to support incentive design, contractor training, and compliance planning. Results directly inform California’s transition to low-GWP refrigeration technologies, aligning with CalNEXT’s decarbonization, load management, and equity priorities.

ET25SWE0057

Process Loads

TSR

Active

2026/12

Bright Power, AEA, TRC, The Ortiz Group, AESC, California Housign Partnership, Terner Center for Housing Innovation, US Berkeley, cooktop, electric vehicles, EV, solar PV, clothes dryers, laundry facilities

VEIC

Multifamily

Field Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Active

Industrial Process Water Heat Pump

This project entails the installation and characterization of an air-to-water heat pump (AWHP) in an industrial process. Rather than fully displacing energy from the existing system, this study aims to pre-heat the process storage water using an AWHP to alleviate the heat energy load on the existing natural gas boiler. The goal of this electrification initiative is to reduce natural gas usage and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while also demonstrating the efficacy of a heat pump within an industrial environment. The study provides a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the feasibility of the technology for applicability within other processes at the site, as well as peer industrial manufacturers.

ET25SWE0056

Process Loads

TSR

Active

2026/11

University of California Davis, Western Cooling Efficiency Center, heat pumps, cooling, heating, Energy Plus, CBECC-Com,

UC Davis, WCEC

Commercial

Lab Study

Measure Study/Recommendation

Active

Developing a 120V Induction Range Without Battery for California Markets

This project explores the market potential for a 120V electric induction range that operates without a battery and can plug into a standard outlet. TRC will assess where this affordable range could be a viable alternative to traditional gas or 240V electric stoves, particularly in ADUs, small homes, and multifamily buildings with limited electrical capacity.

The project will provide insights into market readiness, user needs, and design requirements to support product development and program adoption. Findings will help reduce electrification barriers, and support California’s decarbonization and building electrification goals.

ET25SWE0055

Lighting, Plug Loads & Appliances

TDR

Active

2026/10

Association for Energy Affordability (AEA), Carbon Zero Build (CZB), Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE), Eden Housing, Energy Solutions, Mercy Housing, Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP), Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA), Redwood Energy

VEIC

Multifamily

Market Study, Field Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Active

Performance Validation of Electric Ovens for the Food Service Sector

This project assesses the viability of electric conveyor ovens as a replacement for gas-powered models in commercial foodservice settings. It includes standardized laboratory testing, cost-benefit analysis, and engagement with stakeholders such as manufacturers, utilities, and foodservice operators. The goal is to validate performance metrics, support incentive program development, and inform future measure adoption.

The project provides critical data to help utilities integrate electric conveyor ovens into energy efficiency and load flexibility programs, supporting California’s broader decarbonization and electrification goals. It also demonstrates key non-energy benefits such as improved indoor air quality, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced kitchen safety. These outcomes are especially valuable for disadvantaged and hard-to-reach communities that face greater exposure to indoor air pollutants and energy cost burdens.

ET25SWE0054

Process Loads

TSR

Active

2027/11

TECH Clean California,

TRC

Residential

Field Study

Measure Package Revision

Active

Performance Validation of AI-Enabled Stand Alone Clothes Washers and Dryers

This project evaluates the performance, energy efficiency, and load flexibility of AI-enabled stand-alone clothes washers and dryers in residential settings. Through laboratory testing and field demonstrations in disadvantaged communities, the study measures energy and water savings, smart feature effectiveness, and user engagement.

The project generates critical data to inform utility programs, supporting the development of new energy efficiency measures, updated load profiles, and demand response strategies. By quantifying benefits such as reduced energy use, enhanced user convenience, and grid flexibility, the study provides utilities with the evidence needed to justify incentives and program inclusion for smart laundry appliances. Ultimately, this work advances California’s decarbonization goals, promotes equitable access to emerging technologies, and helps accelerate the adoption of efficient, AI-driven home appliances in the residential market.

ET25SWE0053

Lighting, Plug Loads & Appliances

TSR

Active

2027/11

Mutual Housing, Western Cooling Efficiency Center, University of California Davis

UC Davis, WCEC

Residential

Field Study

Measure Study/Recommendation

Active

Energy and Economic Evaluation of Conveyor Charbroilers

This project evaluates the energy performance and economic viability of electric conveyor charbroilers for commercial kitchens. Currently absent from California’s utility programs and efficiency databases, these electric alternatives face barriers like limited performance data, cost concerns, and lack of market familiarity. By conducting laboratory testing of 2–3 electric models and comparing results with gas counterparts, the study aims to generate robust technical data on energy use, efficiency, and emissions benefits.

The project’s value lies in informing the development of new utility rebate programs and eTRM measure packages, supporting California’s electrification and decarbonization goals. Outcomes will benefit utility programs, appliance manufacturers, and foodservice businesses—especially in disadvantaged communities—by enabling informed decisions, reducing adoption risks, and advancing clean technology transitions in the commercial foodservice sector.

ET25SWE0052

Process Loads

TSR

Active

2027/11

ASHRAE G36 SOO, TWOT, university, chilled water plant, functional performance testing

TRC, UC Berkeley, Taylor Engineers

Commercial

Field Study

Measure Package Revision

Active

Datacenter Liquid Cooling Lab Evaluation

This project focuses on evaluating liquid cooling technologies for data centers to reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency compared to traditional air-cooled systems. The research involves laboratory testing of three targeted cooling solutions for 1U servers. The project will provide critical insights into the performance, reliability, and energy efficiency benefits of liquid cooling technologies. Additionally, it will identify barriers to market adoption and propose strategies to overcome them, including guidance on retrofitting existing facilities. The findings will help utility efficiency programs prioritize impactful technologies, enabling data centers to reduce cooling energy demand, operational costs, and greenhouse gas emissions while supporting California’s clean energy goals.

ET25SWE0051

Process Loads

TSR

Active

2027/02

Art museum, San Diego,

ASK Energy, AESC

Commercial

Field Study

CASE Advocacy and Code Readiness

Active

Phase Change Material Applications in Multifamily Water Heating

While PCM TESS is gaining traction in HVAC and commercial sectors, residential water heating applications remain nascent. High first costs, installer unfamiliarity, and lack of standardized data limit adoption. At the same time, California’s multifamily buildings face complex challenges in transitioning to low-carbon domestic hot water (DHW) systems, especially in retrofit scenarios where space, cost, and distribution inefficiencies limit electrification. This CalNEXT technology development study introduces a novel design: integrating Phase Change Material Thermal Energy Storage Systems (PCM TESS) into central DHW systems to enable more cost-effective and space-efficient central heat pump water heater (CHPWH) upgrades. This design reduces distribution losses, supports load shifting, and minimizes the need for large central storage tanks by repurposing existing recirculation infrastructure into a PCM charging loop. This report presents initial engineering designs, energy modeling results, and stakeholder feedback to inform future lab testing and field demonstrations.

The volume of central storage required for load shifting in typical CHPWH designs, combined with the need for swing tanks to manage recirculation loads, often creates challenges for buildings with space-constrained mechanical rooms. These components can increase first costs and reduce overall system performance. The proposed distributed PCM system design addresses cost and system performance issues created by the need for swing tanks and by existing mechanical room space constraints by repurposing distribution and recirculation piping into a PCM charging loop. This eliminates the need for swing tanks and reduces central storage volume by up to 67%. Energy modeling of the PCM design shows a 26% reduction in heat loss from central recirculation systems and an 8% reduction in overall DHW load. For CHPWH applications, load shifting enabled by PCM TESS can yield cost savings under time-of-use (TOU) rates, despite slightly higher energy use due to reduced central plant efficiency. These findings indicate that PCM TESS offers a viable pathway to expanding uptake and performance of CHPWH systems in California’s multifamily buildings. Building on these findings, this study outlines a roadmap for further engineering development, field validation, and market adoption of PCM TESS

ET25SWE0050

Water Heating

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2025/12

Altura Associates, Energy Solutions, hospital, healthcare, University of California Berkeley Center for Built Environment, SAT, CORE

TRC, UC Berkeley, Taylor Engineers

Commercial

Field Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Efficiency and Load Flexibility Impacts of Smart, Single-Unit Combination Laundry Appliances

This project evaluates the energy efficiency, load flexibility potential, and user experience of smart, single-unit combination washer/dryer appliances for residential applications. It combines laboratory testing with real-world field demonstrations in disadvantaged communities across California.

The project delivers critical data on energy and water savings, appliance performance under demand response scenarios, and consumer engagement with smart features. Insights will help identify and address market barriers such as high costs, installation challenges, and privacy concerns, informing strategies for broader adoption. Findings will support the development of utility incentive programs, updated load profiles, and new or revised workpapers. Ultimately, this work will advance California’s decarbonization and equity goals by enabling efficient, flexible, and accessible laundry solutions for diverse residential markets.

ET25SWE0049

Lighting, Plug Loads & Appliances

TSR

Active

2027/10

Taylor Engineering, TRC, Integral Group 2022, calculator

TRC

Residential, Commercial

Tool Development/Enhancement

Measure Study/Recommendation

Active

Datacenter Liquid Cooling Case Study

This project conducts a case study to evaluate the feasibility of retrofitting liquid cooling technologies into an existing air-cooled data center at the UC Davis High-Performance Computing Core Facility. It aims to assess technical, operational, and economic considerations associated with such retrofits in real-world conditions. The study will generate practical guidance on system design, integration, and implementation, while identifying key barriers to market adoption. These findings will support utility efficiency programs in targeting high-impact liquid cooling solutions that reduce energy consumption, lower operational costs, and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Ultimately, the project will inform future efficiency program design and contribute to California’s broader clean energy and decarbonization goals.

ET25SWE0046

Process Loads

TSR

Active

2027/07

UC Davis Institute of the Environment, BAS, central building automation system, the Barn, University of California Davis, John Muir, California Lighting Technology Center

CLTC

Commercial

Lab Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Active

PG&E HVAC Tool Validation Phase 2

The California Technical Forum (CalTF) and Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) requested that TRC implement recommendations from PG&E HVAC Tool Validation Study (ET23SWE0060) to comply with program requirements and strengthen tool accuracy and applicability. They also requested that temperature reset fan and pump penalties and zone level minimum VAV calculations are examined.

TRC proposes to update Airside, hot water (HW) and chilled water (CHW) system calculations. The airside updates include more recent fan curves, supply air reset calculations, and zone control. The hot water side updates include boiler sequencing and reset while the chilled water updates include the addition of air-cooled systems and reset calculation improvements.

The results of this work will maximize the effectiveness of the HVAC tool for users, developers, program administrators and evaluators, increase tool understanding, and minimize uncertainty when using the tool to forecast and verify energy savings claims and incentives.

ET25SWE0045

HVAC

TDR

Active

2026/11

air management systems, AMS, compresssed air, fourth utility, food manufacturing

ASK Energy, AESC

Industrial

Field Study

Tool Development

Active

VIG-Electrochromic Technology Lab Demo

Conducting a robust assessment of the proposed integrated technology will establish the potential benefits of the technology and result in important performance information for California ratepayers. Additionally, the project offers an opportunity to expand knowledge linking durability evaluation to product lifetime projections based on energy performance. The end deliverable will be at least one VIG-EC configuration with validated energy, demand, and durability performance that would be suitable for further field installation and validation studies.

ET25SWE0044

Whole Buildings

TDR

Active

2026/10

load shifting,

TRC, Frontier Energy

Commercial, Foodservice and Grocery

Field Study

Follow-Up Project

Active

Multifamily Central Heat Pump Water Heater Storage and Control Strategies for Increasing TSB

Policy and programs play a crucial role in enabling load flexibility while addressing potential conflicts of interest between grid operators and building owners when participating in load flexibility initiatives. This project aims to inform policies and programs on the impacts of improved load management with CHPWH on customer load profiles, building-level electrical infrastructure, and grid demand. Additionally, it seeks to provide recommendations for enhancing existing programs to incorporate energy storage solutions for load management and incentivize designs that optimize load flexibility. 

ET25SWE0043

Portfolio Enhancements, Water Heating

TDR

Active

2026/10

senior living facilities, Santa Rosa, eye clinic, hotel,

TRC

Commercial, Multifamily

Field Study

CASE Advocacy and Code Readiness

Active

ASHRAE Guideline 36 Using ASO

The ASHRAE Guideline 36 is the best-in-class control sequence for HVAC systems in commercial buildings. Implementing ASHRAE Guideline 36 in existing buildings typically requires replacing building control hardware and software, which could be expensive and time-consuming. In this project, we will demonstrate an alternative, more cost-effective approach at two commercial buildings – using Automated System Optimization (“ASO”) software as a supervisory control layer, without the need to replace existing building control hardware and software. We will also disseminate the results to the California Technical Forum (“CalTF”) and discuss custom and hybrid measure opportunities.

ET25SWE0042

HVAC, Whole Buildings

TSR

Active

2027/07

restaurant

Commercial, Multifamily, Foodservice and Grocery, Schools

Tool Development/Enhancement

Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development

Active

Load Shape Planning Tool Development

California’s transition from legacy impact profiles to consumption load shapes is a critical step in improving the valuation of deemed energy efficiency measures for the 2028 program cycle. As avoided costs become increasingly time dependent and load flexibility becomes more important to portfolio performance, the timing of energy consumption and savings has a larger influence on Total System Benefit and cost effectiveness results. This project addressed a key implementation question for statewide measure development: what level of consumption load shape granularity is justified, and when can load shapes be consolidated without materially reducing analytical value?

The project developed and applied a repeatable framework for creating, comparing, and coalescing electric consumption load shapes across 10 representative deemed measure packages. These measure packages spanned five major load shape categories: cooling only, heating and cooling, fuel substitution, water heating, and continuous loads. The analysis used modeled EnergyPlus outputs where available, supplemented by non-modeled data sources where appropriate, and integrated avoided costs to compare load shape value across building location, building type, base case variation, and measure case variation.

The results show that substantial reductions in the number of consumption load shapes are possible while maintaining relatively low variation in unitized electric benefit. For some modeled HVAC measure packages, individual curves can be reduced from approximately 18,000 to 336 through building type and location grouping, and further reduced to 16 grouped curves with only modest increases in average standard deviation. Across the analyzed measures, coalescing reduced load shape volume by orders of magnitude while generally keeping average standard deviation near or below 6 percent. Overall, the findings demonstrate that structured load shape coalescing can improve implementation practicality while preserving meaningful cost effectiveness precision for California’s statewide energy efficiency tools.

ET25SWE0041

Portfolio Enhancements

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2026/05

Second Hand Energy

TRC

Residential

Field Study

Tool Development

Complete

Optimization of Deemed Data Collection Requirements

Deemed measures rely on the competing goals of accuracy and volume to ensure that gross claims are reasonable. In the current California electronic Technical Reference Manual portfolio, this balance is not always well aligned; as of PY2025, more than 40 measure packages, representing over 25 percent of the portfolio, have not been part of any savings claims since PY2022. This project addressed the need to better align data collection requirements with the measure parameters that materially affect total system benefit, total resource cost, and claim integrity.

The project developed and piloted a framework for evaluating data collection burden across a representative group of five commonly implemented measure packages and two unused or rarely used measure packages in the California portfolio from 2023 to 2025. The approach combined electronic Technical Reference Manual permutation outputs, recent claims trends, stakeholder feedback, sensitivity analysis, and structured estimates of data collection cost by format and delivery type. This allowed the project team to compare the value of additional documentation against the benefits it protects.

The results show that several medium and high effort documentation requirements are not tied to parameters that materially drive total system benefit or total resource cost. In some cases, data collection cost approaches or exceeds total system benefit, reducing implementer value and discouraging participation. The analysis also found that photo heavy and site access dependent requirements can become disproportionately burdensome at scale, especially for midstream, upstream, or low rigor delivery types.

This project demonstrates that data collection requirements should be set deliberately before measure packages are introduced or revised. Requirements tied to sensitive parameters should be retained and automated where possible, while low sensitivity requirements should be simplified, removed, or replaced with clearer standard text to preserve enforceability without suppressing claim volume.

Resources in Final Report
Data Collection Requirements Tool

ET25SWE0038

Portfolio Enhancements

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2026/04

Second Hand Energy

TRC

Measure Study/Recommendation

Complete

Improving HVAC Refrigerant Charge Value Estimates for Commercial Systems

The report focuses on updating refrigerant charge values for commercial HVAC equipment to improve the accuracy of the Refrigerant Avoided Cost Calculator (RACC) Tools used in California energy efficiency programs. Conducted on behalf of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and CalNEXT, the study addresses the transition to low-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerants, such as R-454B and R-32, mandated by state and federal regulations. These refrigerants replace the high-GWP R-410A, which is being phased out due to its environmental impact.

The research team collected refrigerant charge data from 14 manufacturers, analyzing 448 systems across various commercial HVAC equipment categories. The study identified significant differences in refrigerant charge values based on equipment type, capacity, and refrigerant type. The report recommends updating the RACC-FSC_v3.1 Tool to reflect these findings, including revising commercial HVAC equipment categories and refrigerant charge values to improve cost-effectiveness and greenhouse gas (GHG) savings calculations.

Key recommendations include adopting new commercial HVAC equipment categories (Table 3) and updating refrigerant charge values (Table 8) for both low-GWP and legacy refrigerants. The report also highlights the need for more granular data to enhance the accuracy of leakage rate estimates and cost-effectiveness analyses. These updates will benefit California’s energy efficiency programs by providing more accurate data for estimating refrigerant leakage rates and GHG emissions, aligning with the state’s decarbonization and electrification goals.

The study underscores the importance of accurate refrigerant charge data in achieving regulatory compliance and optimizing energy efficiency measures. It also provides a framework for updating default assumptions and improving the reliability of tools used in energy efficiency programs.

Resources in Final Report
RACC Tool Refrigerant Charge Update Guide

ET25SWE0037

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/12

TRC

Commercial

Market Study

Measure Package Revision

Complete

Improving HVAC Refrigerant Charge Value Estimates for Residential Systems

The report focuses on updating refrigerant charge values for residential HVAC equipment to improve the accuracy of the Refrigerant Avoided Cost Calculator (RACC) Tools used in California energy efficiency programs. Conducted on behalf of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and CalNEXT, the study addresses the transition to low-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerants, such as R-454B and R-32, mandated by state and federal regulations. These refrigerants replace the high-GWP R-410A, which is being phased out due to its environmental impact.

The research team collected refrigerant charge data from 19 manufacturers, analyzing 736 systems across various residential HVAC equipment categories. The study identified significant differences in refrigerant charge values based on equipment type, capacity, and refrigerant type. The report recommends updating the RACC-FSC_v3.1 Tool to reflect these findings, including revising residential HVAC equipment categories and refrigerant charge values to improve cost-effectiveness and greenhouse gas (GHG) savings calculations.

Key recommendations include adopting new residential HVAC equipment categories (Table 3) and updating refrigerant charge values (Table 8) for both low-GWP and legacy refrigerants. The report also highlights the need for more granular data to enhance the accuracy of leakage rate estimates and cost-effectiveness analyses. These updates will benefit California’s energy efficiency programs by providing more accurate data for estimating refrigerant leakage rates and GHG emissions, aligning with the state’s decarbonization and electrification goals.

The study underscores the importance of accurate refrigerant charge data in achieving regulatory compliance and optimizing energy efficiency measures. It also provides a framework for updating default assumptions and improving the reliability of tools used in energy efficiency programs.

Resources in Final Report
RACC Tool Refrigerant Charge Update Guide

ET25SWE0036

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/12

TRC

Residential

Market Study

Tool Development

Complete

Multifamily CHPWH Fault Detection Diagnostics (FDD) and Load Shift Controls

As multifamily buildings adopt commercial heat pump water heaters (CHPWH), many are encountering problems associated with ongoing maintenance and operations which are impacting system performance. Multifamily buildings tend to have no central controls and either no permanent maintenance staff or very low-skilled maintenance staff. With time-of-use (TOU) and real-time pricing rates emerging, CHPWH systems can provide opportunities for load shifting. There are also no clear guidelines for how to accomplish load shifting in a measurable, repeatable, reliable manner. To address these issues, the project will perform a field demonstration at a previous CalNEXT participant host site to study the performance of Fault Detection Diagnostics (FDD) and load shift optimization capabilities.

ET25SWE0035

Water Heating

TDR

Active

2027/02

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Active

SmartAg Controls: Incentivizing Efficiency & Yields

This project demonstrates how advanced lighting controls can optimize energy use in greenhouse agriculture by dynamically adjusting supplemental lighting based on environmental conditions, crop needs, and growth stages. Using advanced algorithms that manage Daily Light Integral (DLI) in real-time, the system aims to reduce greenhouse lighting energy consumption while simultaneously boosting crop yields.

The findings directly address key market barriers by quantifying both energy savings and productivity improvements that translate to substantial economic benefits—with potential statewide impact of 100s of GWh saved annually and $200 million in increased crop value.

ET25SWE0034

Lighting, Plug Loads & Appliances, Process Loads

TSR

Active

2026/09

Agricultural, Commercial, Industrial

Scaled Field Placement

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Active

Electrification of Greenhouse Heating Systems

This project investigates electrification opportunities for greenhouse heating in California’s controlled environment horticulture sector. It involves in-depth interviews with industry stakeholders—including owners, operators, and vendors—to characterize greenhouse process parameters, heating setpoints, and co-located end uses. The research will analyze existing fossil fuel-based heating systems and explore the potential for deploying heat pump technology to meet low-temperature heating demands. Using Virtual Grower 3 and supplemental spreadsheet analysis, the team will assess energy use, peak demand, and cost-saving measures across diverse California climate zones. Additionally, the project offers policy recommendations to optimize incentives for decarbonized heating and dual-fuel applications, directly informing energy programs and field demonstrations. This study supports state decarbonization goals while enhancing sustainable domestic food production and overall climate resilience.

ET25SWE0032

Process Loads, Water Heating

TSR

Active

2026/07

TRC

Industrial, Agricultural

Market Study

Follow-Up Project

Active

Embodied Carbon One-for-One Material Substitution Market Characterization

Addressing embodied carbon in the built environment is critical given that embodied carbon today represents 11 percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Although embodied carbon is a fraction of building related emissions today, it is projected to increase to as much as 50 percent of GHG from buildings as operational carbon is mitigated through energy efficiency (EE) and building decarbonization (BD) programs. Addressing embodied carbon is necessary to achieve California’s 2030 goal of a 40 percent GHG reduction below 1990 levels and 2045 goal of carbon neutrality. While embodied carbon policy action has been initiated (e.g., CALGreen, Buy Clean California, Senate Bill 596, Assembly Bill 2446, and Assembly Bill 43), embodied carbon remains largely adjacent to, but disconnected from, EE and BD programs. To better understand embodied carbon market dynamics in California, this market study attempts to document whether market activities for low-embodied carbon materials exist, if GHG reductions through material substitution could occur with low-to-no cost interventions, and to identify what the key barriers and market solutions are for reducing embodied carbon in California. Further, the study aims to highlight future policy and program considerations that may enable harmonization of embodied carbon and EE programmatic structures. The project team found that while low-embodied carbon is growing as a relevant goal for corporations, overall awareness of embodied carbon remains low. Knowledge of key low-embodied carbon tools and approaches such as environmental product declarations (EPDs) and material substitution are not yet widely understood or utilized. There is increasing consideration in codes and standards and policies. Embodied carbon can be a complementary program pathway to current EE and BD programs.

ET25SWE0031

Whole Buildings

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2025/12

CalGREEN, CARB

Energy Solutions

Commercial, Disadvantaged Communities (DAC)

Market Study

Tool Development

Complete

Field Demonstration of Atmospheric Storage Central Heat Pump Water Heater

This study is a field demonstration of the first installation of a CHPWH system in a Return-to-Primary (RTP) configuration with an atmospheric (unpressurized) thermal storage tank to replace ASME-rated pressurized potable tanks. Unpressurized storage holds several advantages over the traditional approach, including reduced first costs, ease of installation, and reduced legionella concern. This approach can also allow for simpler, more effective load shifting, larger available storage volumes, and improved system efficiency through reliable thermal stratification. The results from this study will assess the performance of the CHPWH system with unpressurized storage, quantify energy and TSB impacts, and support its inclusion in the publicly available Ecosizer tool. Recommendations will focus on providing a set of guidelines to optimize operation of atmospheric storage tanks in CHPWH systems with RTP configurations.

ET25SWE0029

Water Heating

TDR

Active

2027/10

AESC, ASK Energy

Residential, Commercial

Field Study

Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development

Active

V2X Round-Trip Efficiency Market Study

Bidirectional electric vehicle (EV) charging—also known as vehicle-to-everything (V2X)—enables EVs to export power to buildings, the grid, or other loads, transforming them into flexible distributed energy resources. The addition of an additional energy export stage (from the EV to the grid or other loads) has implications for overall energy efficiency and subsequent technology feasibility. Thus, research that facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of the energy losses associated with different V2X configurations – such as V2H and V2G – could enable more accurate feasibility assessments and technology adoption.

This study investigated the energy impacts of key operational parameters such as power level and ambient temperature on V2X energy efficiency metrics such as round-trip efficiency and standby energy consumption. Unlike stationary energy storage systems, V2X systems lack industry standard frameworks for measuring and reporting efficiency metrics, which limits its integration into energy efficiency programs.

The research combines secondary literature review, stakeholder interviews, and market research of commercially available V2X products. Parameters such as power level and ambient temperature were found to significantly impact system RTE, while state of charge (SoC) had limited influence due to mobility constraints.

Literature review findings revealed limited research on the energy impacts of V2X smart dispatch and energy management strategies as well as a lack of minimum efficiency standards. One scheduling strategy that accounted for the EVSE conversion efficiency reduced energy losses by up to 1.68 kWh per session for a simulated fleet of 100 EVs. Another approach aimed to minimize power losses across an EV fleet and yielded 0.274 kWh savings per EV during a simulated eight-hour frequency regulation event. Standby losses were estimated at 219 kWh annually per EVSE system, highlighting the need for sleep-state control.

These findings support the development of minimum efficiency requirements and standardized evaluation protocols for V2X systems. They also inform future program design and policy development to facilitate equitable V2X adoption in disadvantaged communities and integration into California’s energy efficiency and load flexibility landscape.

ET25SWE0028

Lighting, Plug Loads & Appliances

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/12

DER, distributed enerhu resource, BESS, battery energy storage systems, VPP, virtual power plants

AESC

Residential, Commercial

Market Study

Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development

Complete

California Multifamily Split HPWH Market Study

California’s plan to phase-out the sale and installation of new gas-fired water heaters beginning in 2030 poses a significant challenge for over 1.3 million multifamily apartments with space-constrained in-unit gas water heaters. Unitary heat pump water heaters (HPWH) often face barriers to installation in multifamily apartments due to ventilation, noise and electrical panel limitations, as well as condensate removal. This study evaluated the potential for new split-system HPWH models to overcome these existing barriers in multifamily applications by separating the outdoor installation of the heat pump unit and indoor location of the storage tank. The study explores a diverse set of new split-system HPWH designs; estimates the market opportunity and need within California multifamily buildings; evaluates their performance relative to conventional gas and electric water heaters and unitary HPWHs; identifies the limitations and barriers related to installation requirements, test procedures, and program requirements; and assesses their compatibility with existing California HPWH programs. Findings indicate split-system HPWHs offer improved installation flexibility and energy savings, but adoption faces barriers including potentially higher equipment and installation costs, limited product availability, restrictions with utility program eligibility, and contractor training gaps. Additional challenges include permitting complexity, split incentives between property owners and tenants, and performance testing and energy savings protocols that do not accurately assess the impacts of interior and exterior installations. Recommendations include updating statewide and utility program criteria, funding field demonstrations and contractor training, updating test procedures and energy savings protocols, reducing permitting hurdles, and promoting cost compression and simplified designs to accelerate market development. Progress on supporting the market development strategies for split-system HPWHs will be critical to overcoming barriers and supporting California’s electrification and emissions reduction goals for water heating.

ET25SWE0026

Water Heating

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2025/11

AO Smith, Association for Energy Affordability, CalMTA, Carbon Zero Buidlings, Eco-Logical, ECO2 Systems, Embertec, Midea, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Redwood Energy

VEIC

Multifamily

Market Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Residential Multi-function Heat Pump Market Study

Residential buildings account for a substantial share of California’s greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the urgent need for efficient and scalable electrification solutions for space heating, cooling, and water heating. Residential air-to-air multifunction heat pumps (MFHPs) offer a potential pathway by integrating these services into a single system.

The research applies a mixed-methods approach to identify key market barriers and opportunities for residential MFHPs, combining: (1) a landscape analysis of technical, policy, and market conditions; (2) interviews with 49 stakeholders representing 41 organizations; and (3) a representative survey of 961 California homeowners. Synthesizing insights across these efforts, the study characterizes MFHP technology attributes, technical performance, cost-effectiveness, market readiness, and perceptions among both trade allies and household decision-makers.

Findings indicate that MFHPs can provide space conditioning and domestic hot water using a single compressor at substantially lower amperage than conventional configurations with separate heat pump systems, improving retrofit feasibility and reducing the likelihood of electrical panel upgrades. Stakeholders and customers identify long-term energy savings, lower utility bills, environmental benefits, and the convenience of integrated service as core value propositions. At the same time, high upfront costs, uncertain performance, perceived reliability concerns, and limited contractor familiarity remain significant barriers to adoption.

To address these challenges, the study recommends establishing a dedicated product classification and performance standard for MFHPs, aligning U.S. testing procedures with international protocols, improving controls and interoperability, and expanding field demonstrations to build evidence on real-world performance and reliability. Additional priorities include targeted incentives that account for avoided panel upgrades and grid benefits, cross-trade workforce development, and support for ultra–low-GWP refrigerants. Taken together, these findings position MFHPs as a promising but early-stage technology that will require coordinated action by manufacturers, utilities, program administrators, and policymakers to validate performance, reduce cost and risk, and define the highest-value applications—particularly in underserved and electrically constrained households.

ET25SWE0024

HVAC, Water Heating, Whole Buildings

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2025/10

heat pump water heater, Western Cooling Efficiency Center, University of California Davis

UC Davis, WCEC

Residential

Market Study

Measure Study/Recommendation

Complete

Laboratory Testing of Variable Capacity Heat Pumps to Develop Building Energy Modeling Performance Maps

This project aims to address the lack of detailed performance data for residential Variable Capacity Heat Pumps (VCHPs) under 5.4 tons by conducting laboratory testing to create a full operating envelope performance map. Currently, California’s deemed modeling tools treat VCHPs similarly to two-speed heat pumps, likely underestimating energy savings. By generating regression models for EnergyPlus, the collected data will improve ex-ante savings estimates in the California Electronic Technical Reference Manual (eTRM) and enhance incentive program accuracy.

VCHPs, which can modulate capacity across multiple levels, are more efficient than two-stage heat pumps, particularly in California, where peak heating and cooling loads rarely align. However, existing building energy models fail to capture these benefits accurately. This project will conduct tests across a range of indoor and outdoor temperatures, replicating real-world conditions, and will analyze up to three systems to ensure representativeness.

Energy Solutions and its subcontractors will develop a methodology to distill test data into a singular performance map and collaborate with manufacturers and stakeholders for validation. The final test results will be converted into EnergyPlus-compatible performance curves and shared with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to support their inclusion in DEER2028. This effort will help refine energy modeling and improve VCHP adoption in California.

ET25SWE0022

HVAC

TSR

Active

2026/09

Energy Solutions

Residential, Commercial

Lab Study

Measure Study/Recommendation

Active

Wastewater Energy Transfer (WET) Heat Recovery Systems Market Study

The Wastewater Energy Transfer (WET) Market Study CalNEXT project explored WET market potential in California investor-owned utility territory and assessed how WET can reduce the barriers to energy efficiency and electrification. The project aimed to achieve this by decreasing energy consumption and demand, decreasing operating costs, and increasing building energy resiliency across nonresidential (commercial, industrial, and agricultural) customer segments. This project assessed WET technologies and their relevance to the California nonresidential buildings market to better understand the landscape and program impacts and how to scale the market for nonresidential WET systems.

WET technology leverages the heat energy in wastewater for useful purposes. Sanitary wastewater is typically at least ambient room temperature and can serve as a heat sink or heat source. WET systems use heat exchangers and/or heat pumps to enhance efficiency of cooling systems by rejecting heat from building systems to wastewater, and reducing load on cooling towers and other heat rejection equipment to enhance efficiency of cooling systems. WET systems also recover heat from wastewater to preheat water or other fluids for water heating, space heating, or process loads.

This market assessment investigated WET adoption, technology penetration, and energy savings potential using a literature review, stakeholder surveys, interviews, and site visits. Based on the findings, the project team calculated energy savings for space cooling, space heating, and domestic hot water heating end uses at the building level for the two most promising applications for WET in California: office and multifamily housing.

Site visits conducted September 2025 through October 2025 further characterized the market and increased the accuracy of the California investor-owned utilities WET market energy savings potential estimate. The site visits explored the feasibility of WET systems in four commercial and industrial buildings within three California climate zones, the results of which we used to uncover solutions for barriers to WET system installations in California investor-owned utilities territory.

ET25SWE0021

Whole Buildings

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2026/02

Energy Solutions, Pacfic Gas & Electric, PG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric, SDG&E, Southern California Edison, SCE, SHARC Energy

ERI

Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural

Market Study

Measure Study/Recommendation

Complete

Agricultural Sector Adoption of PEI Pumps Market Study

This project involves a market study for the agricultural sector adoption of PEI-rated pumps in California. The project researches and interviews agricultural customers, pump installation engineers and contractors, and pump manufacturers to shed light on the barriers to adopting PEI-rated pumps, identify opportunities for market transformation, and promote the benefits of PEI-rated pumps by analyzing the life cycle costs. The project will recommend utility interventions to support market adoption and provide further support as to how PEI-rated pumps can play a role in electrification, decarbonization, and reducing energy usage within California.

ET25SWE0019

Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/12

farm, water,

AESC

Agricultural

Market Study

Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development

Complete

Return-to-primary Central HPWH System Field Demonstration

AESC and ASK Energy will conduct a field demonstration of a CO₂ central heat pump water heater system with a “Return-to-Primary” configuration at a multifamily building. This technology offers upside potential to support electrification, load shifting, and energy efficiency while reducing first costs, energy costs, physical footprint, controls complexity, and electrical infrastructure impacts of electrification. Monitoring and analysis will assess system performance and load shifting with extrapolation to broader market conditions. These results will support including RTP configurations into the free-to-use Ecosizer sizing tool and will help quantify impacts to energy, cost, GHG emissions, and total system benefit relative to swing tank configurations and gas baselines. These findings will be applicable to both new construction and existing multifamily and commercial buildings. Recommendations will focus on how to optimize system operation and encourage market adoption for CHPWH with RTP configurations through guidelines on controls, design, and load management.

ET25SWE0017

Water Heating

TSR

Active

2026/06

AESC, ASK Energy

Residential, Commercial

Field Study

Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development

Active

Electrification with Power Efficient Technologies

This project investigates the integration of Intelligent Power Management Technologies (IPMTs) with power-efficient plug loads, such as battery-integrated and 120V appliances, to develop cost-effective strategies for electrifying manufactured homes. The aim is to address panel and service capacity challenges, particularly in homes with 100-amp service, through a whole-building integrated systems approach.

The study’s value lies in its potential to provide simple, quick, and cost-effective electrification solutions, reducing the need for expensive electrical service upgrades. The research will offer tailored guidance for manufactured home communities, ensuring the solutions meet their specific needs. Additionally, the insights and recommendations will be applicable to other housing types, supporting broader electrification initiatives.

ET25SWE0016

Whole Buildings

TSR

Active

2026/07

VEIC

Residential, Commercial

Market Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Active

EE BE Project Success Tools

California’s decarbonization and electrification goals rely on HVAC contractors, yet many face technical, administrative, and operational barriers that limit high-quality energy-efficient installations. Although software tools exist to improve design accuracy, streamline workflows, and reduce paperwork, adoption remains low, especially among small firms that make up over 40 percent of the state’s efficiency market. Expanding access to effective tools could improve installation quality, reduce system faults, support heat pump adoption, and strengthen program participation.

Contractors report fragmented workflows, limited support, complex rebate processes, and inadequate training, all of which contribute to installation errors and lost revenue. This project examined why software tools are underused, assessed current tool functionality, and created a Buyer’s Guide Framework to help contractors and utilities match tools to real-world barriers across the HVAC lifecycle.

Researchers scanned more than 600 HVAC and field service tools, evaluated a focused subset in depth, and conducted interviews with contractors, trainers, vendors, and trade groups. Tools were reviewed across ten lifecycle stages and assessed for pricing, usability, training, accessibility, and educational content. Findings revealed major gaps between tool capabilities and contractor awareness, particularly in small businesses. Integrated platforms can reduce workflow fragmentation but may lack technical depth. The resulting Buyer’s Guide Framework links contractor challenges to tool categories and offers scenario-based recommendations to support better software adoption.

Software tools can improve HVAC project quality, workforce support, and program participation, but adoption barriers require clearer guidance, integrated training, and utility-aligned features. Expanding the Buyer’s Guide Framework, standardizing programs, and strengthening training can boost installation quality, advance electrification, and help California meet its climate goals.

ET25SWE0015

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2026/05

tool,

Energy Solutions, VEIC

Commercial

Tool Development/Enhancement

Tool Development

Complete

Performance Metrics of Micro Heat Pumps Through Laboratory Testing

This project will collect comprehensive laboratory test data on the heating and cooling performance of commercially available Micro Heat Pumps (MHP), particularly with the saddle form factor, that are of specific interest to California. MHPs are self-contained and pluggable into wall sockets with 110/120V with an inverter-driven variable speed compressor that can provide space cooling and heating in single-family and multifamily buildings. These units can operate in ambient temperatures lower than 5°F for spaces up to 1,000 ft². They come in various form factors, namely saddle, through-the-wall, window, and portable. This effort will build on the data collected under CalNEXT project (ET23SWE0034). The study will update existing information to improve estimates of energy savings, their market potential, and strategy for their statewide adoption.

ET25SWE0014

HVAC

TSR

Active

2026/09

Energy Solutions

Residential, Commercial

Lab Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Active

Simplified HVAC Control Retrofits

ASHRAE Guideline 36, High-Performance Sequences of Operation for HVAC Systems (G36) provides detailed instructions for how to control HVAC systems efficiently but is best applied to new construction projects. Applying some of the control strategies in G36 to existing buildings offers the potential for cost effective energy savings and significant decarbonization. Barriers include perceived complexity and incompatibility as well as technical challenges with adapting G36 strategies to existing building conditions. This project will create a guide for identifying low cost, high impact control retrofit measures and a package of recommended control sequences that are adapted from G36 to address typical conditions in existing buildings. Utility program recommendations will further support the scaling of these measures.

ET25SWE0013

HVAC

TSR

Active

2026/09

Taylor Engineers

Energy Solutions

Commercial

Tool Development/Enhancement

Tool Development

Active

PCM Enhanced Ceilings

This project investigates the use of phase change material (PCM) ceiling tiles as a cost-effective energy-saving solution for California classrooms. PCM stores thermal energy by transitioning between solid and liquid phases, allowing for passive cooling savings, especially when paired with active nighttime cooling, offering cooling savings of up to 15–20% annual. The study, conducted by the Western Cooling Efficiency Center, will compare energy use and thermal comfort in classrooms with and without PCM installations under three scenarios: baseline, nighttime ventilation, and PCM with ventilation. Data collected will then be used to validate an Energy Plus model in efforts to promote its use amongst energy modelers and product designers. Findings aim to inform the widespread adoption of PCM technology in schools and other commercial buildings.

ET25SWE0012

HVAC

TSR

Active

2026/08

UC Davis

Public, Commercial

Field Study, Tool Development/Enhancement

Measure Study/Recommendation

Active

Packaged Propane Refrigeration Market Analysis

California’s aggressive greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals and tightening refrigerant regulations are accelerating the need for low-GWP, energy-efficient refrigeration solutions in the commercial food retail and food service sectors. Walk-in coolers and freezers (WICFs) are widely used across these industries and are major drivers of electricity consumption and refrigerant-related emissions. Packaged propane (R290) refrigeration systems offer a promising alternative to traditional hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) systems but remain underutilized in the U.S. due to safety standards, limited product availability, and low market awareness. GWP, energy efficient refrigeration solutions in the commercial food retail and food service sectors. Walkin coolers and freezers (WICFs) are widely used across these industries and are major drivers of electricity consumption and refrigerant related emissions. Packaged propane (R290) refrigeration systems offer a promising alternative to traditional hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) systems but remain underutilized in the U.S. due to safety standards, limited product availability, and low market awareness. This study evaluates the technical performance, market readiness, and cost-effectiveness of packaged R290 refrigeration systems for small-to-medium businesses (SMBs), hard-to-reach (HTR) customers, and disadvantaged communities (DAC) in California. The analysis integrates metered field data, manufacturer specifications, stakeholder interviews, and national program benchmarking to assess energy savings, GHG reductions, and adoption barriers. Metered results from medium and low-temperature installations show average energy reductions of 54% and 38%, respectively, compared to baseline HFC systems, with 20–25% savings even against high efficiency HFC units. With substantially smaller refrigerant charge sizes and ultra low-GWP, packaged propane systems reduce refrigerant-related emissions by more than 99%, translating to an estimated 1.87 metric tons CO₂e avoided per unit annually. At a 5% market penetration, this would represent approximately ~450 metric tons of CO₂e avoided each year in California.290 refrigeration systems for small to medium businesses (SMBs), hard to reach (HTR) customers, and disadvantaged communities (DAC) in California. The analysis integrates metered field data, manufacturer specifications, stakeholder interviews, and national program benchmarking to assess energy savings, GHG reductions, and adoption barriers. Metered results from medium and low temperature installations show average energy reductions of 54% and 38%, respectively, compared to baseline HFC systems, with 20–25% savings even against high efficiency HFC units. low GWP, packaged propane systems reduce refrigerant related emissions by more than 99%, translating to ~1.87 metric tons CO Findings indicate strong decarbonization potential but highlight persistent barriers, including the 150 gram R290 charge limit, limited UL-listed configurations, supply chain constraints, and low contractor familiarity. The study concludes with recommendations to expand field metering, update safety standards, develop deemed TRM measures, establish a Qualified Products List, and launch targeted incentive programs to accelerate equitable adoption of packaged propane refrigeration technologies across California

ET25SWE0011

Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2026/05

VEIC

Commercial

Market Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Commercial Kitchen Hot Water System Decarbonization Market Needs Study

ET25SWE0010

Water Heating

TSR

Active

2026/04

TRC

Commercial

Market Study

CASE Advocacy and Code Readiness

Active

Market and Technical Evaluation of Combination Washer-Dryer Units for Multifamily Buildings

Decarbonizing laundry in California’s multifamily housing sector remains challenging due to the dominance of gas‑fired dryers, limited in‑unit laundry access—especially for low‑ to moderate‑income (LMI) households—and low market familiarity with heat pump drying technology. The emergence of 120‑volt combination washer/heat pump dryer units offers a promising pathway to expand in‑unit electric laundry without costly electrical upgrades or venting requirements. This CalNEXT technology support research (TSR) evaluates the technical performance, market potential, and equity implications of deploying these combination units across California’s multifamily building stock.

The analysis shows that 120V combination units deliver meaningful advantages for multifamily applications: standard‑outlet compatibility, ventless operation, compact sizing, and user convenience from all‑in‑one operation. Energy modeling indicates that these units can reduce building‑level energy use when replacing gas or electric resistance dryers, though outcomes vary depending on existing laundry configurations and ownership models. Stakeholder engagement revealed persistent barriers—including low awareness of heat pump drying, concerns about longer drying times, third‑party ownership of shared laundry equipment, and the risk of cost‑shifting to residents when transitioning to in‑unit appliances.

Key outcomes highlight that (1) the technology is technically viable for widespread multifamily deployment, (2) market adoption will remain limited without targeted education and demonstration, and (3) equity impacts hinge on addressing resident energy burden and building‑owner risk. Based on these findings, the report recommends: expanding education and outreach to increase awareness of heat pump drying; providing robust warranties and clear maintenance guidance to reduce ownership hesitancy; designing demonstration projects that test both resident‑owned and building‑owned models; and integrating combination units into California incentive programs by adding them to the Technical Reference Manual.

Together, these actions can accelerate equitable access to efficient electric laundry, reduce reliance on gas‑fired shared facilities, and support California’s broader decarbonization goals.

ET25SWE0009

Lighting, Plug Loads & Appliances

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2026/03

Association for Energy Affordability, AEA, Bay Ren Regional Energy Network, BayREN, Jonathon Rose Companies, LG Electronics USA, Redwood Energy, Self-Help Enterprises, Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation

VEIC

Multifamily

Market Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Field Demonstration of Mobile Home Electrification

This project assesses the feasibility of electrifying manufactured mobile homes by comparing a baseline mobile home with gas-fired equipment to two types of commercially available energy-efficient manufactured housing units: an all-electric DOE net zero ready home (NZRH) compatible with 200-amp service, and a unit with high-efficiency electric and gas appliances compatible with 100-amp service. The NZRH will also receive photovoltaic and battery storage systems. This project will assess the energy impacts of both units compared to the baseline home to quantify the feasibility and benefits of full and partial electrification. The project will inform future programs and incentives for new high-efficiency manufactured housing uints as replacements and identify the best strategies to electrify and improve energy efficiency in existing mobile home parks.

ET25SWE0007

Whole Buildings

TSR

Active

2026/07

AESC, ASK Energy

Residential

Field Study

Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development

Active

Comparative Field Assessment of CO₂ System Performance vs. HFC Refrigeration in Supermarkets

California regulations limiting the use of refrigerants with global warming potential (GWP) greater than 150 have accelerated supermarket adoption of CO₂ (R-744) transcritical refrigeration systems. However, limited empirical data exist on system performance in California’s diverse climate zones. This study compares field performance of two CO₂ and two HFC (R-404A) supermarket refrigeration systems located in Climate Zones 10 and 11.

Four months of high-resolution monitored data were collected using calibrated three-phase power meters and temperature loggers. Regression models were developed to characterize refrigeration energy use as a function of outdoor air temperature, and annualized performance was estimated using typical meteorological year (TMY) weather data. Site personnel interviews were conducted to supplement measured results with operational observations.

Results indicate that CO₂ systems demonstrated no measurable energy advantage over HFC systems in the warm climate zones studied. Installation costs for CO₂ systems were approximately 30% higher than HFC systems. Annual refrigerant leak rates of 7–19% were observed at CO₂ sites; however, associated greenhouse gas emissions were negligible due to the low GWP of R-744. CO₂ systems exhibited greater operational sensitivity to ambient conditions and increased complexity during restart events.

Overall, study findings suggest that CO₂ system adoption in warm climates is driven primarily by refrigerant regulatory compliance and corporate GHG reduction goals rather than energy or cost savings. Additional field studies across multiple California climate zones are recommended to support the development of incentive structures and to better characterize performance, reliability, and refrigerant leakage profiles.

ET25SWE0005

Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2026/01

Fontana, Ontaria, Auburn, Grass Valley

Cypress Ltd

Commercial, Foodservice and Grocery

Field Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

High Efficiency Rooftop Unit (HE RTU) Focused Pilot

The High Efficiency Rooftop Unit (HE RTU) Focused Pilot builds off the recently concluded ET23SWE0073 Focused Pilot (Fosberg, et al. 2025). The goal of the ET23SWE0073 Focused Pilot was to streamline the incentive process and increase program participation above the lower documented levels in the existing statewide heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) program. The eligibility of HP RTUs was limited to efficiency and capacities that qualified for the current fuel substitution measure. (https://www.caetrm.com/measure/SWHC046/03/) In addition to addressing known participation barriers, supply chain interviews aimed to identify additional barriers to entry for HP RTU technologies.

In contrast, this Focused Pilot seeks to examine the characteristics of HP RTUs that make them most efficient while maximizing decarbonization impacts for this technology. We hypothesize that the market will identify variable capacity capability as the primary efficiency driver but anticipate other characteristics—such as energy and/or heat recovery and controls—to be identified as additional drivers of system efficiency. Through the ET23SWE0073 Focused Pilot, the project team learned that at least two manufacturers are already producing and selling variable capacity HP RTUs in the California market with limited uptake.

This Focused Pilot aims to develop higher efficiency requirements for heat pump rooftop units and dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS), with the goal of informing the development of a higher tier to be added to California’s prescriptive measure portfolio. This work also supports the addition of a measure for DOAS, which are not currently included in California’s RTU measure portfolio. Additionally, this research supports California’s Market Transformation Administrator’s (CalMTA’s) current market transformation initiatives (MTI), which prioritize commercial RTU installations in California to leverage increased energy savings (CalMTA 2024).

ET24SWE0066

HVAC

Complete
Final Report

2025/12

TRC, UC Davis

Commercial

Field Study

Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development

Complete

Datacenter Liquid Cooling Market Characterization

The anticipated surge in California’s datacenter energy demand, driven by artificial intelligence and cloud computing, poses a substantial threat to the state’s clean energy initiatives and grid reliability. This market study provides a strategic framework for transitioning thermal management from inadequate conventional air cooling toward efficient liquid-based systems. The study compares various single-mode and hybrid cooling strategies, analyzing critical trade-offs between energy efficiency, compute density, retrofit feasibility, and system complexity.

Single-mode analysis reveals stark contrasts: traditional air-cooled systems are characterized by high energy overhead and low compute density. Conversely, all-Direct-to-Chip (D2C) cold plates achieve superior energy efficiency and ultra-high density, though they present significant retrofit challenges for existing facilities. Full-immersion, usually suitable for smaller size datacenters, offers improvements over air cooling but is currently hampered by serviceability and standardization issues.

Hybrid configurations offer flexible and practical pathways for upgrading legacy datacenters. A combination of D2C and existing air handlers (CRAH) provides an efficient, retrofit-friendly balance. Other hybrid solutions, such as those involving immersion, can enable very high density at the cost of complexity. Liquid-to-air coolant distribution units serve as a constraint-driven fallback for facilities unable to extend liquid lines, but this approach incurs a substantial energy penalty.

Key findings indicate D2C is the optimal solution for high-power chips. Fully liquid-cooled facilities are commercially mature, enabling waste heat recovery and dramatically increasing compute density by eliminating air infrastructure. While D2C is the fastest-growing segment, hybrid systems currently represent the most practical commercial trajectory for most operators, balancing high efficiency with feasible implementation.

ET24SWE0065

Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/11

Western Cooling Efficiency Center, University of California Davis

UC Davis, WCEC

Industrial

Market Study

CASE Advocacy and Code Readiness

Complete

Humidity Control for Indoor Farms

This study will compare the integrated cooling/dehumidification capability of MSP Technology in an indoor farm to conventional practices, which involves cooling and dehumidification with re-heat of air to maintain indoor temperatures. The research team will measure the energy use, temperature, and humidity of both an indoor farm served by MSP Technology and an indoor farm served by conventional technologies. The project will calculate the energy savings provided by MSP Technology, compare the performance of MSP Technology to typical methods, evaluate the economic viability of MSP Technology in the indoor farming industry, and validate a previously developed model. The project will explore the feasibility of this technology in California, where it largely does not exist, and potentially accelerate its adoption across this region.

ET24SWE0064

Process Loads

TDR

Active

2026/10

UC Davis

Agricultural

Field Study

Follow-Up Project

Active

Electrification Enablement via Load Balancing Solutions Focused Pilot

The CalNEXT Electrification Enablement via Load-Balancing Solutions Focused Pilot was launched in early 2025. Its primary objective was to understand how load-balancing solutions or technologies were being used in existing electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) installations and validate load-balancing technologies’ potential to enable additional electrification without requiring costly electrical panel or service upsizing.

This pilot successfully validated LBTs in EV charging installations to understand their capability to dynamically manage high demand loads and demonstrated potential for electrifying within the existing electrical infrastructure. The pilot covers a wide spectrum of technologies including circuit splitters, meter collars, smart panels, and smart circuit breakers. These technologies were installed and tested in ten sites to demonstrate optimal configuration for electrification and managing loads within existing panel capacity.

The pilot observed that on average, the maximum demand for existing homes is 20 percent to 30 percent of existing panel capacity, leaving ample capacity for electrification of water heating, space heating, electric vehicle charging, cooking, and laundry on the existing panel. However, based on 2025 National Electrical Code load calculations, majority of the demonstration sites would need a service upgrade if they implement electrification measures proposed in the pilot. With the use of LBTs, electrification measures were installed at all the demonstration sites cost-effectively without triggering service upsize through load management. Key outcomes also included technology performance findings, integration challenges, and practical recommendations for contractors, customers, and program implementers for cost effective electrification. Ultimately, this pilot validates targeted load management to overcome infrastructure constraints, expedite fuel substitution, and contributes to electrification at scale.

ET24SWE0063

Plug Loads & Appliances, Whole Buildings

Complete
Final Report

2025/12

electric panel, Energy Solutions, CalMTA, PG&E, Pacific Gas & Electric, SDG&E, Sempra Utilities, SCE, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas & Electric, University of California Davis

TRC, UC Davis

Residential

Field Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Commercial Heat Pump Water Heater Focused Pilot

Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) are an energy-efficient, reliable source of hot water for households and businesses, with the added benefits of reducing carbon emissions and dehumidification. However, despite available incentives from existing investor-owned utility efficiency programs, commercial uptake of HPWH installations must dramatically increase to meet California’s ambitious carbon neutrality goals set forth by Senate Bill (SB) 1477.

The Light-Duty Commercial HPWH Focused Pilot project team explored potential solutions to the barriers to commercial HPWH adoption by targeted five significant barriers identified by the 2023 Technology Priority Map:
• Lack of customer and contractor familiarity with HPWHs in a commercial setting
• Existing water heating program eligibility limitations
• Electrical capacity requirements associated with the installation of HPWHs
• Lack of participation in existing energy efficiency programs
• Limited understanding of customers best suited for commercial HPWHs

The team hypothesized that improved contractor and customer familiarity with HPWHs would increase commercial customers’ willingness to undertake an HPWH conversion and to overcome the barriers to the adoption of this new technology.

The Focused Pilot offered targeted customers a no-cost light-duty HPWH as a demonstration to encourage these commercial sites to adopt new technology and give contractors experience installing HPWHs in a commercial setting. When necessary, the project team connected the commercial site with a contractor in network to get the equipment installed. The pilot developed marketing materials on HPWH installations to inform contractors of commercial customers best suited for HPWHs. This project provides program implementers with findings and recommendations to inform new and existing HPWH programs about approaches to cost-effectively increase participation and reduce barriers for commercial sites.

The project team concluded with the following recommendations:
• The greatest barrier to adoption of light-duty HPWHs in commercial buildings identified through this pilot is cost, which are primarily driven by the diversity of buildings, the relative installation complexity, and existing building and water heater conditions.
• Additional cost barriers include limited capital budgets for commercial building owners, renters, and property managers, as well as the potential increase in energy costs when shifting from natural gas to electricity.
• Commercial buildings require an increased focus on matching HPWH capacity to meet a diverse set of hot water needs, especially in high-demand or recirculation applications. Limitations of HPWHs relative to existing natural gas systems in high-demand applications, existing distribution inefficiencies, and lack of customer familiarity with the technology all serve as barriers to scaling adoption.
• Current water heating rebate eligibility and amounts favor gas-to-HPWH conversions, which manufacturers indicated during interviews are a greater challenge than electric-to-HPWH conversions.
• Demographic analysis established that the key building typologies with the most immediate opportunity for HPWH adoption in the state are small offices (71,000 sites) and warehouses (74,000 sites).
• Generally, commercial end users have competing priorities and few have dedicated personnel to working on electrification projects.
• Measure packages should be updated to allow for lower rated Uniform Energy Factor requirements to include 120-volt HPWHs and include larger tank size changes for gas-to-HPWH conversions to account for performance differences.

Resources
Montclair Event News Article
Montclair Event Presentation
Montclair Event Poster
Montclair Event Flyer
Focused Pilot Report News Article

ET24SWE0062

Water Heating

Complete
Final Report

2025/12

Community, AO Smith, Bradford White, Enovative Mechanical and Energy Service, TRC, Wildan, Montclair Presbyterian Church, Bethel Presbyterian Church

Energy Solutions, VEIC

Commercial

Field Study

Measure Study/Recommendation

Complete

Multifamily Domestic Hot Water Recirculation Survey

The multifamily domestic hot water recirculation survey will gather data from common, representative buildings to inform remediation measures, heat pump water heater sizing tools, and decarbonization readiness. There is a lack of information on recirculation systems in existing buildings and what cost-effective measures might be possible for support through energy efficiency and decarbonization programs. Recirculation systems can have up to 60% wasteful losses and could be a large, missed opportunity for both energy efficiency and heat pump water heater retrofits. Based on the observations and data analysis, the project team will recommend (1) approaches to assessing recirculation losses based on building characteristics, (2) possible refinements to heat pump water heater sizing tools, and (3) possible new or updated program measures for recirculation system remediation.

ET24SWE0061

Water Heating

TSR

Active

2026/04

AESC, ASK Energy

Residential, Commercial

Field Study

New Measure Package Development

Active

Multi-Function Heat Pump Research Home Test – Variable Speed

=Between 30 and 65% of residential buildings in California are expected to need electrical service upgrades to fully electrify, causing delays and costing $5,000 or more. Multi-Function Heat Pumps (MFHP) have the potential to reduce total installed costs by avoiding service upgrades because they can have lower peak power consumption compared to the typical two separate heat pumps for space conditioning and water heating. MFHPs use one efficient compressor to provide space cooling, space heating, and domestic hot water heating. Variable-speed air-to-air MFHPs have the potential for higher efficiency and can recover heat from space cooling to heat hot water. Equipment performance curves are needed to estimate energy savings.

This project laboratory tested a 24kBtu/h (7.1kW) rated variable-speed air-to-air MFHP, measuring capacity and energy consumption in all operating modes across a range of outdoor conditions that match California climate zones. At 95℉ outdoor and 80℉ indoor temperatures, the space cooling capacity at full rated compressor speed was 24.8 kBtu/h (7.28 kW) with COP of 3.42, and at intermediate speed was 15.7 kBtu/h (4.60 kW) with COP of 4.32. At 47℉ outdoor and 70℉ indoor return air temperatures, the space heating capacity at full speed was 24.8 kBtu/h (7.28kW) with COP of 3.96, and at intermediate speed was 13.2 kBtu/h (3.83 kW) at a COP of 4.90. At 47°F outdoor, the unit heated water from 65 to 120°F in 48 minutes and heated from 65 to 127°F with a capacity of 7.25kW and COP 3.24. The unit achieved an estimated water heating first-hour rating of 86.4 gallons. Heat recovery from space cooling for heating hot water from 110 to 120°F saved an average of 33% of electrical energy compared to separate cycles. Heat recovery mode with 80°F indoor, heated the water tank from 65 to 125°F with a combined space cooling and water heating COP of 7.9. The measured results were analyzed to develop performance curves that future projects will use in simulation tools to estimate annual energy savings in multiple types of residential buildings across climate zones.

Compared to the typical single speed split system heat pumps and standalone heat pump water heaters, this variable-speed air-to-air MFHP has the potential to increase energy savings and help avoid panel upgrades to reduce retrofit electrification costs. This equipment has the potential for significant energy savings compared to the single speed air-to-air MFHP previously tested ET23SWE0047. We recommend that MFHP technologies move forward to lab and field test commercially available products and to develop new efficiency measures for utility energy efficiency and electrification programs.

ET24SWE0058

Whole Buildings

TDR

Active

2026/11

University of California Davis

UC Davis

Residential

Lab Study

Follow-Up Project

Active

High Speed Oven Energy Use Field Monitoring for the Commercial Foodservice Industry

High-speed ovens are a rapidly growing appliance category, with high demand from customers and increasing interest among utility programs. However, the data needed to properly characterize high-speed oven current market usage and prospective energy savings potential when optimally integrated into a foodservice operation is still significantly lacking. To fill this data gap and develop a comprehensive outlook on the high-speed oven market in California, Frontier Energy generated data throughout this study through a mixture of market analysis and field data acquisition.

Through stakeholder interviews, Frontier estimated a current inventory of about 23,000 high-speed ovens in the state of California, with projections for the market continuing to grow 10to 20 percent over the next two years. Through the combination of data collected at eleven field sites and laboratory testing results, Frontier estimated 28% energy savings when converting from a standard high-speed oven to an energy efficient high-speed oven, equivalent to 2,354 kilowatt-hours per year for each replaced unit or 5.4 terawatt-hours per year for all of California, assuming 10 percent of the existing high-speed oven inventory are older units ready for replacement. With an incremental measure cost of $2,979, Frontier estimates a return on investment of 4.2 years for a high-speed oven replacement. Culminating this data, Frontier developed a draft measure package with the criteria of cooking efficiency ≥ 39% and idle rate ≤ 1.00 kilowatts, which may be adopted by utility programs to realize the energy savings potential of high speed ovens.

ET24SWE0057

Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2026/01

Frontier Energy

Commercial, Foodservice and Grocery

Field Study

CASE Advocacy and Code Readiness

Complete

New Toolkit for Outdoor Lighting Baseline Updates

Outdoor lighting systems have evolved considerably in the past twenty years since the first California outdoor lighting baseline assessment project was completed in 2003. When the 2003 study was completed, LED fixtures didn’t exist in any form and Metal Halide (MH) lamps were the primary light source chosen for parking and other high-output applications in the commercial space. Most roadway applications utilized High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lamps due to long life expectancy and high lumen maintenance.

This project will characterize new field study methods for verification of outdoor lighting loads to account for the effect that the evolution of lighting technology over the past two decades has on the actual baseline.

ET24SWE0055

Lighting

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2025/10

HLB Lighting, Virginia Tech, Oregon State University, N.M. Lighting Design, SSLS, Inc., UC Davis, University of California Davis

TRC

Commercial, Municipal

Market Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Refrigeration Capacity Load Matching

Commercial and industrial refrigeration systems frequently use fixed-speed compressors that operate inefficiently under variable load conditions, contributing to elevated energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In California, refrigerated warehouses consume over 2,600 GWh annually, underscoring the need for scalable efficiency solutions aligned with the state’s decarbonization goals.

This study evaluates a retrofit emerging technology (ET) comprising a smart compressor control (SCC) system, a variable frequency drive (VFD), and temperature sensors. Unlike traditional pressure-based modulation, the SCC algorithm dynamically adjusts compressor operation based on suction and discharge temperatures, enabling more precise load matching. Field demonstrations were conducted at two refrigerated produce warehouses located in disadvantaged communities within California Climate Zones 9 and 10. The retrofit included four 40 horsepower (HP) compressors at Site 1 and four 25 HP compressors at Site 2, which were all fixed-speed reciprocating units. Compressor real power, compressor run time, outside air temperature (OAT), and space temperature were monitored during the summer season. Performance was normalized using temperature bins and regression modeling.

Site 1 exhibited consistent improvements, achieving normalized energy savings of 20 percent to 22 percent, peak demand reductions of 25 percent to 30 percent, and annual GHG reductions of 10 to 11 metric tons of CO₂e per compressor. Site 2 yielded mixed results, two compressors demonstrated 12 percent to 22 percent energy savings, peak demand reductions of 5 percent to 7 percent, and annual GHG reductions of 4 to 7 metric tons of CO₂e per compressor, while the other two compressors showed increased energy use due to unadjusted defrost cycles. Simple payback periods ranged from 1.7 to 2.0 years for compressors with positive savings. Although the customer at Site 2 reported pre-existing defrost issues, customers at both sites reported no operational or performance issues after ET installation.

These findings indicate that the ET offers a viable pathway to enhance refrigeration system efficiency and support broader energy and climate policy objectives.

ET24SWE0054

Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/09

La Mirada, Corona,

AESC

Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural, Foodservice and Grocery

Field Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Harvesting Mid-size Industrial BRO Savings

The Project Team will recruit three midsize industrial customers within CA Investor-Owned Utility (IOU) territory to participate, conduct two-to-three-day onsite tune-ups (retro-commissioning events) with each site, and build each site an energy regression model to capture BRO savings opportunities identified during the tune-ups. Midsize industrial customers frequently lack the staffing to support engagement in a full, two-year SEM program nor do they have sufficiently high annual usage to cost-effectively justify submitting multiple projects through the custom platform. Through this project, the Project Team aims to show the viability of using the NMEC platform and measurement and verification (M&V) methodology to engage these sites in a way that meets their needs. This will streamline the program engagement requirement and the pathway to claim and earn incentives for energy savings. Focusing first on low- and no-cost BRO measures eliminates a common budgetary barrier for SMB industrial customers in CA. This approach yields customers quick cost savings and builds enthusiasm for additional energy projects.

ET24SWE0053

Process Loads, Whole Buildings

TSR

Active

2026/12

Cascade Energy

Energy Solutions

Industrial

Demonstration Showcase

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Active

Commercial Building Duct Sealing Energy Savings and Cost Analysis

This report builds on the Commercial Building Duct Sealing Market Characterization study, which identified significant energy efficiency opportunities from duct sealing technologies in small commercial buildings (J. Breda et al., 2024). Through comprehensive market analysis and field research, the prior study highlighted critical factors impacting duct configurations and leakage characteristics. This subsequent study focuses on quantifying energy savings potential through detailed energy modeling and cost-effectiveness analysis to guide targeted incentive programs.

This comprehensive evaluation of cost versus savings and payback periods highlights duct sealing as a strong candidate for incentive programs. The substantial energy savings, combined with relatively short payback periods, demonstrate duct sealing’s effectiveness in achieving rapid energy and cost reductions. Therefore, targeted diagnostic programs and performance-based incentives tailored for sealing projects present a highly attractive investment opportunity for California’s small commercial sector, supporting statewide energy efficiency and decarbonization goals.

ET24SWE0048

Whole Buildings

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/10

TRC

Commercial

Market Study

New Measure Package Development

Complete

Electric Infrastructure Upgrades Alternatives Study for Manufactured Housing

The project team proposes to conduct a field demonstration project that will seek to install intelligent power management technologies (IPMTs) (e.g., smart electrical panels, smart circuit breakers/relays) in manufactured housing with limitations in both customer-side and utility-side electric infrastructure to facilitate electrification of end uses that otherwise could not be done without an electrical service infrastructure upgrade. Electrifying home appliances — such as space and water heating, cooking, clothes drying, and EV charging — may require more electric capacity than is currently available to the home. This is especially true in mobile home parks in California, which typically have electrical service of 100-amps or less to individual lots, and where park ownership has decision-making authority regarding service upgrades. While IPMTs are commercially available today, there is limited deployment due to inexperience with the technologies by local permitting and inspection authorities. This project will seek to overcome this barrier by working with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to gain permitting approval for installing IPMTs in manufactured housing. This project team will also work with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and other stakeholders to identify a mobile home park that recently upgraded the park to 100-amp service through the CPUC’s Utility Conversion Program and has residents and park ownership interested in decarbonization efforts. The project team will then work with a local contractor to complete the installation of the IPMTs and coordinate with other utility programs and state decarbonization programs to electrify end uses in the field demonstration homes. By installing IPMTs to control electrical loads, this project will open up decarbonization opportunities to a key segment of naturally-occurring affordable housing while demonstrating the value of IPMTs as a safe and effective alternative solution to more expensive electrical infrastructure upgrades.

ET24SWE0047

Whole Buildings

TSR

Active

2026/08

VEIC

Residential

Demonstration Showcase

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Active

Modeling CO2 System Refrigeration Loads

This project aims to update and refine existing analysis tools, improve modeling methodologies through a validation process, and apply lessons learned to the automated modeling workflow that can serve as the underlying framework for future software tools. The goal is to support utility programs by building open-source models for TC CO2 refrigeration systems that are flexible, transparent, and efficient in both new and existing stores that will provide a streamlined and structured approach for CA IOUs to claim savings on these projects. The proposed validation study will improve and adapt OpenStudio tools to natural refrigerant systems, which have not consistently been captured due to unsubstantiated analysis methodologies, and provide a cost-effective modeling approach for smaller, independent, and DAC/HTR grocers.

ET24SWE0046

Process Loads

TDR

Active

2026/08

VEIC

Commercial

Tool Development/Enhancement

Tool Development

Active

DIY HPWH Installation & Market Study

This project will assess pathways, technical solutions and guidance for simplified DIY homeowner or general contractor replacement of existing electric and gas water heaters with new heat pump water heaters (HPWH) in California. Permitting and code requirements for water heater installations can place significant limits on what residential homeowners can legally perform in water heater replacements, but the introduction of new plug-in 120V unitary and split HPWH products are designed to reduce the complexity of installations. Identifying the necessary plumbing, mechanical and electrical requirements and potential technical or process solutions to simplify and expedite permitting and installation could conceivably make DIY (or alternatively, general or HVAC contractor installations) more prevalent. The project team will engage existing programs offering rebates accessible to non-professional installers to evaluate opportunities to provide additional resources and guidance for quality HPWH installations, including a public facing DIY digital fact sheet/guide that will be available should California IOUs and CCAs want to share with their customers. The guide will identify the most important considerations for homeowners regarding the technical and permitting process to install their own HPWH, including supporting customers through DIY install feasibility while directing to relevant rebate and incentive programs. The project team will interview homeowners and general contractors that have completed recent HPWH installations to capture their reasoning, access to rebates and installation instructional guidance, and overall approach and experience. The project will also document recommended maintenance procedures for homeowners to support continuous high efficiency operation and product longevity. Our research intends to validate the size of the market that might be interested and able to take advantage of DIY installations, understand the necessary equipment and skill sets and provide actionable recommendations to program administrators on how to best support this alternative residential HPWH replacement path.

Resources in Final Report
DIY HPWH Digital Fact Sheet and Guide in English
DIY HPWH Digital Fact Sheet and Guide in Spanish

ET24SWE0044

Water Heating

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/06

Barnett Plumbing, SunWork, Penninsula Clean Energy, Silicon Valley Clean Energy, Redwood Coast Energy Authority

VEIC

Residential

Market Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Multipurpose Hydronic CO₂ Heat Pump for Commercial Buildings

Space cooling, space heating, and domestic hot water (DHW) are major energy end-uses in California. Space heating and domestic hot water needs account for approximately 70 percent of natural gas use across all commercial sector buildings and over 90 percent of natural gas use in multifamily buildings, making these end-uses two of the state’s largest building decarbonization targets. Innovative technologies that are both energy-efficient and cost-effective are necessary to achieve these decarbonization targets and still satisfy demands for all three end-uses.

This study evaluated the design and feasibility of a retrofit multipurpose hydronic CO₂ heat pump at one office building and one low-income multifamily building. The technology electrifies and decarbonizes heating, cooling, and DHW systems in a packaged, high- efficiency heat pump system that uses CO₂, a refrigerant with low global warming potential (GWP). The project team assessed the technology at each site through site observations, design and sizing of the new system, cost evaluation methodology, building energy modeling approaches, cost proposals, and modeling results.

Both sites showed potential energy and cost savings compared to gas-fired baselines by reducing natural gas use and improving efficiency, although fuel switching increased peak electricity demand. Site 1 achieved estimated GHG emission reductions of 22 metric tons of CO₂e, improved their baseline COP from 1.7 to a peak COP of 3.4, and demonstrated a Total System Benefit (TSB) of about $1,428. Site 2 had larger baseline heating loads and observed estimated GHG emissions reductions of 79 metric tons of CO₂e, improved their baseline COP from 1.2 to a peak COP of 2.8, and demonstrated a TSB of about $2,259.

These findings highlight the technology’s potential to electrify and decarbonize heating, cooling, and DHW systems in commercial and multifamily buildings. Further research, including pilot demonstrations, is recommended to validate real-world performance, quantify energy impacts, and address market barriers.

ET24SWE0042

HVAC

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2025/10

CHW, HHW,

AESC, ASK Energy, Ecotope

Commercial

Field Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Commercial Building Duct Sealing Market Characterization

This market characterization study focuses on evaluating the range of duct sealing technologies available for commercial buildings, emphasizing their effectiveness, market availability, and implementation challenges. Through market research, including literature reviews and expert interviews, the study aims to establish a comprehensive understanding of the current duct sealing technology landscape.

Together with a parallel CalNEXT study on commercial duct sealing energy savings and costs, this study supports the development of a measure package (or measure package update). This project supports the adoption of energy-saving duct sealing practices by providing a detailed analysis of each technology’s advantages and limitations, thereby contributing to enhanced energy efficiency and sustainability in the commercial sector. This project was designated Fast Track.

ET24SWE0041

Whole Buildings

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/12

UC Davis, Western Cooling Efficiency Center, cooling, University of California Davis, WCEC

TRC

Commercial

Market Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

CO₂ Chiller for Agricultural Sector

California’s dairy sector faces increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and comply with stringent refrigerant regulations. Conventional synthetic refrigerants have high global warming potential (GWP), making the transition to natural refrigerants critical for meeting decarbonization goals. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) offers a sustainable alternative with zero ozone depletion potential and a GWP of one, but its adoption in large-scale agricultural cooling remains limited due to technical complexity and equipment cost barriers.

This study evaluates the performance, environmental benefits, and market readiness of CO₂ based chiller systems for high volume milk cooling in California dairies. The goal is to determine whether CO₂ chillers can deliver energy efficiency, operational reliability, and lifecycle cost advantages compared to synthetic refrigerant systems, while supporting statewide climate mandates.

A field demonstration was conducted at two large dairy farms using a hybrid CO₂-synthetic chiller system at Site 1 and a standalone CO₂ chiller at Site 2. Measurement and verification followed IPMVP protocols, with data normalized using temperature binning and regression modeling. Key metrics included annualized energy use, peak demand, heat recovery potential, GHG reductions, and lifecycle cost. A market study complemented the technical analysis through stakeholder surveys.

CO₂ chillers achieved comparable or slightly better energy performance than synthetic systems, with hybrid configurations offering up to 23–27% energy savings. Heat recovery enabled significant fuel reductions; 40,500 gallons of propane at Site 1 and 2.61 million cubic feet of natural gas at Site 2, avoiding 359 tons of CO₂e annually. Lifecycle cost analysis showed a 16% lower total cost of ownership for CO₂ systems over 20 years. However, CO₂ chillers exhibited 33–49% higher peak demand and occasional shutdowns under high ambient conditions, mitigated by adiabatic cooling retrofits.

CO₂ refrigeration systems present a viable, environmentally superior alternative for dairy cooling, aligning with California’s decarbonization targets. While upfront costs and technical complexity remain adoption barriers, integrated heat recovery, optimized sizing, and incentive programs can accelerate market penetration. Broader deployment could significantly reduce GHG emissions in agricultural refrigeration, positioning CO₂ technology as a cornerstone of sustainable dairy operations.

ET24SWE0040

Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/12

Central Valley,

AESC

Agricultural

Field Study

Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development

Complete

Laboratory Evaluation of Residential Smart Panels

Widespread residential electrification in California is constrained by legacy service panels (100–125 A) that cannot support concurrent operation of high-demand loads such as heat pumps, EV chargers, and electric dryers. Conventional service upgrades are expensive, require utility coordination, and disproportionately burden lower-income households. Smart electrical panels offer a potential alternative by dynamically managing circuit-level loads to prevent main-breaker trips and defer service upgrades, but there is limited independent validation of their technical performance or market readiness.

This project evaluates three commercially available smart-panel architectures—a full smart-panel replacement, a downstream smart subpanel, and retrofit smart breakers—through controlled laboratory testing at UC Davis and stakeholder engagement with contractors, utilities, and building-department officials. Laboratory testing assessed service-upgrade-avoidance (SUA) behavior using overload conditions from 5% to 100% above configured limits, circuit-level metering accuracy, and load-reenergization logic. Stakeholder engagement examined awareness, perceived barriers, and inspection challenges.

All systems successfully prevented sustained overloads below main-breaker thermal-trip curves, demonstrating technical feasibility for SUA. The panel-replacement system employed overload-dependent and adaptive 1–6 min recovery intervals. The smart subpanel initiated shedding within ~4 seconds but used a fixed 1-min re-enable timer, producing frequent cycling under sustained loads. The smart-breaker system relied on user-defined “scenes” rather than automated sensing, providing limited autonomous protection and depending heavily on correct configuration. All products achieved circuit-level metering accuracy within ±5 W of laboratory reference equipment, sufficient for consumer feedback but not revenue-grade. Advanced features marketed as demand response, TOU optimization, or carbon-signal control were either minimally implemented or dependent on third-party smart-home platforms.

Interviews revealed low installation experience, inconsistent inspector familiarity, unclear software-driven control behaviors, and high upfront cost as primary barriers. Results indicate that smart panels can technically defer service upgrades today, but broader adoption will require improved software transparency, installer training, and aligned permitting/inspection procedures.

ET24SWE0039

Whole Buildings

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2025/11

California Lighting Technology Center, UC Davis, VEIC

CLTC

Residential

Lab Study

Measure Study/Recommendation

Complete

Water and Wastewater Pump Replacement Industry Standard Practice & Measure Package Update

The SWWP004-03 Measure Package currently targets clean water pump applications, excluding wastewater pumps despite their similar design and testing criteria. Wastewater pumps, particularly non-solids-handling types, undergo the same Pump Energy Index (PEI) testing as clean water pumps. This gap limits the adoption of high-efficiency pumps in wastewater applications. A prior CalNEXT Emerging Technologies study (ET23SWE0039) highlighted this issue and recommended developing a measure package for wastewater pumps.

This study aimed to establish industry standard practice (ISP) baseline PEI ratings for both clean water and wastewater pumps and update the SWWP004 Measure Package accordingly. Surveys were conducted with 16 stakeholders, including end-use customers, manufacturers, distributors, and experts, to understand the market and purchasing drivers. Findings revealed that most customers are unaware of PEI ratings, with reliability and initial cost being the primary decision factors. Vendors, even those familiar with PEIs, rarely include them in specifications or recommendations.

NEEA sales data from the Northwest region provided insights into average PEIs but reflected a market influenced by incentives, not representative of California’s baseline. Notably, there was no significant difference in PEI ratings between clean water and wastewater pumps.

The study recommends using the DOE Pump Compliance Certification Database to update baseline PEI values in the SWWP004 Measure Package. Setting baseline PEIs at the 25th percentile of the DOE database ensures alignment with both survey findings and DOE standards, promoting energy efficiency while addressing market barriers for clean water and wastewater pumps. This project was designated Fast Track.

ET24SWE0038

Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/12

Lincus, pumping systems, Southern California Edison, SCE

Lincus

Industrial

Measure Package Development

Measure Package Revision

Complete

Cooling and Dehumidification for Indoor Farming

This project aims to address the humidity and temperature regulation challenges in enclosed indoor farming facilities, known for high energy consumption, by utilizing a high-efficiency heat pump-powered solid desiccant dehumidification system and an indirect evaporative cooling system. The system’s performance will be evaluated in the Controlled Environment Engineering Lab at UC Davis in addition to developing a model to project system performance under different operating and climate conditions.

The project holds significant value as it proposes cost-effective and environmentally friendly HVACD solutions for enclosed indoor farming facilities. By improving the energy efficiency of the dehumidification and cooling processes, the project has the potential to lower the carbon footprint of indoor farming and ultimately achieve the target for net-zero indoor food production, contributing to environmental sustainability.

ET24SWE0037

Process Loads

TDR

Active

2026/08

University of California Davis

UC Davis

Agricultural

Lab Study

Measure Study/Recommendation

Active

Nonresidential Heat Recovery Chiller and Air-to-Water Heat Pump Measure Package Development

To advance California’s decarbonization goals, Energy Solutions is collaborating with the state’s investor-owned utilities to expand the California Electronic Technical Reference Manual (eTRM) by introducing measure packages for hydronic air-to-water heat pumps (AWHP) and heat-recovery chillers (HRC). These technologies, which offer significant energy efficiency potential, are poised for greater market adoption.

This report summarizes a comprehensive literature review of studies and manufacturer data on AWHP and HRC systems, including insights from DOE, ASHRAE, and field case studies. The analysis identified retrofit opportunities for replacing natural gas-fired boilers in large commercial buildings with AWHPs and water-to-water heat pump heat recovery chillers (WWHRC). For partial decarbonization, the team recommends monitoring boiler runtime to facilitate future electrification. For full electrification, the focus is on readiness, including panel capacity and mechanical heat recovery measures.

Stakeholder engagement, including feedback from the California Technical Forum (CalTF) Measure Screening Committee, shaped the measure development process. The committee’s encouragement supports the development of a comprehensive measure plan.

The team proposes 14 measures, divided into three phases: near-term (three measures), mid-term (six measures), and long-term (five measures). These offerings aim to address technical, market, and application challenges while accelerating the adoption of AWHP and HRC technologies in California’s commercial building sector. This project was designated Fast Track.

ET24SWE0036

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/12

heating, cooling,

Energy Solutions

Commercial

Measure Package Development

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Lab Grade Refrigerators and Freezers Measure Package Development

The Lab Grade Refrigerators and Freezers Measure Package Development project aims to establish a new California (CA) electronic Technical Reference Manual (eTRM) Measure Package for the high-performance subset of the equipment defined by ENERGY STAR®’s Laboratory Grade Refrigerators and Freezers Specification Version 2.0. The project included capturing baseline energy consumption data through onsite field equipment metering, conducting a market assessment, developing incremental measure cost values for the measure package, and submitting a measure package to the California Technical Forum (Cal TF) for affirmation.

ET24SWE0034

Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/12

laboratory, universities, pharamceuticals,

Energy Solutions

Commercial, Industrial, Medical

Measure Package Development

New Measure Package Development

Complete

New Commercial Foodservice Measure Prioritization

The Commercial Foodservice Measure Prioritization Project has developed a database to help investor-owned utilities prioritize energy-efficiency measure development for electric commercial food service programs. This was achieved through extensive assessments of non-incentivized commercial food service equipment including developing preliminary savings estimates, estimating measure costs and sales volumes, identifying equipment testing needs and fuel-substitution potential, and discussions with market actors to help determine market trends and efficiency efforts. This data was gathered to help maximize the impact of limited measure development funds by identifying which technologies provide the most savings and cost-effective opportunities in the energy-efficiency programs like the California Foodservice Instant Rebates Program.

Resources in Final Report
Prioritized Measure List

ET24SWE0032

Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/11

Frontier Energy, database, California Foodservice Instant Rebates, Food Service Technology Center,

Energy Solutions

Commercial

Market Study

Tool Development

Complete

Central Heat Pump Water Heating Control Optimization

Central heat pump water heating systems (CHPWH) are crucial for California’s greenhouse gas, decarbonization, and energy efficiency goals. Potential greenhouse gas emissions reduction in the California multifamily market alone are around 1.7 million tons per year as estimated by a recent CHPWH retrofit field demonstration and market study (ET22SWE0017). This follow-up project returned to the same two low-income, senior living high-rise buildings in San Francisco to optimize load flexibility controls. The team tested various controls sequences that were designed to minimize energy costs, reduce emissions, and increase total system benefit. The improved controls were shown to reduce annual energy costs by up to 19 percent, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 12 percent, and increase total system benefit by up to 24 percent. These results demonstrate the value and justify improved CHPWH controls in future products, commissioning processes, standards, and program requirements. The report also includes recommendations that can help ensure these benefits are widely realized during the domestic hot water market transformation towards CHPWH use in California and elsewhere.

ET24SWE0030

Water Heating

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/05

AESC, SkyCentrics, senior living facility,

ASK Energy, Ecotope

Commercial, Multifamily

Market Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Multifamily Central Heat Pump Water Heater Field Study

Central HPWH systems are a relatively new technology. While there are previous studies that focus on lab testing and field demonstration of specific products and highly engineered system designs, field evaluation of typical real-world installations of a wide range of systems and products will be of significant value in terms of improving industry’s knowledge of the technology, creating awareness and confidence among consumers, and consequently providing data to support or expand existing utility program design, and advancing market adoption. This study will leverage the opportunity primarily provided by the Energy Smart Home (ESH) program. This project team will work with the program participants to collect system installation data, install monitoring instruments to collect operational data for evaluation of the field performance of their systems. This performance evaluation of installed HPWH systems at five sites in combination with prior documented field studies will allow for preliminary identification of high, medium, and low performing hot water system designs. We will identify design, installation and operational features that are critical for a success application.

ET24SWE0029

Water Heating

TSR

Active

2026/12

TRC

Commercial

Field Study

Measure Study/Recommendation

Active

Electrifying Large Commercial Central Plants: Demonstration of TIER and Program Delivery Solutions

Decarbonizing large commercial buildings requires a viable pathway to replace conventional gas-fired central plants with efficient all-electric alternatives. However, existing approaches—primarily air-to-water heat pump (AWHP) systems—often suffer from high costs, large footprints, limited cold-weather performance, and complex integration challenges. These barriers have slowed adoption despite the urgent need for scalable electrification solutions. This project addresses these challenges by evaluating Time Independent Energy Recovery (TIER), a novel all-electric central plant concept that integrates heat recovery chillers, thermal energy storage (TES), and AWHPs to maximize heat recovery and system efficiency.

The study combines field demonstration, analytical modeling, and market assessment. First, an in-depth performance evaluation was conducted on the first operational TIER installation serving a 1.2 million square foot office building in California. Second, simplified spreadsheet modeling tools and a comprehensive design guide were developed to analyze TIER configurations across climates, load profiles, and system designs. Third, parametric energy, cost, and life-cycle analyses were performed, alongside stakeholder engagement to identify barriers and market transformation strategies.

Measured results confirm that the TIER system significantly outperforms conventional all-electric baselines. The demonstrated plant achieved an average combined coefficient of performance of 5.5 compared to 4.0 for a baseline AWHP plant. Parametric simulation analysis shows that TIER configurations deliver 10 to 30 percent annual energy cost savings relative to conventional chiller/boiler systems, with additional benefits in emissions reduction and peak demand management. Results also indicate that performance is highly dependent on climate, load characteristics, and part-load equipment behavior, with hot water TES configurations generally providing the most favorable efficiency and cost outcomes.

Beyond technical performance, this project identifies critical barriers to market adoption and outlines targeted strategies to overcome them. Key challenges include system complexity, lack of standardized design approaches, modeling limitations in conventional simulation tools, insufficient workforce familiarity, and high perceived risk among owners and designers. To address these issues, the project proposes a coordinated market transformation pathway including development of standardized design guidance and sequences of operation, expansion of accessible modeling tools, manufacturer engagement to create packaged or modular TIER solutions, and workforce training to build industry expertise. Additional recommendations include utility program interventions such as targeted incentives, support for early adopters, integration with normalized metered energy consumption frameworks, and alignment with codes and standards to reduce uncertainty and improve confidence in all-electric central plant designs. These actions are designed to reduce design and implementation risk, lower costs, and accelerate familiarity across the supply chain.

Overall, the findings validate TIER as a high-performance and scalable solution for large-building electrification, capable of overcoming key limitations of current all-electric systems. While the technology introduces new design and operational complexities, the combination of demonstrated performance benefits and clear market strategies positions TIER as a promising pathway toward widespread adoption of efficient, all-electric central plants.

Resources in Final Report
All-Electric Central Plant Design Guide

ET24SWE0028

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2026/04

Taylor Engineers

Energy Solutions

Commercial

Tool Development/Enhancement

Tool Development

Complete

Characterization of Central Heat Pump Water Heating Deployment in the Multifamily Market

This report analyzes Central Heat Pump Water Heating (CHPWH) systems in multifamily buildings, highlighting market trends, challenges, and adoption strategies. With water heating accounting for 27–32% of multifamily energy use, CHPWH systems are key to decarbonization.

Retrofitting faces challenges such as space constraints, electrical limitations, and integration issues, which impact performance. Solutions include modular systems, QA/QC frameworks, and enhanced contractor training. Single-pass systems offer higher efficiency and better Legionella control, while multi-pass systems are installer-friendly and resemble gas boilers. Optimized control strategies can improve performance.

Manufacturers are shifting to low-GWP refrigerants like CO₂ and propane. Improved data collection and modular installations can enhance deployment. SysCOP is a key efficiency metric, influenced by controls, system sizing, and maintenance. Proper temperature control and ventilation improve performance.

Utility programs prioritize new installations over retrofits and focus on equipment rather than system efficiency. Streamlining applications, increasing cost coverage, and adopting SysCOP metrics can enhance effectiveness. Industry professionals support CO₂-based systems but cite challenges in sizing, affordability, and integration. Training and financial incentives are crucial for adoption.

Single-pass systems achieve COPs up to 3.9 with 68% energy savings and 90% GHG reductions, while multi-pass systems provide stable performance with COPs up to 2.3. Effective system design, financial incentives, and training are critical for widespread adoption.

ET24SWE0027

Water Heating

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/02

TRC

Multifamily

Market Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Performance Evaluation of DC EVSE

This project will focus on two distinct electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) categories: EVSE with an Alternating Current (AC) output and EVSE with a Direct Current (DC) output. The PEV battery requires a DC source for charging, but when connected to an AC charger, the PEV’s on-board charge converter hardware is active. The immediate outcome of the project will be determining the measured and reported difference in total charging pathway efficiency between market-available AC and DC EVSE. This knowledge can then be published and used by the public to decide between the two EV charging methods. Another outcome will be a detailed understanding of the efficiency of PEV onboard chargers and their impact on the overall charging pathway efficiency.

ET24SWE0025

Plug Loads & Appliances

TSR

Active

2026/08

University of California Davis

UC Davis

Residential

Lab Study

Measure Study/Recommendation

Active

Commercial Cooktop Fuel Substitution

The Commercial Cooktop Fuel Substitution project is developing a new measure package for the electronic Technical Reference Manual (CA eTRM). The measure is designed to show the benefits of utilizing electric induction cooktops in place of natural gas-fired cooktops in a commercial environment. The project team used the existing measure package for commercial electric and gas cooktops, SWFS026, to develop the new measure. Commercial Cooktop Fuel Substitution will support California’s decarbonization goals by introducing a new fuel-substitution measure for the commercial foodservice industry. Natural gas is the most used fuel in commercial cooking and cooktops are one of the most used commercial kitchen appliances. Electric induction cooktops are gaining acceptance, and the introduction of a new fuel-substitution measure will help increase market share of the appliances and promote electrification of the food service industry by enabling deemed savings and incentives for commercial cooktop fuel substitution.

The proposed project supports California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Decision 23-04-035 by developing a fuel-substitution measure package for customers switching from natural gas to electric. The project aims to deliver a comprehensive measure package, fully developed and ready for approval by the CPUC. This package will be submitted to the California Technical Forum (Cal TF) measure screening committee and will encompass the creation of a draft measure packet within the CA eTRM, along with all necessary review and editing tasks for Cal TF affirmation. This project was designated Fast Track.

ET24SWE0024

Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/11

Energy Solutions

Commercial

Measure Package Development

New Measure Package Development

Complete

Field Demonstration of Electric Clothes Dryer Controller

Residential electric clothes dryers account for approximately 6 percent of household electricity use in the U.S., yet their efficiency has remained largely unchanged for decades. Over-drying is a common issue, even with automatic termination features, resulting in unnecessary energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Improving dryer efficiency is critical to California’s SB 100 decarbonization goals and offers a cost-effective pathway to reduce residential energy demand.

This study evaluates an add-on controller designed to terminate drying based on exhaust air temperature and humidity, aiming to reduce energy waste. The objectives were to quantify real-world energy savings, assess user satisfaction, and identify adoption barriers for this emerging technology.

The controller was installed in ten homes across California’s Climate Zone 12, including disadvantaged communities. Energy consumption and cycle duration were monitored for three months before and after installation using IPMVP Option A protocols, supplemented by customer surveys for user feedback. Data analysis compared baseline and post-installation performance.

The controller achieved an average 19.4 percent reduction in energy per drying cycle and 15.8 percent shorter drying cycle times, translating to annual savings of 133 to 220 kWh per household and 53 to 88 kg CO₂e emissions reduction. Customer satisfaction was high, with 100 percent reporting adequate dryness and 78 percent noticing shorter cycles. Simple payback ranged from 4.0 to 6.6 years, depending on usage.

Field results confirm that add-on dryer controllers can significantly reduce energy use and support statewide decarbonization goals. Broader adoption through utility incentive programs, particularly in disadvantaged communities, could deliver substantial cumulative savings. Future work should focus on algorithm optimization, expanded testing, and design improvements for plug-and-play installation.

ET24SWE0023

Plug Loads & Appliances

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/12

AESC, ASK Energy

Residential

Field Study

New Measure Package Development

Complete

Heat Pump Customer Questions Study

Air source heat pumps for replacing gas-powered water and space heating are a keystone technology in efforts to decarbonize buildings.[1] Heat pumps have the potential to save approximately 60% of total residential heating energy consumption and reduce GHG emissions by 13.1 MMTCO2e if installed in homes throughout California.[2] Utility programs in the state offer generous rebates to address the high initial costs of heat pumps, but market adoption must accelerate substantially to achieve the Governor’s goal of installing 6 million heat pumps by 2030. Doing so will require addressing customers’ questions and concerns about heat pumps. Recent research on this topic has relied on third-party reports of customers’ perspectives or data collected from early adopters. By contrast, the proposed project would collect data from the next wave of potential heat pump adopters rather than their proxies. We will mine information from questions and comments posted in public forums (e.g., blogs, news articles, podcasts, online forums), conducting broad sweeps and targeted searches to uncover data on issues such as split incentives between building owners and occupants and views on the need for backup fossil fuel systems. Other priority topics will be identified in consultation with utility program implementers. Using recently available web scraping and AI-assisted data cleaning techniques, we will be able to hear from customers contemplating heat pumps like never before.

This project will identify consumers’ most critical questions and concerns about heat pumps and answer three research questions.

RQ1: What are the most common questions, comments, and concerns about heat pumps among California’s residential electricity customers?
RQ2: What insights do their comments and questions give us about the experiences of prospective heat pump adopters?
RQ3: What insights do they give us about potential adopters’ impressions of heat pump performance, quality of service, and non-energy impacts?

ET24SWE0022

HVAC, Water Heating

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/06

University of California Davis

UC Davis

Residential

Market Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Enabling Non-Residential Electrification and Efficiency with Fault Managed Power Systems (FMPS)

The Non-Residential Electrification and Efficiency with Fault-Managed Power Systems (FMPS) CalNEXT project explored the technology’s market potential and assessed how FMPS can reduce barriers to electrification efforts by reducing the complexity and cost of electrical infrastructure upgrades across non-residential (commercial, industrial, and agricultural) customer segments. This project characterized associated individual technologies to better understand the landscape and program impacts with an interest in scaling the market for commercial, industrial, and agricultural systems. With the rising need for widespread electrification of buildings in California, innovative solutions are needed to support broad decarbonization efforts.

FMPS technology capitalizes on providing direct current (DC) power to DC-powered devices, reducing line losses over long distances via efficient power delivery. The team installed an FMPS system at one indoor farm in California to evaluate the energy savings potential of FMPS for horticultural lighting process systems and uncover a strategic direction for FMPS program development. These systems observed energy and environmental data for four weeks to confirm lighting system operation during a flowering cannabis growth cycle.

The Project Team observed that electrical infrastructure with a higher power factor has lower potential FMPS energy savings. It was also noted that FMPS has the potential to achieve 5 percent electricity savings in indoor agriculture process lighting applications. The indoor cannabis industry could save 71 million kWh across 9,500,000 square feet of cultivation facilities with FMPS-powered horticultural lighting. Customer insights from the study showed FMPS is easier to implement in new construction projects or phased retrofits of large buildings. The insights support considerations for creating new inducement payments for FMPS through new construction programs to encourage new construction projects to adopt Class 4 Power while electrifying other building systems.

ET24SWE0021

Whole Buildings

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/08

ERI, Energy Solutions, Pacific Gas & Electric, PG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric, SDG&E, Southern California Edison, SCE, Thrive Agritech, VoltServer

ERI

Commercial

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Demonstration of “Combi” Air-To-Water Heat Pump

Air-to-water heat pumps (AWHPS) have been gaining traction worldwide in countries where hydronic heating is the predominant HVAC option. With the United States increasing national focus on decarbonization of the building sector, the AWHPs market still trails behind other more popular HVAC options. AWHPs provides year-round space conditioning, and in several AWHPs also provide dedicated domestic water heating. This “three function” (i.e., space heating, space cooling, and domestic water heating) combination operation is attractive as a cost-compression technology. In the proposed work, GTI Energy will conduct two field evaluations to validate the performance of the high-efficiency and low-GWP state-of-the-art AWHPs technology in the California single-family home residential market to support future market adoption

ET24SWE0020

HVAC

TSR

Active

2027/09

GTI Energy

Energy Solutions

Residential

Field Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Active

Automated Guideline 36 Validation

Building automation systems (BAS) often fall short of their performance potential due to inconsistent control implementations, commissioning gaps, and repeated project specific reprogramming. ASHRAE Guideline 36 (G36) provides standardized, high performance control sequences that can significantly improve comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. Manufacturer provided G36 libraries can streamline application of G36 but industry currently lacks an objective validation method to ensure conformance with G36. Without such validation, users face uncertainty regarding the conformance, completeness, and robustness of manufacturer provided G36 libraries, a challenge already reflected in early field deployments that reveal frequent inconsistencies. This motivates the need for a rigorous, repeatable approach to evaluating G36 control programming.

This project develops and demonstrates a draft method of test (MOT) capable of automating bench scale validation of BAS programming against G36 sequences of operation. The approach uses a software-based testbed interfaced with a physical BAS controller to apply scripted operating conditions and compare actual controller outputs to expected behavior. The test method incorporates modular test blocks, machine readable input files, detailed stepwise conditions, and systematic reporting intervals, enabling precise evaluation across a wide range of G36 airside sequences.

Pilot tests conducted with both a commercial G36 variable air volume reheat library and an open source G36 implementation confirmed the feasibility of automated conformance testing. These trials informed refinements to test script architecture, point mapping conventions, and software tool capabilities. Engagement with BAS manufacturers and ASHRAE Guideline 36 committee members culminated in the formation of ASHRAE SPC 236, which will advance this MOT toward an American National Standards Institute standard.

Standardized, automated validation can improve programming quality, reduce project specific rework, and support codes, standards, and utility programs. By enabling scalable quality assurance at the programming library level, this method has the potential to streamline deployment and enhance long term BAS performance across the market.

ET24SWE0019

HVAC

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2026/05

CoPPER, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, ASHRAE,

Taylor Engineers, Eubanks Engineering Research, TRC

Residential, Commercial, Industrial

Tool Development/Enhancement

CASE Advocacy and Code Readiness

Complete

Small Medium Business HPWH Emergency Deployments

This field study will evaluate the viability of plug-in HPWHs as emergency replacements for the small medium business market. Lessons learned from this project can advance commercialization of this technology and provide program design data points for CalTF and IOUs, contributing to addition of the measure in existing TRMs, and allowing faster deployment and scaling.

ET24SWE0017

Water Heating

TSR

Active

2026/12

TRC

Commercial

Field Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Active

Large Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Measure Offering

The Large Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Measure Offering project will update the existing eTRM Measure Package SWCR017. It will align the measure offering size categories with the new ENERGY STAR® Laboratory Grade Refrigerators and Freezers Specification V2.0 by removing the upper and lower limits of the existing 15-29 ft³ size categories and modifying the HVAC interactivity methodology. This will align the measure with current market purchasing trends and help reach the state’s energy efficiency goals by expanding the model offerings to energy efficiency programs. The project included capturing baseline energy consumption data, a market assessment, updating the eligible building types and incremental measure cost updates for the measure package. This project was designated Fast Track.

ET24SWE0016

Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/11

HVAC, Energy Star

Energy Solutions

Industrial

Market Study

Measure Package Revision

Complete

Smart Ventilation Retrofit Demonstration Project

As residential construction moves toward tighter building envelopes to enhance energy efficiency, maintaining indoor air quality (IAQ) has become a critical challenge. California’s Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards mandate continuous or scheduled outdoor air (OA) ventilation in residential new construction but does not provide a path to dynamically vary ventilation based on pollutant levels. This project explored the potential of smart ventilation systems that activate ventilation based on real-time IAQ measurements, aiming to improve energy efficiency while maintaining acceptable IAQ.

The study included field demonstrations in 17 apartments across two multi-family sites, energy simulation modeling, and resident surveys. The smart ventilation system operated the OA fan intermittently and was able to maintain acceptable IAQ in the majority of the apartments. But for most apartments, the OA fan status did not need to change much before vs. after the smart ventilation system. At the first site where the OA fan was always off before, the smart ventilation system only needed to operate the OA fan 17 to 34% of the time for acceptable IAQ. At the second site, where the OA fan was always on before, the smart ventilation system needed to operate the OA fan continuously or near continuously for acceptable IAQ except in one apartment (75% operation).

Energy modeling showed significant savings potential for smart ventilation compared to continuously operating the OA fan, particularly in climates with high heating or cooling demands, with annual savings ranging from 450 to 1,400 kilowatt-hours per dwelling unit.

User feedback showed satisfaction from most participants but highlighted the need for improved system interfaces and user education. The findings emphasized the importance of addressing underlying ventilation system issues, including ensuring adequate ventilation airflow, and tailoring systems to specific climate conditions.

This research demonstrated the feasibility and energy-saving potential of pollutant-based smart ventilation systems, supporting California’s energy and IAQ goals. Future efforts should focus on system reliability, enhancing user understanding, and then developing programmatic offerings, and integrating smart ventilation pathways into residential energy codes.

ET24SWE0015

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/11

TRC

Residential

Field Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Controllers for Inverter-driven Compressors

The proposed project will evaluate patent-pending compressor controller technology through a field demonstration. The field demonstration entails installing the technology onto an existing VRF system with inverter-driven compressor to understand its potential energy savings. Technology is commercially available. The technology increases the suction pressure of the compressor to optimize the inverter compressor operation when system demand reduction occurs. As a result, the optimization allows for an overall compressor lift decrease, which saves compressor energy while maintaining occupant comfort. To our knowledge, there are no known competing manufactures of this technology or existing EE measure.

ET24SWE0012

HVAC

TSR

Active

2026/11

ASK Energy, AESC

Commercial

Measure Package Development

Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development

Active

DAC HTR Statewide SF Housing Characteristics Study

The DAC HTR Statewide Single-Family Housing Characteristics Study offers a comprehensive analysis of the housing conditions within disadvantaged communities (DAC) and hard-to-reach (HTR) single-family residences across California. Conducted in 2024, this study represents the second phase of a CalNEXT research project completed in 2023. The primary objectives were to assess the readiness of these communities for electrification, understand the barriers they face, and provide actionable insights to guide the design and implementation of utility programs aimed at equitable electrification. The study surveyed 300 single-family homes across various regions, leveraging networks of Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) program contractors and community-based organizations (CBOs). The resulting dataset establishes a comprehensive baseline of current electrification readiness in DACs and HTR communities. The baseline, combined with the electrification readiness scoring mechanism, provides a valuable framework for assessing progress and making iterative improvements to programs over time. By using this baseline to inform ongoing program adaptation, stakeholders can foster a responsive, collaborative approach to supporting DACs and HTR communities in their transition to electrification.

ET24SWE0011

HVAC, Plug Loads & Appliances, Whole Buildings

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/10

ASK Energy, heat pump, induction stove, electric panel

Ortiz Group, AESC

Residential, Single-Family, Disadvantaged Communities (DAC), Hard-to-Reach (HTR)

Market Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Medical Devices Market Characterization Study

This report presents findings from a market study of medical device energy efficiency. The specific devices studied in this report include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, computed tomography (CT) scanners, X-ray machines, positron emission tomography (PET) scanners, infusion pumps, dialysis machines, ventilators, room air cleaners (air purifiers and ionizers), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, and heating pads. The project team quantified the potential for energy savings and identified device types with opportunities for higher efficiencies through review of existing research, applicable regulations, codes and standards, and operational manuals as well as conversations and interviews with individuals representing national laboratories and ENERGY STAR^®, healthcare professionals working within radiology departments, and manufacturers of medical devices. This report identifies mechanisms and recommended efforts for achieving higher energy efficiency and energy savings in the California market.

ET24SWE0008

Plug Loads & Appliances

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/11

National Renewable Energy Laboratory, NREL, Plug and Process Load Team, US Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, ENERGY STAR, Mazzetti, UC Davis Health, Stanford Health Care, University of California Davis

VEIC

Medical

Market Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Commercial High-Efficiency Windows Measure Package Completion

The proposed project will continue the measure package development process for commercial high efficiency windows, picking up where project ET23SWE0018 ends. The proposed project will provide measure package development support from the point of Cal TF submission of the measure package suitable for submission to the CPUC and will include all review and editing activities required for Cal TF and IOU review of the measure package to prepare the measure package for CPUC review and approval, including assisting the Cal TF as they add the measure to the CA eTRM as a measure developer. This project was designated Fast Track.

ET24SWE0005

Whole Buildings

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/10

Southern California Edison, SCE, eTRM, CPUC

Energy Solutions

Commercial

Measure Package Development

New Measure Package Development

Complete

Residential High-Efficiency Windows Measure Package Completion

Project ET24SWE0004 continued the measure package development process for residential high-efficiency windows, picking up where project ET23SWE0043 ends. This project provided measure package development support from the point of Cal TF submission of the measure package to CPUC submission of the measure package. Support included all review and editing activities required for Cal TF and IOU review of the measure package to prepare the measure package for CPUC review and approval, including adding the measure to the CA eTRM as a measure developer.

ET24SWE0004

Whole Buildings

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/09

Southern California Edison, SCE, investor-owned utilities, IOUs, Energy Star, eTRM

Energy Solutions, VEIC

Residential

Measure Package Development

New Measure Package Development

Complete

HPWH Conversion Readiness Program Focused Pilot

The intent of this Focused Pilot was to break down barriers to residential heat pump water heater (HPWH) adoption in the marketplace. The pilot targeted four of the most significant barriers to test for scalable solutions that will result in faster time to market for HPWH. Those barriers are: 1) gaps in homeowner awareness of opportunities for prioritizing electrification improvements; 2) evaluating primary constraints to heat pump water heater installations including, but not limited to, space and ventilation; 3) assessing the need for and cost of required electrical upgrades for heat pump water heaters and other electrification opportunities; and 4) potential negative customer experiences associated with heat pump water heater installations, such as hot water supply or utility bill impacts. The Focused Pilot tested interventions at the stages of customer engagement, participation in home assessments, and installation of heat pump water heaters, and evaluated the scalability of the heat pump water heater conversion readiness program.

The Focused Pilot offered targeted customers with a free, in-home “electrification readiness assessment” that detailed the opportunities for electrification projects within single family homes. These assessments included a guide to incentives available to the customer, list the expected “readiness” tasks that will be necessary to complete the work, and showcased an offer of electrical upgrade incentives (available through the pilot) to assist participants in pursuing electrification while adopting a HPWH measure.

ET23SWE0075

Water Heating

Complete
Final Report

2025/07

Southern California Edison, SCE, Franklin Energy, MCE Home Energy Savings Program

Energy Solutions, VEIC

Residential, Single-Family

Market Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Plug-in 120V HPWH Measure Package Updates to eTRM

This research highlights the potential of 120-volt (120V) plug-in heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) as a transformative solution for residential water heating electrification. These systems provide a cost-effective, easily deployable alternative to traditional natural gas water heaters, addressing the challenges posed by emergency replacements, which account for 90% of water heater installations. Unlike 240V HPWHs, 120V systems can plug into existing outlets, eliminating the need for costly electrical panel upgrades. A California-wide study reported average monthly energy savings of approximately 85% compared to pre-existing gas water heaters when normalized to kilowatt-hours (kWh).

With 93% of California’s water heating stock reliant on gas or propane, 120V HPWHs represent a critical opportunity to decarbonize households, particularly in disadvantaged communities (DACs) and power-constrained homes. While current California Electronic Technical Reference Manual (eTRM) measure packages primarily focus on 240V HPWHs, this project emphasizes the need to integrate 120V systems, despite their lower uniform energy factor (UEF) ratings, as they deliver significant energy savings by avoiding inefficient electric resistance elements.

This study informs updates to SWWH025 and SWWH014 measure packages, recommending eligibility criteria for 120V HPWHs with a UEF of 2.6 or greater. Incorporating these systems into the eTRM will enable utilities to incentivize this technology, target hard-to-reach customers, and support emergency replacement programs. By promoting 120V HPWHs, California can advance toward its goal of 6 million heat pumps by 2030, fostering equitable decarbonization and reducing energy costs for residents. This project was designated Fast Track.

Resources in Final Report
Energy Saving Results

ET23SWE0074

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/11

San Diego Gas & Electric, SDG&E, Southern California Edison, SCE, Energy Solutions, CLEAResult

TRC

Residential

Measure Package Development

Measure Package Revision

Complete

Supply Chain Engagement for Increasing Packaged Unitary Heat Pump System Adoption

This project provides a market characterization of the commercial heat pump market to identify challenges and opportunities to transform the commercial RTU market in favor of HP RTUs. To complete this market characterization, the project team engaged with market actors across the supply chain to gain insights into barriers to sales, design, and installation of HP RTUs, and to explore potential interventions to mitigate these obstacles. A logic model was also completed to map out the path forward for overcoming identified barriers. Additionally, a midstream incentive pilot program was hosted as part of the focused pilot to evaluate HP RTU program participation challenges. The study identified recommendations to increase the adoption of this technology including the proposal of measure updates for CA programs.

Resources in Final Report
HP RTU Logic Model

ET23SWE0073

HVAC

Complete
Final Report

2025/05

Comfortable California, CLEAResult, CalMTA

TRC, Energy Solutions

Commercial

Market Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Occupant-Centric Micro-Zone Control for Commercial Buildings

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems represent a major contributor to building energy consumption, yet conventional zone-based control strategies often fail to optimize airflow for dynamic occupancy patterns, leading to inefficiencies and compromised indoor air quality. Micro-zone control, an emerging technology, addresses this challenge by leveraging advanced sensors and smart dampers to enable real-time adjustments to ventilation, heating, and cooling, at a more granular level than traditional zone-based systems. Successful implementation of this approach could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support California’s climate and electrification goals.

This study evaluated the real-world performance of micro-zone control across different HVAC configurations and occupancy conditions. Field demonstrations were conducted at two Southern California Edison sites: a college campus building equipped with a variable air volume system and a single-zone rooftop unit retrofitted for micro-zone control. Testing spanned 11 months at the first site and six months at the second, with data analysis incorporating regression modeling and California Climate Zone 8 weather files to estimate annual energy impacts. Based on field test data, annual electricity savings were estimated at 38% for Site 1 and 9% for Site 2. These results indicate that micro-zone control can reduce electricity consumption and peak demand during low-occupancy periods, while improving indoor air quality through continuous monitoring of CO₂, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter.

These findings highlight the potential for micro-zone control to enhance HVAC system performance, delivering both energy savings and healthier indoor environments. Broader adoption, supported by utility pilot programs and integration with Networked Lighting Controls, could accelerate market penetration and contribute to statewide energy and climate objectives, positioning micro-zone control as a scalable solution for advanced building energy management.

ET23SWE0072

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/11

ASK Energy, Southern California Edison, SCE, heat pump

AESC

Commercial

Field Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Field Evaluation of Ultra-Efficient, Compressor-less, Packaged Rooftop Unit with Integral Energy Storage

Commercial building energy performance has improved significantly over the past two decades through evolving codes, technology innovations, and building standards. Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems remain the largest energy consumer in buildings and represent the greatest opportunity for energy and carbon emission reductions. As Title 24 standards evolve to include dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS), it is important to evaluate how the operational efficiency of DOAS contributes to energy and carbon emission savings.

This project demonstrated and validated a novel emerging technology that has the potential to achieve high cooling efficiency using a desiccant-enhanced, indirect evaporative cooling approach with integrated storage for providing load flexibility. This field evaluation project measured the energy performance and peak load-shifting capability of this emerging DOAS technology. The technology combines liquid desiccant with indirect evaporative cooling and thermochemical energy storage to fundamentally reimagine how buildings are cooled, dehumidified, and interact with the grid.

The field test results showed that the DOAS with integral energy storage has the potential to increase distribution grid resilience during periods of extreme heat, futureproof buildings against the frequency and duration of heat waves with rising dew points. This technology advances building decarbonization by providing improvements in energy efficiency and load flexibility. Furthermore, operating costs can be reduced by lowering total electricity use and by shifting electricity consumption to take advantage of time-of-use rates and utility-sponsored load management tariffs and incentives.

This CalNEXT project aims to reduce risk and accelerate adoption of advanced DOAS systems for the benefit of ratepayers and society at large. Future efforts should both inform the development of new code requirements and identify potential barriers to broader adoption and codification of these advanced systems. It is recommended that additional field evaluation of the final commercial product be conducted to validate the energy savings determined in this project and provide additional data for measure development.

ET23SWE0071

HVAC

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2025/12

University of California Davis, ASK Energy, AESC

UC Davis

Commercial

Field Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Industrial Microwave Technologies Market Study

This report describes the current technology readiness levels for industrial microwave technology applications, including metallurgy, mining, food production, chemicals, and industrial refrigeration industries. The report identifies commercially available technologies that can produce microwaves for industrial applications and compares the theoretical energy performance. Microwave technology benefits compared to other heating technology can include operational cost savings, reduced processing times, lower energy usage, and higher operating temperature ranges.

ET23SWE0070

Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/11

Alternative Energy Systems Consulting

AESC

Industrial

Market Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Light Commercial Variable Speed Heat Pump Performance Map

This project advances California’s goal of deploying six million heat pumps by 2030 by improving understanding of commercial Variable Capacity Heat Pumps (VCHPs)—unitary, single-split, and multi-split systems with three or more capacity steps exceeding 5.4 tons. In collaboration with California investor-owned utilities (PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E), the project focused on performance data collection and modeling to enhance energy savings forecasts. Accurate modeling enables higher incentives, boosting adoption of energy-efficient VCHPs and benefiting manufacturers through increased sales.
The team partnered with VCHP manufacturers and distributors to acquire performance data while ensuring confidentiality. Despite challenges—such as limited product availability, manufacturer focus on DOE compliance, and refrigerant transitions—this research has prompted manufacturers to prioritize data organization and participation. Efforts are ongoing to convert collected data into anonymized curve coefficients for use in EnergyPlus and DEER measure packages.
A key success was the proof-of-concept modeling of publicly available two-speed VCHP data in EnergyPlus. Comparisons with BeOpt (DEER) curves demonstrated simplified modeling processes, including correlations between COPs at various stages. The project recommended phasing out outdated DEER options to streamline two-speed VCHP modeling.
This effort highlights challenges and solutions for future research, including the complexity of VCHP data gathering, the need to explore theoretical modeling, component-level simulations (e.g., VapCyc®), and collaborations for independent testing. Continued engagement with stakeholders and field data monitoring will further validate modeling results.
By addressing market barriers and advancing VCHP performance insights, this project supports California’s decarbonization goals and accelerates VCHP market adoption. This project was designated Fast Track.

ET23SWE0069

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/11

Department of Energy, DOE

Energy Solutions

Commercial

Market Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Advanced Motors Channel Partner Support and Measure Package Development

Advanced Electric Motors in this pilot are defined as electric motors with energy efficiency levels above current federal conservation standards published by DOE in 2014, which encompasses those listed on the 2022 Focused Pilot TPM as well as additional advanced motor technologies.[1] The technologies encompassed within Advanced Motors include motor technologies with efficiencies greater than current federal minimum standards: switched reluctance motors, synchronous reluctance motors, permanent-magnet (PM), PM alternating current (AC) (PMAC) motors, PM synchronous motors (PMSM), and Brushless DC Motors (ECM motors). This pilot will address the non-OEM market, which focuses on motor replacements and retrofits in non-residential systems, with emphasis on variable torque motor-driven systems, such as pumps and fans. Through existing research, the following have been identified as primary barriers to the adoption in the non-OEM market:

1) Advanced Motors are seldom stocked by distributors. Product availability (both the quantity and diversity of motor frame, speed, and horsepower) and very high prices compared to standard induction electric motors are holding back this market. Long lead times for these products are also resulting in missed opportunities, especially in the replace on burn out (ROB) market. Manufacturers are not incentivized to increase production volume however until demand rises.

2) Only Software Controlled Switch Reluctance Motors for Packaged Unit HVAC are currently covered as a measure within the CalTF eTRM. All other Advanced Motors are not listed as eligible measures in the CalTF eTRM and, therefore not incentivized by utilities.

3) Broad lack of industry awareness, understanding of benefits and demand. The non-OEM motor replacement/retrofit market requires specialized expertise from contractors, distributors and manufacturer representatives and there is a significant opportunity to increase the number of professionals with this expertise. Expertise is particularly important given the complexity of compatibility with existing drives. If a customer has to replace a functioning existing drive just to accommodate the new motor, this represents a significant additional cost with an unknown customer payback. Fostering a better understanding of motor drive compatibility could therefore help to spur customer uptake. There are several types of advanced electric motor technologies available on the market today. Electric motor customers, including commercial building owners, managers, HVAC contractors, and maintenance managers are generally not aware that advanced motors exist, what their performance benefits are, whether they are appropriate for their applications (e.g., HVAC air handlers), how to ask for them, or where to buy them. These are all significant barriers on the customer side but also more broadly for several market actors. As a result, most commercial and industrial consumers are not aware of advanced motors, including their energy savings, improved control/operation or their environmental benefits compared to regulated induction motor.

To address the identified barriers, this pilot will:

Identify non-residential building types and systems that are recommended for advanced motor and drive retrofits. This will inform deliverables for the rest of this pilot.
Develop a draft Advanced Motor and Drive Measure Package for submission to the California Technical forum (Cal TF). This is meant to address barrier (2) and consequently barrier (1) from above: lack of eTRM coverage and limited distributor stocking/sales. This would be successful if the measure package is accepted by Cal TF into the eTRM and then used for a deemed utility incentive program to increase stock and sales the equipment detailed in the measure package.
Document technical requirements such as NEMA Design, torque (starting, accelerating, constant, running, full load, stable), sizing, frame size, enclosure type, rpm, hazardous location, and mounting base, that must match existing motor specifications.
Document savings from onsite monitoring of advanced motor and drive in specific motor system applications. The sample of field monitoring sites will provide both an average savings and a range of savings based on the sample size. This will address barrier 2: lack of eTRM cover for advanced motors. Success of this task will be measured by CalTF’s acceptance of this measure package which will provide a foundation for an advanced motors incentive program utilizing deemed incentives. The scope of this pilot will only include the development of the draft measure package.
Draft educational materials and draft QPL for channel partners (such as contractors, sales engineers, manufacturers, distributors) aimed at increasing advanced motor and drive awareness and adoption. This is meant to address barrier (3), barrier (4), and barrier (1) above: the need for channel partners to have specialized knowledge, limited awareness about advanced motors, and limited distributor stocking/sales. By creating materials for the channel partners and interviewing them to determine what kinds of materials they’d find most useful, the project will raise awareness about advanced motors in the market and identify future opportunities for developing effective trainings. The success of this intervention will be measured through surveying the channel partners before and after they have trialed the draft educational materials; the surveys will measure their awareness and how materials will impact their stocking and selling behavior.

ET23SWE0068

Process Loads

Complete
Final Report

2024/12

Variable-Frequency Drives, VFD, IE4, IE5,

Energy Solutions, VEIC

Commercial, Industrial

Measure Package Development

Measure Package Revision

Complete

Smart Controls for Data-Driven Indoor Agriculture Field Evaluation

The CalNEXT Smart Controls for Data-Driven Indoor Agriculture Field Evaluation project explored the market potential for and evaluated the impact of “smart controls” technologies on controlled environmental agriculture (CEA). This method of agriculture involves the cultivation and manufacturing of floriculture, food, and cannabis products. The study focused on automated, integrated, and intelligent environmental control technologies used in indoor and greenhouse CEA facilities in California. Smart controls monitor, evaluate, and control energy consumption of the facility’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC); lighting; crop irrigation; and nutrient management systems. More greenhouses and indoor farms are being built in California to meet increasing demand for a consistent supply of high-quality horticultural products. The project included a market assessment, field evaluations, and this technology roadmap (recommendations) to identify cost-effective energy efficiency and demand response measures for smart environmental controls in California’s CEA sector.

From December 2024 to May 2025, the project team documented issues and resolutions to identify field demonstration deficiencies. The technology roadmap shares five program pathway recommendations, including ideas for two new energy efficiency measure packages. The results from the study yielded the following lessons learned: 1. California cannabis, tomato, vegetable, herb, and strawberry growers are more likely to use smart heating, ventilation, and air conditioning controls than some floriculture growers due to higher profit margins and tighter plant-specific environmental requirements. 2. CEA businesses are more likely to be Hard-to-Reach customers and require unique outreach strategies. 3. Automated greenhouse lighting controls and automated greenhouse ventilation fan controls can achieve significant energy savings for growers across California. 4. The proposed changes to the 2028 version of the California Energy Code Title 24, Part 6 requirements for greenhouses may include a requirement for greenhouse lighting controls. The project concluded that accelerating the adoption of integrated and intelligent control systems with energy monitoring at CEA businesses may be challenging because some CEA facilities are located in areas that require a higher level of effort for program outreach. Similarly, small farms may not produce cost-effective energy savings for a smart CEA environmental controls energy efficiency program.

ET23SWE0067

Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/10

ERI, Cornell University School of Integrated Plant Sciences, Energy Solutions, Greenhouse Lighting and System Engineering (GLASE) consortium, Microclimates Inc., Pacific Gas & Electric, PG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric, SDG&E, Southern California Edison, SCE, DesignLights Consortium, GrowFlux, Sollum Technologies, Hoogendoorn Growth Management, Automation, Artificial Intelligence, AI

Agricultural

Field Study

New Measure Package Development

Complete

Lab Test of a Variable Speed Air-to-Air Multi-Function Heat Pump

Between 30 and 65% of residential buildings in California are expected to need electrical service upgrades to fully electrify, causing delays and costing $5,000 or more. Multi-Function Heat Pumps (MFHP) have the potential to reduce total installed costs by avoiding service upgrades because they can have lower peak power consumption compared to the typical two separate heat pumps for space conditioning and water heating. MFHPs use one efficient compressor to provide space cooling, space heating, and domestic hot water heating. Variable-speed air-to-air MFHPs have the potential for higher efficiency and can recover heat from space cooling to heat hot water. Equipment performance curves are needed to estimate energy savings.

This project laboratory tested a 24kBtu/h (7.1kW) rated variable-speed air-to-air MFHP, measuring capacity and energy consumption in all operating modes across a range of outdoor conditions that match California climate zones. At 95℉ outdoor and 80℉ indoor temperatures, the space cooling capacity at full rated compressor speed was 24.8 kBtu/h (7.28 kW) with COP of 3.42, and at intermediate speed was 15.7 kBtu/h (4.60 kW) with COP of 4.32. At 47℉ outdoor and 70℉ indoor return air temperatures, the space heating capacity at full speed was 24.8 kBtu/h (7.28kW) with COP of 3.96, and at intermediate speed was 13.2 kBtu/h (3.83 kW) at a COP of 4.90. At 47°F outdoor, the unit heated water from 65 to 120°F in 48 minutes and heated from 65 to 127°F with a capacity of 7.25kW and COP 3.24. The unit achieved an estimated water heating first-hour rating of 86.4 gallons. Heat recovery from space cooling for heating hot water from 110 to 120°F saved an average of 33% of electrical energy compared to separate cycles. Heat recovery mode with 80°F indoor, heated the water tank from 65 to 125°F with a combined space cooling and water heating COP of 7.9. The measured results were analyzed to develop performance curves that future projects will use in simulation tools to estimate annual energy savings in multiple types of residential buildings across climate zones.

Compared to the typical single speed split system heat pumps and standalone heat pump water heaters, this variable-speed air-to-air MFHP has the potential to increase energy savings and help avoid panel upgrades to reduce retrofit electrification costs. This equipment has the potential for significant energy savings compared to the single speed air-to-air MFHP previously tested ET23SWE0047. We recommend that MFHP technologies move forward to lab and field test commercially available products and to develop new efficiency measures for utility energy efficiency and electrification programs.

ET23SWE0066

HVAC

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2025/10

Western Cooling Efficiency Center, AHRI 210.240-2023, ASHRAE 206-2024, ASHRAE MFHP test, California Energy Commission, CEC, California Technical Forum, CalTF, San Diego Gas and Electric, SDG&E

UC Davis

Residential

Lab Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Central HVAC Advanced Electric Motor Lab Evaluation

The Western Cooling Efficiency Center at the University of California, Davis, completed a field evaluation of advanced electric motor technology in hydronic pumping for the variable air volume HVAC system of a three-story, 47,459-square-foot office building constructed in 1998. The study compared the performance of ferrite-assisted synchronous reluctance motors, a type of permanent magnet-assisted synchronous reluctance motor, against the commonly used National Electrical Manufacturers Association premium induction motors. New motors, variable frequency drives, and pump heads of both the upgrade and baseline types were installed side by side in a variable speed pumping application for heating hot water and chilled water.

The advanced motors were compatible with standard pump mounts and required minimal changes to installation procedures or building energy management controls. Electricians noted minor differences in VFD setup, but no additional training or tools were needed.

On the heating hot water system, the ferrite-assisted synchronous reluctance motor reduced measured energy use by 18 percent, with an expected simple payback of 0.34 years for motor additional equipment cost only, or 3.3 years including the full equipment cost of a new variable frequency drive, assuming $0.39/kWh tariff. Calculating the baseline motor energy consumption to correct for asynchronous motor slip increases the predicted energy savings to 28 percent for a simple payback of 0.25 years for motor equipment cost premium or 2.4 years including the full equipment cost of a new VFD.

On the chilled water system, the ferrite-assisted synchronous reluctance motor reduced measured energy use by 17.9 percent, with a simple payback of 2 years for motor additional equipment cost only, or 5 years including the full equipment cost of a new VFD. Adjusted to correct for baseline motor slip, the savings are 18.9 percent with a simple payback of 1.3 years for the motor equipment cost premium; adding the full equipment cost of a new VFD, the simple payback would be 4.4 years.

This study demonstrates that ferrite-assisted synchronous reluctance motors can deliver meaningful energy savings in hydronic HVAC systems with minimal changes to standard retrofit practices. The results of this project support further deployment of this technology and provide a foundation for utility program development, a comparison for future energy savings simulation estimates, and are a resource for contractor training.

ET23SWE0065

Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/10

Western Cooling Efficiency Center, EC Titanmium Motor, ABB, National Electrical Manufacturers Association, NEMA, ASHRAE 90.1 standard

UC Davis

Commercial

Lab Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

120V Induction Stoves with Battery Back-Up

The project scope is to replace propane fueled stoves in the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria, with 120V induction stoves that have an internal battery. The results of the project will include providing the IOUs with electrical operational data, customer testimonials, and program development recommendations. This project will specifically study the stove’s energy use, load shifting capabilities, cost, resilience, and user experience. The energy use and cost of the stove will be compared and benchmarked to a propane stove.

The stove (oven + cooktop) that will be utilized for this project is called “Charlie” by its manufacturer Channing Street Copper Company. There is no competing stove on the market that incorporates both a cooktop, oven and battery all powered by 120 volts, making it the only candidate to replace existing gas stoves at the time of this study.

Utilizing an 120V induction stove with an internal battery can provide resilience during power outages and can dramatically change the impact of electric cooking on the electric grid during the evening peak, reducing the potential for grid impact from 9600W down to 1800W—an 81% reduction of potential peak. A battery integrated stove can also provide boosted power to cooking, while staying on a smaller circuit so there is no change in provided service compared to a typical 240V electric stove. In addition, because 120V appliances do not need new wiring of 240V circuits (or potential electrical panel or service upgrades), they can save electrification retrofit costs, which can be essential in hard-to-reach and disadvantaged communities.

To ensure the benefits of this project were delivered to those most in need, the project team partnered with Lisa Sundberg, who is an active Tribal member of Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria, and who has held numerous other leadership roles in the community. The project aims to replace propane stoves in 36 tribal households, focusing on homes of tribal members with asthma or cardiopulmonary disease, which is aggravated by propane’s invisible “smoke,” and households that are subject to frequent multi-day power outages from winter storms and summer Public Safety Power Shutoffs. Ms. Sundberg worked on behalf of the Tribal Council to discuss with fellow tribal members their affirmative interest in replacing their propane stoves with induction and secured the attached letter of support from the Rancheria’s Tribal Council. All homes that will be in the study are by definition “Hard-to-reach” because they are geographically rural, and all homes in the study will qualify as Disadvantaged Communities because they will be located on Tribal Land.

ET23SWE0064

Plug Loads & Appliances

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/10

Department of Energy, DOE, California Public Utilities Commission, CPUC, investor-owned utilities, IOUs

Energy Solutions

Commercial

Measure Package Development

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Residential Heat Pump Financing Solutions Analysis

While HVAC heat pumps (HP) and heat pump water heaters (HPWH) continue to grow in market share for California (CA) single-family households, upfront cost remains a significant barrier to market transformation. Legislation, incentives, and education efforts have all motivated electrification. However, if the state and its investor-owned utilities (IOU) intend to achieve mass market adoption of HP technologies and significant progress toward decarbonization goals, they will need to support the deployment of a robust set of financing products for residential customers. Yet, to date, effective financing solutions for HP technologies are not widely available to CA residents at scale.

Through this CalNEXT market study, the Project Team aims to document the feasibility of multiple financing solutions that can accelerate HP market transformation in CA. The Project Team will start by reviewing the state of energy and electrification financing in CA, identifying salient HVAC and related energy technology financing products along with legislation influencing development of these solutions. Through this research, the Project Team will select up to four financing products with high potential to support HP market transformation to focus on for additional evaluation. The Project Team will interview key stakeholders across the supply chain and source financing project data, as available, to gain insight into how each of these solutions align with customer financial interests. By analyzing opportunities and barriers and risk and reward allocation for these solutions, the Project Team plans to provide a guide for thoughtfully deploying these financing solutions to targeted customer segments across the residential market. If effectively scaled, multiple, targeted residential financing products would aid all CA homeowners in adopting HP technologies, benefiting themselves and helping CA and the state’s IOUs make progress on decarbonization goals.

ET23SWE0063

HVAC, Water Heating

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/12

Energy Solutions, Ardenna

Residential, Low-Income

Market Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Craft Brewery Industrial Heat Pump Screening Tool

The project team developed a screening tool to help craft breweries and other stakeholders better understand the capabilities and potential applications of industrial heat pumps (IHPs). While IHP technology is relatively new to the brewing industry, interviews revealed strong interest in its adoption. The tool addresses this by categorizing IHPs into three main applications: water heating, steam generation, and heat recovery/chilling, corresponding to air-source heat pumps, heat recovery chillers, and high-temperature heat pumps, respectively. It allows users to explore the performance of each technology relative to traditional combustion heating methods and provides insights into the potential energy and cost impacts. Though designed as an introductory resource and not for specific equipment selection or sizing, the tool indicates that all three heat pump applications offer emissions savings, with heat recovery chillers showing the most favorable cost impacts, followed by air-source and steam-generating heat pumps. However, results will vary based on the unique circumstances of each brewery. This project was designated Fast Track.

Resources in Final Report
Craft Brewery IHP Screening Tool

ET23SWE0062

Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/10

Lincus, Pacific Gas & Electric, PG&E, Southern California Edison, SCE, California Public Utilities Commission, CPUC, Department of Energy, DOE

Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural, Residential, Municipal

Measure Package Development

Tool Development

Complete

Residential Smart Panel Field Demonstration

Smart electrical panels provide energy efficiency and electrification benefits to single family homes through monitoring and control of each electrical circuit in the home. This may allow homeowners to install high-efficiency appliances in situations that may otherwise be constrained by panel capacity. This field study will identify 3-5 host sites to gather occupant and installer feedback, quantify costs, and assess benefits. Each installation will include accompanying EE measures such as a HPWH, HP, or EVSE. EE measures will be assessed in terms of how the measure is supported by smart panel capabilities. Recruitment will also focus on sites including photovoltaics and energy storage; evaluating the ability to control the DERs using the smart panel. Different panel manufacturers will be used to assess manufacturer specific functionality.

ET23SWE0061

Whole Buildings

TSR

Active

2026/11

CLTC, California Lighting Technology Center, VEIC, electric vehicle, University of California Davis, UC Davis

AESC

Residential

Lab Study

Follow-Up Project

Active

PG&E HVAC Tool Validation

The PG&E HVAC Tool, developed to estimate savings for retro-commissioning (RCx) measures in commercial buildings pursuing utility incentives in California, has faced limited adoption due to the need for additional validation and CPUC approval. To address this, the project team validated the Tool using EnergyPlus (E+) models, comparing results for Air Side and Hot Water System measures. The analysis involved 132 runs across four DEER commercial prototypes (Retail, Office, Education, and Manufacturing) and three California climate zones (mild, hot, and cold). The report details the modeling procedures, savings comparisons, sensitivity analyses, and identified discrepancies between Tool and model estimates, including sources of uncertainty. Recommendations for improving the Tool’s accuracy and usability are provided to encourage adoption by IOU managers, implementers, and CalTF staff, increasing the likelihood of CPUC approval. This project was designated Fast Track.

Resources in Final Report
PG&E HVAC Tool v2.2.03
PG&E HVAC Tool v2.2.03 Documentation
Support File: Minimum Air Flow Ratio
Support File: DAT Heating Load Fan Energy

ET23SWE0060

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/11

Central Valley

AESC

Agricultural

Field Study

Tool Development

Complete

CHPWH Unpressurized Storage Design Optimization

Central heat pump water heater systems are crucial for the efficient decarbonization of multifamily and commercial buildings. These systems can provide electrified, efficient hot water for both new and existing buildings while minimizing grid impact and energy costs with load shifting capabilities. However, additional production options and design solutions are necessary to overcome remaining barriers to widespread market adoption. This project studied return-to-primary central heat pump water heater designs with unpressurized, atmospheric thermal storage that can reduce several of these adoption barriers and expand the market. The team used computational modeling to assess the capacity, performance, and benefits in comparison to both swing tank and natural gas alternatives. The market implications and recommendations for future work are discussed.

ET23SWE0059

Water Heating

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2024/07

Western Cooling
Efficiency Center, WCEC, University of California Davis, UC Davis

TRC

Commercial

Market Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

HVAC Capacity Controller

The custom-built HVAC capacity controller (HCC) studied in this project is a standalone device capable of interfacing with fixed-capacity or fixed-speed HVACR systems. The function of the HCC is to provide signal inputs to the VFD, so that the VFD’s output supplies the correct voltage and frequency to produce improved cooling load matching, less on and off cycling, soft start-ups, and faster temperature pulldowns of the HVACR system. The project team’s findings are broadly relevant for any HCC, however, at the time of this report, the custom-built HCC was the only one available that could work with a VFD to reduce HVACR power demand. In this study, the project team installed custom-built HCCs to interface with the VFD, to retrofit various fixed-capacity or fixed-speed HVACR equipment that operates from 230 volts AC, 60 hertz single-phase power of 5 kilowatts maximum. Hereafter, we refer to the VFD as “the test unit” or “the VFD.” Participants in the study included several single- family residences, schools, and churches located within the Southern California Edison (SCE) service area. Data were gathered and evaluated to determine reductions in demand (peak kilowatts) and consumption (kilowatt-hours).

ET23SWE0058

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/01

ASK Energy, Ecotope

AESC

Commercial, Multifamily, Low-Income

Market Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Overcoming Key Barriers to Electrification of Foodservice Hot Water in California

This research project addresses a key barrier to decarbonizing foodservice water heating systems: the California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health (CCDEH) Water Heater Sizing Guidelines (Guidelines). The Guidelines are enforced by California county health and safety departments and do not currently include guidance for heat pump water heaters (HPWH), a high-efficiency technology critical to decarbonizing water heating systems. To address this barrier and increase the adoption of HPWHs in the foodservice sector, the project gathered present-day hot water usage data from full-service restaurants and developed a HPWH sizing approach to inform updates to the Guidelines. This report documents the literature, data, and policy review, learnings from engaging with environmental health stakeholders, and findings from field data collection at three full-service restaurants. It concludes by providing specific recommendations to revising the CCDEH Guidelines, building codes and standards enhancements, and outlines future research needs.

[1] TRC, 2023. ET22SWE0019 Market Potential for Heat Pump Assisted Hot Water Systems in Foodservice Facilities. Final Report prepared for Energy Solutions for the CalNEXT program.

CCDEH. 2020. Guidelines for Sizing Water Heaters.

[2] California Office of Governor, Gavin Newsom. 2022. California Releases World’s First Plan to Achieve Net Zero Carbon Pollution.

[3] SCAQMD Proposed Amended Rule 1146.2 Working Group Meeting #2 Presentation Slide 9

ET23SWE0057

Process Loads, Water Heating, Whole Buildings

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/09

Barnett Plumbing, SunWork, Peninsula Clean Energy, Silicon Valley Clean Energy, Redwood Coast Energy Authority

VEIC

Residential

Market Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

High Efficiency Refrigerated Display Case

VEIC and NREL completed a market potential study and technology performance assessment of high-efficiency, liquid-cooled, low-GWP, self-contained, medium temperature, refrigerated display cases with advanced controls. The performance assessment included a laboratory assessment of energy use and heat rejection for the efficient case and used EnergyPlus modeling software to create a building-scale model to quantify HVAC system interactive effects and compressor waste heat reclaim potential across multiple climate zones.

With refrigeration accounting for roughly 50% of energy usage in supermarkets and grocery stores, these buildings have one of the highest EUIs and CUIs in the commercial sector. The state of California has nearly 18,000 food retail establishments that operate more than 8 million linear feet of refrigerated cases. As new case technologies and low-GWP refrigerant options come into the market, high-efficiency refrigerated cases present cost-effective, energy efficient, and decarbonization opportunities for food retailers.

ET23SWE0056

Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/02

NREL, Hussmann, Eversource, United Illuminating, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, SMUD, KW Engineering, Grocery Outlet, Albertson’s

VEIC

Commercial,
Foodservice and Grocery

Market Study

Measure Study/Recommendation

Complete

Heat Pump Rooftop Unit Demonstration

Packaged rooftop units are estimated to provide space conditioning for 75% of commercial building space in California and represent a significant opportunity for electrifying space heating loads using heat pump technology. Though space conditioning heat pumps are a keystone technology in California’s plans to decarbonize, there are still uncertainties in the market about what heat pump technology to select for a particular application and the benefits of different features offered by heat pump products.

This paper presents the findings from a field demonstration project that evaluated the performance of two 3-ton rooftop heat pump units to assess the impact of electrification retrofits in commercial buildings. The study collected primary data on a standard-efficiency and a high-efficiency heat pump, alongside a baseline gas-fired unit. Detailed monitoring allowed performance data to be normalized to local weather, ensuring accurate comparisons.

The high-efficiency unit featured inverter-driven compressor technology, enabling variable capacity operation to match building load. This modulation capability resulted in longer cycle durations and improved overall efficiency. Notably, the advanced features of the high-efficiency unit allowed it to operate without supplementary electric resistance heating, maintaining occupant comfort while reducing peak demand by over 50%. This reduction in peak demand can facilitate heat pump installations using existing electrical infrastructure for gas-fired rooftop units, significantly lowering installation costs.

The high-efficiency heat pump demonstrated approximately 7% higher overall efficiency compared to the standard unit which was lower than expected based on the 30% higher rated performance. Analysis of defrost cycles revealed that the high-efficiency unit’s control strategies avoided comfort issues during defrost events by temporarily shutting off the supply fan to avoid blowing cold air on occupants.

Overall, the results highlight the advantages of advanced heat pump technologies in electrification retrofits, including reduced installation and operating costs, improved energy performance, and enhanced occupant comfort.

ET23SWE0054

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/11

University of California Davis, Western Cooling
Efficiency Center, WCEC, Center for Energy and Environment

UC Davis

Commercial

Field Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Insights from Innovative Programs on Barriers and Opportunities for Heat Pump Adoption

Addressing non-cost barriers to heat pump adoption is critical to accelerating their uptake. This project highlights programs, strategies, and efforts to promote residential heat pumps led by utilities, governments, and non-governmental organizations around the world. Examples were gathered from heat pump program databases, news media, and targeted web searches. Efforts to address the specific characteristics that hinder heat pump adoption (e.g., low observability, low trialability) are described and synthesized, presenting a range of options for mitigating challenges associated with each technology characteristic. The information collected is summarized in brief case studies as well as a searchable database. The project is intended to inform Energy Savings Assistance programs and other stakeholders about innovative options to promote residential heat pump adoption.

Resources in Final Report
Heat Pump Adoption Program Database

ET23SWE0053

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/06

Western Cooling Efficiency Center, WCEC, UC Davis, University of California Davis

TRC

Commercial

Market Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Performance Assessment of Integrated Core Daylighting Technology

Core daylighting technologies, particularly fiber optic systems like the solar-tracking fiber optic lighting system (STF) studied in this project present an innovative solution for enhancing natural light access within buildings, especially in areas unreachable by conventional daylighting methods. These systems are potentially more impactful in regions like California, where energy efficiency and sustainable building practices are increasingly prioritized due to the state’s environmental goals and its high number of clear, sunny days. The team installed the STF system on the south side of the research building. This installation aimed to leverage the lessons learned from the previous deployment while improving overall system performance and scalability. The installation site was chosen to maximize exposure to sunlight throughout the day, ensuring minimal shading from surrounding structures.

The STF system delivered high-quality daylight with stable spectral characteristics, with a CCT of 4,623 to 5,158 Kelvin and a CRI of 88; however, luminous output varied substantially across fibers (396 lumens to 729 lumens), falling below the manufacturer’s stated maximum of approximately 700 lumens per fiber. Dust accumulation measurably reduced delivered light and required either rain or manual cleaning to restore performance. The hybrid fixtures achieved CRI values of 85 to 88 across operating modes, with color temperature shifting predictably as the LED to daylight ratio changed. Temporal stability analysis showed that fluctuations in daylight produced by cloud transients rarely created perceptible dimming events when the STF system was integrated with electric lighting. After filtering for human perception thresholds, the probability of an occupant noticing any event within a one-hour period remained low: 1.0 percent (partly cloudy), 0.7 percent (cloudy), and 3.4 percent (overcast). Among controllers tested, faster response and smaller deadbands reduced event frequency. During occupied daytime hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), when most office lighting energy use occurs, the STF combined with a controllable electric lighting system achieved a 40 percent reduction in energy usage when compared to the installed LED baseline. This results in annual savings of 75 kilowatt-hours, assuming that the system is operated during business hours Monday through Friday, with 10 days of holidays hours.

Project findings include an identified need for improving collector uniformity, lens alignment, and fixture optics would increase delivered lumens and reduce variability. Dust mitigation measures—such as coatings, improved housings, or automated rinsing—should be pursued to stabilize long-term performance. Cost reductions are essential, with the continued development of low-cost plastic fiber, simplified collector geometries, and modularized tracker assemblies representing the most impactful levers.

ET23SWE0051

Lighting, Plug Loads & Appliances

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2026/04

California Lighting Technology Center

CLTC

Residential, Commercial

Field Study

Measure Study/Recommendation

Complete

Comfort Impacts of Partial Coverage ASHPs

Air source heat pumps (ASHP) are essential for meeting California’s climate goals, but high initial costs limit adoption in existing homes. This study evaluates two alternative ASHP configurations—suitable capacity and indirect coverage—to determine their potential for reducing upfront costs while maintaining occupant thermal comfort.

Suitable capacity ASHP systems are designed to meet 70-90% of a home’s heating or cooling design load, enabling smaller equipment and lower first costs. Indirect coverage ASHP systems heat and cool homes without directly distributing conditioned air to every interior space, reducing installation costs. Ducted indirect coverage systems eliminate the need for vents and ductwork in every space, while ductless systems avoid installing indoor units in all conditioned spaces. Both configurations were compared to baseline systems, which meet 100% of heating or cooling loads and distribute conditioned air directly to all spaces.

The project team developed prototypes for a single-family home and a multifamily unit, and used Manual J and Manual S calculations determined design loads and heat pump sizes. Energy simulations predicted space temperatures and humidities, which were used to model occupant comfort.

Results showed that both suitable capacity and indirect coverage ASHP systems will reduce first costs compared to a baseline ASHP system. The suitable capacity system is estimated to save less first costs than the indirect coverage system, while still maintaining occupant comfort. The indirect coverage ASHP system is estimated to reduce first costs more than the suitable capacity system, but occupant comfort will need to be maintained with clothing adjustments or a transfer fan.

ET23SWE0050

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/12

AESC

Commercial, Industrial

Field Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Enhanced Normalized Metered Energy Consumption Analysis with Rapid Interventions

This study evaluated two methods for estimating energy savings from heat pump water heaters, using data from 25 homes in two multifamily buildings located in San Jose, California, and Woodland, California. The first method, traditional normalized metered energy consumption analysis, compares long pre- and post-intervention periods using utility billing data. The second method, enhanced normalized metered energy consumption with rapid interventions, applies randomized on/off control intervals to estimate savings more quickly. The intervention system used forecasts of energy cost, comfort, and greenhouse gas emissions to decide when to slightly preheat the tank. For example, if it anticipated high electricity prices soon and low emissions around midday, it raised the temperature to avoid running the heat pump during expensive or high-emission times while keeping comfort as the top priority. Our objective was to determine whether enhanced normalized metered energy consumption with rapid interventions can produce savings estimates comparable to those from traditional normalized metered energy consumption. Many programs cannot support 12 months of pre- and post-intervention data collection due to schedule or budget constraints. Enhanced normalized metered energy consumption with rapid interventions addresses this by mixing baseline and intervention data throughout the study period, allowing models to adapt in near-real time to changes in behavior or external conditions. Because both traditional normalized metered energy consumption and enhanced normalized metered energy consumption with rapid interventions are estimates of an unknown quantity, device-level data analysis is compared to the actual heat pump hot water heater usage.

ET23SWE0049

HVAC, Whole Buildings

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/07

HBL Lighting, Virginia Tech, Orgeon State University, N. M. Lighting Design, SSLS Inc., University of California Davis, UC Davis

TRC

Public

Field Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Commercial Air-to-Water HP Market Study

The industry is at the very beginning of the process to electrify existing large commercial buildings. Technological and financial elements of electrification retrofits remain unknown, particularly for this market segment. However, there are many recent innovations that designers are pursuing to transform these electrification retrofits into common practice. Numerous studies and programs have addressed small residential and small commercial buildings, but only a select few have been completed for large commercial buildings, presumably because large commercial buildings are more complex resulting in additional challenges and barriers to overcome. Additional solutions must be identified and documented for large commercial buildings to overcome the unique challenge of custom-built, complex heating and cooling systems, and larger building heating and cooling loads. As a result, electrification of these systems is one of the most challenging in the current market.

We are proposing a market study to assess existing opportunities and barriers for electrifying heating systems in existing large commercial buildings, with a focus on electrifying large boilers with air-to-water heat pumps, including hybrid solutions. In large commercial buildings, boilers are used primarily for this space heating, which is typically the largest source of fossil fuel consumption in these facilities. Air-to-Water heat pumps pull heat from ambient air to heat water that is then circulated through radiators, baseboard units, radiant panels, or heat/re-heat coils throughout large buildings. This project will help understand the market potential and solutions available for decarbonizing these large systems through air-to-water heat pumps.

ET23SWE0048

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2023/12

Frontier Energy

Commercial, Foodservice and Grocery

Field Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Residential Multi-Function Heat Pump Laboratory Testing

Residential Multi-Function Heat Pumps (MFHP) use one efficient compressor to provide space cooling, space heating, and domestic hot water heating. MFHPs have lower peak power consumption compared to the typical two separate heat pumps, for space conditioning and water heating, and may enable retrofit electrification without electrical service panel upgrades reducing cost and installation time. This project laboratory tested a commercially available single-speed MFHP measuring capacity and energy consumption in all operating modes across a range of outdoor conditions that match California climate zones. The measured results were analyzed to develop performance curves that will be used by future projects to estimate annual energy savings in residential buildings across climate zones. At 95°F outdoor and 80°F indoor temperatures, the space cooling capacity was 45.3 kBTUh at a COP of 3.57. Waste heat recovery from space cooling for heating hot water saved an average of 38% of electrical energy compared to separate cycles.

ET23SWE0047

Whole Buildings

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2024/12

WCEC, University of California Davis, Western Cooling Efficiency Center, heat pump, HVAC, California Energy Commission, CEC, CalTF, San Diego Gas and Electric, SDG&E

UC Davis

Residential

Lab Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Field Assessment of Refrigerated Display Cases Air Curtain Guiding Vanes

In 2022, Southern California Edison (SCE) conducted a laboratory study to explore the potential benefits of installing air vanes on vertical open refrigerated display cases in grocery stores, the same technology was then evaluated to determine actual savings based on a 2024 field assessment.

Airfoil guides are attached to shelves of grocery store refrigerated display cases, positioned perpendicularly across the air curtain of the display case. The vane directs airflow down by strengthening the barrier and reducing infiltration between the refrigerated air and warm moist air outside of the display case.

Given the large presence of open vertical refrigerated display cases used in grocery stores in California and throughout the United States, it is reasonable that if this efficiency measure achieved high adoption rates, the potential energy savings would be significant.

Key findings from the completed field assessment include:
• Savings ranged from 9 percent to 14 percent of total compressor energy consumption, depending on CZ.
• Overall kilowatt-hour (kWh) savings averaged 147 kWh/ft of installed airfoil.
• A typical store, with 330ft of refrigerated cases, would save 42,722 kWh/year.
• Average simple Payback is calculated at between 7 months and 1.4 years – depending on the cost of energy.
• Savings averaged 16.79 W/ft of installed air vane as compared to the 17 W/ft in the lab study.

ET23SWE0046

Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/10

Cypress Ltd

Commercial,
Foodservice and Grocery

Field Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Benchtop Efficiency Measurements for Residential Mesh Networking Equipment

Currently, 40% of advertised Integrated Access Device (IAD) products use mesh networking. MNS are a group of devices, offered by a single manufacturer, and typically purchased as a package, that establishes a single integrated Wi-Fi network accessible at multiple points. By having multiple connection points, it is easier to place devices in key locations that increase signal connectivity and reliability. Within five years, MNS could account for 80% of the IAD installed base. However, MNS electrical characteristics are not well defined and IAD energy consumption, which was estimated at 1.5 TWh in 2020 in California, could increase dramatically over the coming years. This project consists of a market assessment of today’s commercially available mesh networking systems combined with a laboratory evaluation to characterize their performance in residential settings. MNS performance will be compared to business-as-usual IADs to quantify relative energy use, savings, and other performance benefits expected from this emerging product category.

ET23SWE0044

Plug Loads & Appliances

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2025/01

A.O. Smith, Bradford White, Enovative Mechanical and Energy Services, TRC Companies, Willdan, Montclair Presbyterian, Bethel Presbyterian

Energy Solutions, VEIC

Commercial

Emerging Technology Focused Pilot

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Residential High-Performance Windows Measure Package Development

For this project, the project team developed a measure package for residential high-efficiency windows to the standards of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) requirements for measure packages. The measure package, including all major characterization sections and supporting energy modeling files and outputs, is ready for submission to the California Technical Forum (Cal TF) for review and approval. The Database for Energy Efficiency Resources (DEER) Residential Building Prototypes were used for building energy modeling simulation, and to determine energy savings. The measure package utilizes eligibility criteria specified in the ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for Residential Windows, Doors, and Skylights, Version 7.0, and provides two measure offerings: new construction and retrofit high-efficiency residential windows. This project was designated Fast Track.

ET23SWE0043

Whole Buildings

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2023/12

CalMTA, Energy Solutions, Pacific Gas & Electric, PG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric, SDG&E, Southern California Edison, SCE, Sempra Utilities, University of California Davis

TRC, UC Davis

Residential

Emerging Technology Focused Pilot

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Propane Air to Water Heat Pump Market Study

Heat pumps are crucial for building decarbonization, but their widespread adoption could yield unintended climate consequences from the release of refrigerant greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. R-290 air-to-water heat pumps are an exciting solution due to both R-290’s ultra-low global warming potential value and their ability to provide hot water and thermal storage in addition to space heating and cooling. The technology is widely used internationally, but regulatory confusion impedes its inclusion in American utility incentives. This market study investigated these challenges and demonstrated the market potential and suitability of R-290 heat pumps—specifically monobloc air-to-water heat pump designs— as an end-to-end decarbonization solution for domestic heating, cooling, and hot water needs across California’s single-family residential market.

ET23SWE0041

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2023/12

VEIC

Residential

Market Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

AMI Intelligence Connected Building Energy Modeling

VEIC developed and refined a building simulation modeling tool that uses Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) data and regression methods to identify customer specifics about their facility. The model outputs generated are efficiency measure suggestions customized to the customer’s specific building situation. VEIC demonstrated this technology on K-12 schools, pharmacies, and health clinics – and can be applied to medium-sized commercial buildings. The ease of use and customized savings analysis of the tools can be a catalyst for users to continually make efficiency enhancements beyond the original suggested control-based strategies.

Resources in Final Report
California Commercial Building Energy Modeling Tool (.zip file)

ET23SWE0040

Whole Buildings

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2024/11

Western Cooling Efficiency Center, WCEC, University of California Davis

UC Davis

Commercial

Market Study

Tool Development

Complete

Wastewater Pump Measure Development

This study has developed the necessary data for the development of a deemed measure offering for the replacement of wastewater pumps, for eventual application within the statewide program. Among the 171 offerings within the CA Electronic Technical Reference Manual (eTRM) is an offering for the replacement of clean water pumps (Statewide Measure ID SWWP004) with high-efficiency units. As the existing offering is applicable only to clean water pumps within the commercial, industrial, and agricultural sectors, a gap exists for the replacement of pumps within the wastewater industry. The study draws upon data from hundreds of pumps supported by CA wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) program-related projects as well as the existing measure methodologies to provide the framework needed for the development of a new statewide offering. The measure development followed methodology of the existing approved statewide measure for Water Pump Upgrade, SWWP004-02. The bulk of the analysis used pumping data from Southern California Edison’s Hydraulic Services for a variety of pumping systems used to derive annual use profiles for the various bin sizes of pumps, which were used to establish the deemed metrics. The data and findings presented in the report are recommended to be utilized by the lead investor-owned utility (IOU) team to facilitate the development of a statewide offering to complement the existing clean water pump offering. This project was designated Fast Track.

ET23SWE0039

Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2023/12

California Technical Forum, CalTF, Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, AHRI, University of California Davis

Energy Solutions, TRC, UC Davis

Commercial

Emerging Technology Focused Pilot

New Measure Package Development

Complete

Double Duct Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Field Demonstration

The project will evaluate the installation and performance of double duct packaged terminal heat pumps (DDPTHP) in a low-income multifamily new construction. The product can enable cost-effective electrification and energy efficient heat pump usage providing space heating and cooling in a single package for each apartment. This technology has potential benefits and advantages over efficient alternatives such as variable refrigerant flow, ductless heat pumps, and typical packaged terminal heat pumps. Monitoring and analysis of the installed systems will enable normalized performance assessment and conclusions for the statewide market. Although the field demonstration will be conducted in a new construction building, retrofit applications will be discussed. Recommendations for program support, product roadmap, and best applications will be provided based on the study findings.

ET23SWE0038

HVAC

TSR

Active

2026/06

Cypress, CARB, ASHRAE, Danfoss, NASRC, Hillphoenix

ASK Energy, AESC

Foodservice and Grocery

Field Study

Measure Package Revision

Active

Integrated HVAC RTU Remote Monitoring Systems

The Integrated HVAC RTU Remote Monitoring System is the first of its kind and includes factory installed equipment where wiring and sensors are manufactured together with the new roof top package units (RTU) and heat pumps as a packaged solution. The system provides standard data points for system operation status and are the same points of data that are evaluated when a technician puts instrumentation on at the site. This makes available diagnostic data available at a fraction of the cost for in field installation of the same sensor points. The project team will work closely with the facility management and engineering customers to define and detect appropriate tolerance ranges for applicable parameters monitored to ensure optimal operational conditions while achieving energy savings.

ET23SWE0037

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/09

RMS Energy Consulting, Alternative Energy Systems Consulting, ElRancho Unified School District, ERSUSD, Russell Sigler, BEMA

RMS Energy Consulting, AESC

Commercial

Field Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Industrial Heat Pump Market Study

This project involves a market characterization study for Industrial Heat Pumps. Industrial Heat pumps are heat pumps that are used in large-scale industrial processes. Standard heat pumps are generally used for residential and small-scale commercial applications. Industrial heat pumps, on the other hand, are typically designed to handle much larger heating loads, temperatures, and pressures and overall more robust to meet the demands of industrial processes. Available studies suggest that industrial heat pumps are an underserved sector mostly due to the critical roles the incumbent technology plays within existing processes. End users are generally hesitant to embrace technology that is less common/mature and ones they are less familiar with. Existing studies indicate that there are significant energy and greenhouse gas savings potential by replacing more common natural gas heating technologies with industrial heat pumps. For example, an ACEEE study notes a savings of up to 32% of source energy. The IEA report suggests a savings of up to 10% of global emissions if fossil fuel boilers were replaced by heat pumps in these applications.

This study was completed to provide additional context as to how this technology can play a role in decarbonization and reducing energy usage within California. The study includes the following: 1) market sizing of the potential market of industrial heat pumps in CA, 2) identification of the highest benefit applications and locations, 3) identification of commercial and pre-commercial technologies and manufacturers, 4) identification of technology feasibility including technology and market barriers and opportunities, and 5) recommendations for utility interventions to support market adoption.

ET23SWE0036

Process Loads

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2023/12

Association for Energy Affordability, AEA, Bay Area Regional Energy Network, BayREN, Jonathan Rose Companies, LG Electronics USA, Inc., Redwood Energy, Self-Help Enterprises, Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation

VEIC

Multifamily

Market Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Residential HPWH Market Study and Measure Gap Analysis

This project will analyze the current CA eTRM measure packages for residential Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH) based on market and product data to identify gaps and recommend enhancements to the measure offerings. The final report will be delivered to the California Technical Forum and other eTRM stakeholders for consideration of measure package enhancements with the goal of improving HPWH measure options for energy efficiency programs.

The current measure packages for HPWH are based on limited information, necessarily so because market penetration for these products has been well below 1% and so fuller market data has been impossible. Limitations that make certain HPWH replacements ineligible or outside the savings and load shape analysis of the measure package include installations with mixing valves or demand control connectivity, or units where the tank size has been increased to compensate for lower heating power.

HPWH product offerings from manufacturers have evolved quickly. Recently, 120V products have entered the market, and many more HPWH offerings have become available. Both the California market and available installation data have been undergoing significant changes; new products have captured attention, and the TECH program has funded efforts at promotion, supply chain awareness and training, product cost and use data at scale, as well as an array of new market approaches to HPWH. The market will likely continue to evolve rapidly as the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) takes a significant funding role and adds requirements for CTA-2045 controls.

The market conditions and the TECH data make an analysis of the current measure packages possible and useful with the goal of an eTRM that covers the popular use cases (such as tank size changes) and benefits (such as demand flexibility). This is an evolving energy efficiency program implementation area; CalNEXT’s suggestions for the portfolio should include scenarios where EE portfolio administrators promote comprehensive residential energy efficiency and decarbonization measures including HPWH.

This project will study current gaps and provide the Cal TF and California IOUs with recommendations for addressing them. Aspects of the HPWH to be considered include base case fuels, measure case uniform energy factor (UEF), base case tank capacity and tank capacity increases, mixing valves, and CTA-2045 controls and their impact on load shapes and demand flexibility.

The study will start by gathering data from TECH, SGIP, installers, and the supply chain. Available data will be described in a Preliminary Findings Report. Written analyses from the TECH program relevant to the eTRM, such as installation cost issues or impacts to DAC/HTR customers, will be summarized for their impact of EE programs. Data will be analyzed to highlight trends for residential HPWH and identify the importance of installation types that are and are not covered by the current measure packages. These findings will be described in Draft and Final Reports, along with recommendations for the HPWH measure packages and a summary of HPWH data sources. This project was designated Fast Track.

ET23SWE0035

Water Heating

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2023/12

TRC, TECH Clean California, SGIP, AHRI, CEDARS

Energy Solutions

Residential

Market Study

Measure Study/Recommendation

Complete

Emerging “Micro” Heat Pumps: Testing and Heating Performance Metrics

California has set a goal of installing six million heat pumps by 2030. Emerging technologies such as micro heat pumps (MHPs) are additional product options that can to serve heating and cooling needs in certain single-family and multifamily buildings. MHPs in new form factors are entering the U.S. market that could potentially address critical barriers to consumers such as high costs to electrify, skilled labor challenges, limited electrical capacity within existing electric panels, or split-incentive challenges. MHPs are self-contained, up to 120V, and have variable-speed compressors that can provide space cooling or heating in low ambient temperatures in spaces up to 1,000 square feet. The project’s goal was to collaborate with key stakeholders such as manufacturers, industry trade associations, state agencies, utility representatives, energy efficiency advocates, and regulatory bodies, to test and model the cooling and heating performance of MHPs. Room heat pumps in various form factors such as saddle type, through-the-wall, portable heat pump and window systems were evaluated. In tandem with this project, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an ENERGY STAR® heating mode performance test method in 2024 prescribing a new heating performance metric for room heat pumps. While the project’s test plan was based on this ENERGY STAR final test method, energy modeling was also performed to estimate performance of MHPs in some California climate zones using tested data. Further investigative testing opportunities continue to exist for these products via CalNEXT or other interested parties.

ET23SWE0034

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/12

VEIC

Commercial, Hard-to-Reach (HTR), Disadvantaged Communities (DAC)

Market Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Manufactured Housing Electrification Measure Development Support

With rising housing costs in California, the prevalence of affordable manufactured housing has been growing, especially in areas affected by recent wildfires. Many homeowners find manufactured housing to be a means to get them back in a home much faster, and much more affordably. For years, manufactured homes have been excluded from efficiency rebate programs, but with the number of manufactured homes growing every year, there is an increasing need to ensure the units going into the market are efficient all-electric units. The project team will utilize existing DEER prototypes for single-, double-, and triple-wide all-electric manufactured homes meeting the updated HUD code and the new ENERGY STAR® 2.1 Certification to model energy consumption and expected energy savings over the HUD baseline across California’s climate zones. This modeling effort will include both standard resistance heating technologies and heat pumps of varying above-code efficiencies and induction cooking technologies. Development of an all-electric manufactured home measure package allows for a more streamlined inclusion of manufactured housing in utility rebate programs. With both the new updated HUD code for manufactured housing (first update since 1993) and the EPA implementation of ENERGY STAR 2.1 for manufactured housing in 2023, development of new manufactured housing measure packages is timely.

ET23SWE0031

Whole Buildings

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/04

Brady Peeks, Northwest Energy Works, manufactured housing

TRC

Residential

Measure Package Development

Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development

Complete

Heat Pump Crankcase Heat Management

Heat pumps are a key tool for meeting the state’s GHG goals and decarbonization goals. Recent studies have shown that up to 50% of annual energy use arise from energy penalties from the incorrect operation of heat pump crankcase heaters (CCH). CCH are installed in air source heat pumps (ASHP) systems to ensure that no liquid refrigerant is in the compressor. Defrost controls in ASHP systems results in significant energy penalties. The California eTRM measure packages currently do not adequately address these energy penalties from incorrect operation of crankcase heaters, defrost controls or phantom baseloads. This project will address eTRM modifications to address heat pump CCH defrost controls and standby power usage in CCH. This project was designated Fast Track.

ET23SWE0029

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2023/12

San Diego Gas & Electric, SDG&E, Southern California Edison, SCE, Frontier Energy, CalTF Measure Screening Committee, Association for Energy Affordability, AEA

TRC

Residential

Field Study

Measure Study/Recommendation

Complete

Market Characterization of Ultra-Low GWP Space Conditioning Heat Pumps for Commercial Buildings

Heat pumps provide significant energy savings and a path for electrification, but they typically use refrigerants with a high global warming potential (GWP), which can degrade the greenhouse gas reductions from energy savings. The California Air Resources Board has regulations that will require refrigerants in stationary air conditioners in nonresidential buildings to be <750 GWP starting in 2025, and for refrigerants in variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems to be <750 GWP (low GWP) starting in 2026. This study is a characterization of the market for low GWP and ultra-low space conditioning heat pumps for commercial buildings.

ET23SWE0028

HVAC

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2023/12

Southern California Edison, SCE

TRC

Commercial

Market Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Characteristics of Energy Efficiency Emerging Technology for Wineries

Wineries and vineyards have been at the forefront of sustainability efforts, but the complexity of deploying energy efficiency (EE) improvements has often disqualified them from participating in EE programs due to undefined baselines, lengthy review processes, reduced incentives, and financial uncertainty. This project aimed to identify and assess emerging technologies in this sector, such as pulse cooling for refrigeration, fluidized bed reactors for tartrate removal, and smart irrigation, by gathering insights from industry stakeholders through interviews. Our findings indicated that while some innovative technologies are being piloted, key factors like risk sensitivity, operational impacts, and payback periods influence their adoption. Regulations, such as ammonia laws and new winery general orders, significantly shape decision-making. To enhance future EE programs, it is crucial to consider winery and vineyard characteristics, including business size, location, fuel sources, and utility rate structures, ensuring that program implementers can effectively tailor their recommendations.

ET23SWE0027

Process Loads, Whole Buildings

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2024/05

wineries, vineyard

TRC

Commercial, Agricultural

Market Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Water-Cooled Chillers Market Assessment & Performance Evaluation

The current Water-Cooled Chiller (WCC) measure package (SWHC005) in eTRM of Cal TF has a disconnect where WCC Tiers of CPUC’s DEER do not match market conditions. The FLE/PLE efficiency levels for Tier 1 and Tier 2 are 10%/10% and 15%/15% respectively. The Energy Solutions team worked with CPUC in 2021 and adjusted these Tiers to 7%/12% respectively.

The objectives of this CalNEXT Fast Track project were, therefore, to perform the background work to update the eTRM with new high-IPLV offerings for cooling-only WCCs within SWHC005 and to develop a new measure package for the Heat Recovery Chillers (HRCs). This project was designated Fast Track.

ET23SWE0025

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2023/12

Energy Solutions

Commercial

Measure Package Development

New Measure Package Development

Complete

eTRM Heat Pump Baseline Systems Assessment

Heat pumps are an important technology in the residential sector for both energy efficiency and decarbonization efforts. The California Electronic Technical Reference Manual (eTRM) is the official repository for deemed measures which has several individual measure packages that address deemed savings for HP related technologies and smart thermostats that together form the technical basis for most of the State’s electrification efforts. This project will address gaps in current EE Portfolio offerings for Residential Heat Pumps when retrofitting existing homes and multifamily units with no existing space cooling systems or systems; systems currently not addressed as baseline systems in measure packages. This project was designated Fast Track.

ET23SWE0024

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2023/12

SCE, SDG&E, CalTF, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric

TRC

Residential

Market Study

Measure Study/Recommendation

Complete

HVAC Thermal Energy Storage System (TESS) Field Evaluation

This project evaluated the in-field performance of an in-duct thermal energy storage system (TESS) that uses phase change material as a medium. The field test demonstrated that TESS installed in the supply duct of four RTUs in San Diego reduced 46% of energy used during a peak period between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. by shifting cooling load from the peak, while reducing peak demand by 32% when sequenced. The daily energy consumption of RTUs was also reduced as much as 14% by operating compressors in the cooler morning hours. Moreover, the simulated DR test showed TESS could shed 42% of energy during the four-hour peak, an additional 17% when compared to the traditional reset strategy without TESS.

ET23SWE0022

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/01

Pump Energy Index

AESC

Agricultural

Market Study

New Measure Package Development

Complete

Residential Electrical Service Upgrade Decision Tool

California’s electrification goals necessitate upgrading the state’s residential housing stock. However, the widespread belief that electrification requires panel and service upgrades for homes with less than 200-amp capacity is overstated. Under this assumption, 30–40% of homes would require costly upgrades, adding up to $25–40 billion in investments, in addition to grid upgrades. This project seeks to challenge that assumption by developing a “Residential Service Upgrade Decision Tool.” The tool, offered in two versions, guides contractors, homeowners, utilities, and policymakers in making informed decisions about panel upgrades.

The first tool is designed for individual homes, helping contractors and homeowners assess whether an upgrade is necessary or if optimization strategies can meet electrification goals within existing panel capacity. The second tool targets utilities and policymakers, providing a portfolio-level analysis to guide investment decisions for widespread electrification.

Both tools offer practical insights based on user inputs, such as current conditions and electrification priorities, and display optimization strategies to minimize costly upgrades. While the tools help reduce unnecessary electrical upgrades, utilities must continue supporting broader electrification efforts, including program measures, education, and product development. The project demonstrates the viability of such tools and outlines further steps, including ongoing tool refinement, code updates, and public availability.

Resources in Final Report
Individual Home Decision Tool
Building Stock Assessment Tool

ET23SWE0021

Whole Buildings

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/08

Energy Solutions, Pacific Gas & Electric, PG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric, SDG&E, Southern California Edison, SCE, SHARC Energy

ERI

Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural

Market Study

Tool Development

Complete

Emergency Replacement Heat Pump Water Heater Market Study

Emergency failures drive a reported 70-90% of water heater replacements and over 85% are in-kind natural gas models, locking in future barriers to electrification. In the Emergency Replacement Heat Pump Water Heater Market Study, VEIC assessed the tradeoffs of customers’ and contractors’ preference for in-kind or HPWH replacements, as well as the impact of installation costs, project duration, site-specific limitations (e.g. location, space, electrical service upgrades, noise, etc.), and two specific solutions, plug-in 120V HPWHs and the use of temporary gas loaner water heaters as part of emergency replacements. Customer, contractor and manufacturer interviews, and installation data informed the key factors in customer and contractor decisions and guided recommendations for boosting acceptance of heat pump water heaters for emergency replacements.

ET23SWE0020

Water Heating

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/08

TECH Clean California, 3CREN, Alligator Plumbing, Barnett Plumbing, Bradford White, Discount Plumbing, Energy Solutions, Excalibur Water Heaters, New Buildings Institute, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Peninsula Clean Energy, Rock Rabbit

VEIC

Residential

Field Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Process Water Recycling Systems for Ag Dairy Farms

The project is a field demonstration of a floating bead filtration system on a dairy farm wastewater treatment and process water recycling application in Central Valley, California in 2024. The floating bead filter is installed after the mechanical screen to reduce the remaining total solids from the wastewater, thus reducing the nutrient accumulation, therefore minimizing the dilution of water needed to use the wastewater for fodder irrigation. The technology uses low-power automatic pneumatic backwash, and the backwash water is recycled internally for low water loss. The process may reduce groundwater for dilution, groundwater pumping energy from the grid, grid anthropogenic CO2 emission, and GHG emission from liquid manure treatment.

ET23SWE0019

Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/01

Western Cooling Efficiency Center, WCEC, University of California Davis

UC Davis

Residential

Market Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Commercial Windows Market Study and Measure Package Development

This project presents findings on various commercial window projects including new construction, retrofit replacement and secondary windows. Energy Solutions interviewed regional, California statewide, and national market actors to understand high-performance window sales trends, new and emerging technologies, and barriers to adoption. Additionally, this report contains an overview of the total market size of commercial windows, an economic analysis of window measures available in California investor-owned utilities’ (IOU) service areas, recommendations for a program delivery model and finally, details on the windows measure package Energy Solutions plans to submit to the California Technical Forum (“CalTF”).

ET23SWE0018

Whole Buildings

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2023/12

AO Smith, Association for Energy Affordability, AEA, CalMTA, Carbon Zero Buildings, Eco-Logical, ECO2Systems, Embertec, Midea, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, NEEA, Redwood Energy

VEIC

Multifamily

Market Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Mobile and Manufactured Housing Market Characterization Study

This study analyzed data on the mobile and manufactured housing (MMH) sector to better understand technical and market barriers to electrification. Data analyzed include the distribution of MMH by geography/climate zone, ownership data, and site/building characteristics including age, equipment and appliance baselines, and fuel types. Additional information on existing programs, permitting processes, codes & standards, manufacturer landscape, and contractor network were assessed through a literature review and extensive stakeholder engagement to develop a more complete picture of the MMH market in California. Energy modeling was conducted to characterize typical existing MMH across California climate zones and develop an understanding of the potential impacts on energy use, utility bills, peak load, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with electrification retrofit measure packages and all-electric new construction built to various voluntary above-code manufactured housing standards. The project report includes recommended strategies for reaching MMH occupants with energy efficiency and electrification offerings, a list of technologies likely to benefit residents, a summary of opportunities and barriers for retrofit programs, and a retrofit versus whole-home replacement decision logic model for potential comprehensive electrification and energy efficiency programs to use in targeting program opportunities to this housing segment.

ET23SWE0017

HVAC, Water Heating, Whole Buildings

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2023/12

Battery, The Mobility House, Fermata Energy, Nuvve, Inc., National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Bidirectional Energy, General Motors, Nissan, Vehicle Grid Integration Council (VGIC), California Energy Commission (CEC), Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), University of Delaware, Redwood Energy

AESC

Manufactured Housing, Residential

Market Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Market Study of Household Electric Infrastructure Upgrade Alternatives for Electrification

This report provides a market assessment of commercially available intelligent power management technologies (IPMTs) – which shut off circuits when current draw exceeds a maximum limit and may minimize or avoid cost and time associated with residential household electrification projects. This report is informed by a market scan of the IPMT landscape, combined with vendor interviews which validated and built upon the secondary research. This report is also informed by stakeholder engagement which included comprehensive interviews of key market actors including investor-owned utility (IOU) program managers and program implementers, direct install contractors, and staff at community-based organizations (CBOs).

There are four distinct IPMT Product Groups on the market: Smart Electrical Panels, Smart Control Units, Smart Breaker and Relays, and Circuit Splitters.

IOU program managers and implementers, direct install contractors, and staff at CBOs have varying levels of familiarity, awareness, and perceived benefits and barriers associated with IPMTs.

ET22SWE0057

HVAC, Plug Loads & Appliances, Whole Buildings

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2023/12

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, LBNL, University of California Davis, UC Davis, Build it Green

VEIC, Ortiz Group

Residential

Market Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Increasing Heat Pump Water Heater Deployment

The CalNEXT Increasing HPWH Deployment project, conducted in collaboration with TECH Clean California, sought to accelerate the adoption of 120-volt HPWHs among residential contractors by addressing key barriers such as installation complexity and performance concerns. The project engaged 400 contractors through distributor channels and direct outreach, with 51 contractors completing a two-stage process involving enrollment in TECH Clean California and manufacturer-specific training. Following the training, 67% of participants reported increased confidence in HPWH installations.

While 25 units were successfully installed in low-income or disadvantaged communities—half of the initial goal—the project nonetheless made significant progress in introducing and familiarizing contractors with 120V HPWH technology. The contractors’ firsthand experience with these units, combined with up to $1,000 in participation incentives, encouraged greater acceptance of the technology. Moreover, positive contractor feedback indicated growing trust in 120V HPWHs, highlighting the potential for broader future adoption.

The project demonstrated that contractor engagement and tailored training can effectively build confidence in 120V HPWH technology. To further enhance future programs, key recommendations include extending implementation timelines, leveraging partnerships with manufacturers and distributors, incorporating 120V HPWHs into income-eligible programs, and integrating comprehensive data collection and quality control measures to ensure program effectiveness and long-term success.

ET22SWE0056

Water Heating

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/09

California Air Resources Board, CARB, CALGreen, Buy Clean California, Senate Bill 596, Assembly Bill 2446, Assembly Bill 43

Energy Solutions

Residential, Commercial, Public

Market Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Performance Evaluation of Advanced HEMS

As residential electrification expands, these systems, integrating solar, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging, are increasingly important for optimizing home energy use and supporting California’s decarbonization goals. The Performance Evaluation of Advanced Home Energy Management Systems project conducted a comprehensive laboratory assessment of emerging residential energy platforms to evaluate their efficiency, operational behavior, and potential contributions to grid flexibility.

Four AHEMS representing a range of architectures, from commercially deployed solar-plus-storage platforms to prototype DC-bus and vehicle-to-home systems, were examined across multiple energy transmission pathways. Testing focused on electrical efficiency, control logic, and system stability under simulated Time-of-Use conditions. Results demonstrated consistently high hardware efficiencies, with AHEMS 2 achieving 90–94 percent and AHEMS 4 reaching up to 99 percent efficiency across grid-related pathways. However, control strategy, not hardware, was a critical factor in determining system value. AHEMS 2 exhibited coherent, tariff-aligned dispatch behavior under TOU operation, discharging strategically during peak pricing periods and recharging overnight. This performance generated an estimated annual net benefit of approximately $1,492 for IOU customers and avoided approximately 4,464 kgCO₂e of emissions annually through strategic peak-period exports. In contrast, AHEMS 4, despite superior conversion efficiency, displayed irregular dispatch behavior, including off-peak discharging and missed charging opportunities, which limited its real-world economic performance. Prototype systems with V2H functionality (AHEMS 1 and AHEMS 3) were not fully testable due to hardware and software immaturity, underscoring development challenges in next-generation architectures.

Overall, findings reveal a maturing market where differentiation now lies in software logic, interoperability, and grid-responsive functionality rather than raw efficiency. The study demonstrates that when AHEMS platforms pair high hardware efficiency with well-optimized control strategies, they can deliver tangible economic and environmental benefits, signaling a clear pathway for future advancements in residential energy management.

ET22SWE0055

Whole Buildings

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2025/11

Direct Current, Investor Owned Utilities, California Lighting Technology Center, CLTC

Residential

Lab Study

Measure Study/Recommendation

Complete

Foodservice Refrigeration: High Efficiency Condenser and Evaporator Units Focused Pilot

This Focused Pilot project was intended to identify and address the barriers associated with the purchase and installation of commercial high-efficiency condensing units (HECUs) and high-efficiency evaporator units (HEEUs) employed in walk-in coolers and freezers and remote condensing refrigerated cases, which are commonly used by food retail customers and restaurants. The pilot team worked with HECU and HEEU manufacturers, distributors, and operators to prepare a comprehensive market characterization study, test two potential midstream incentive program designs, and perform on-site equipment testing and energy analysis to develop and present a series of program implementation recommendations and to compile all data points needed to prepare a measure package for these measures.

ET22SWE0054

Process Loads

Complete
Final Report

2024/12

Frontier Energy

Energy Solutions, VEIC, Ortiz Group, TRC, AESC

Foodservice and Grocery

Emerging Technology Focused Pilot

Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development

Complete

PoE Microgrids for Commercial Buildings Lab Evaluation

The PoE DC Microgrid project will evaluate the electrical efficiency and cybersecurity of a centralized PoE switch serving as the power and communications hub for multiple building systems in whole-building or floor-level microgrid. Power over Ethernet (PoE), leverages existing IT infrastructure including power switches, CAT cables and the IP protocol to communicate and distribute power among connected devices. Many building controls are PoE-compatible, which saves energy from AC-to-DC conversion, facilitates networking, and reduces installation costs. The project will assess the electrical efficiency of a cross section of PoE-enabled components relative to their AC counterparts, then model two, uniquely sized, PoE systems to assess relative and absolute performance in a commercial setting. Products slated for evaluation include VAVs, physical access controls, thin clients, window shading and displays. Outcomes will include cybersecurity best-practices for commissioning multiple systems under a centralized PoE switch.

ET22SWE0053

Whole Buildings

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/03

California Lighting Technology Center, CLTC, direct current

Commercial

Lab Study

Measure Study/Recommendation

Complete

Swimming Pools as Heat Sinks

Using swimming pools as heat sinks for air conditioner waste heat has been estimated to reduce air conditioner energy use in California by 25-30%. There are two primary advantages of rejecting waste heat to an air conditioner instead of ambient air: 1) swimming pool temperatures are colder than ambient air during peak cooling periods, and 2) water is a superior heat transfer medium than air resulting in better heat exchange performance. This process also has the added benefit of providing “free” pool heating which would increase the benefits to consumers and spur market adoption. This project will perform two retrofit installations of this technology to evaluate the impact on air conditioner energy use, and develop an analysis tool for predicting energy savings in different applications.

ET22SWE0052

HVAC, Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/11

Heat Pumps, Southern California Edison, SCE

TRC

Residential

Tool Development/Enhancement

Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development

Complete

Residential Multi-Function Heat Pumps: Heat Exchanger Improvement

Residential Multi-Function Heat Pumps (MFHPs) use one efficient compressor and outdoor heat exchanger coil to provide space cooling, space heating, and domestic hot water heating. The UC Davis Western Cooling Efficiency Center (WCEC) is field testing a production-ready prototype of an air-to-air MFHP that uses a hot water tank with both a refrigerant to water and a water-to-water heat exchanger. Preliminary results show good energy efficiency performance for typical heat pump mode cooling and heating, and even higher efficiency for the mode using waste heat from space cooling to heat hot water. The heat exchanger design can likely be improved to further increase energy efficiency and reduce costs. This project will collect specifications and cost data for relevant commercially available heat exchangers, build computer models of the refrigerant to water and water-to-water heat exchangers using different refrigerants to assess the current design, and complete a technoeconomic analysis to recommend improvements that can increase efficiency, reduce cost, and reduce refrigerant GHG impacts.

ET22SWE0051

Water Heating, Whole Buildings

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2023/12

Refrigeration, Southern California Edison, SCE

TRC

Commercial

Tool Development/Enhancement

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Tech Evaluation of Air-to-Water Heat Pumps with Thermal Storage

VEIC conducted a study of the efficiency, load shift, and cost of residential non-phase change thermal energy storage systems integrated with combined space heating and domestic water heating heat pump systems at four single family buildings in California. The field study evaluated the performance of systems comprising of a commercially available air-to-water CO2-refrigerant heat pump, domestic hot water storage tank, air handler, a supplemental air-to-air heat pump for cooling and heating, and a proprietary control system.

The study assessed the appropriateness of such systems for existing and new California single-family homes in terms of cost to owners, cost to utilities, and public benefits. The results of the study can inform utility-sponsored programs for energy efficiency and load shift / load reduction.

ET22SWE0050

HVAC, Water Heating

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/01

VEIC

Residential, Single-Family

Field Study

Measure Study/Recommendation

Complete

REA Systems – Market Study

Residential Energy and Automation (REA) systems are an emerging technology that intelligently manages residential Demand-side Energy Resources like solar, battery energy storage systems, and electric vehicle service equipment. Integrating these systems into California homes promises enhanced energy efficiency, significant cost savings, and bolstered grid resilience. This project aimed to comprehensively explore and assess REA systems, focusing on their capabilities, installation needs, market opportunities, and customer base. The team conducted a market survey to identify existing and emerging REA systems. Manufacturer data was used to develop an idealized REA system model that combines the best-identified performance qualities. This model, combined with California building standards and various IOU tariffs, was used to quantify potential impacts on energy and cost savings, peak energy reductions, and GHG reductions. The team also identified specific IOU customers who would uniquely benefit from REA adoption and assessed the overall grid impact of REA adoption. Findings indicated that REA systems offer substantial benefits over conventional energy architectures in new residential constructions, with energy savings ranging from 18 to 64 percent and potential annual cost savings of $500 to $2500 per household. The study highlights the significance of REA systems in supporting CA’s EE and sustainability goals, advocating for their widespread adoption to create a more resilient and energy-efficient home.

ET22SWE0049

Whole Buildings

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2024/09

California Lighting Technology Center, CLTC

Residential

Market Study

Measure Study/Recommendation

Complete

Commercial Kitchen Hot Water System Design Guide

Water heating for food service applications represents 340M therms of gas consumption in California presenting a significant opportunity for electrification. Public-facing design guides specific to improving hot water heating, delivery, and use in commercial kitchens are critical to restaurant operators, system designers, and other audiences. We will create a design guide intended for general audiences such as restaurant operators with an added focus on heat pump (HP). We will also develop a technical design guide for a designer audience to help guide commercial kitchen designers and DHW system designers toward creating efficient and optimized systems. Written guides, slide decks accompanied by audio, and Spanish translations will be produced.

Resources in Final Report
Operators’ Design Guide
Operators’ Design Guide in Spanish
Operators’ Design Guide PowerPoint
Operators’ Design Guide PowerPoint in Spanish
Operators’ Design Guide PowerPoint with Audio Movie
Operators’ Design Guide PowerPoint with Audio Movie in Spanish
Technical Design Guide
Technical Design Guide in Spanish
Technical Design Guide PowerPoint
Technical Design Guide PowerPoint in Spanish
Technical Design Guide PowerPoint with Audio Movie
Technical Design Guide PowerPoint with Audio Movie in Spanish

ET22SWE0048

Water Heating

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2023/12

Frontier Energy

TRC

Commercial, Foodservice and Grocery

Tool Development/Enhancement

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Master Mixing Valve Field Study

The California Plumbing and Energy Codes do not require master mixing valves (MMVs) for domestic hot water (DHW) recirculation systems, though they are necessary in certain applications for health and safety. Research on digital master mixing valves (DMMVs) shows potential energy savings of 6.5%–18% for heat pump-based systems and 3% for gas-fired systems, based on prior studies. This study evaluated DMMV performance across five sites (e.g., multifamily buildings, restaurants, and hotels) using various water heating systems. Results showed an average energy savings of 4.5%, with variability (-4.9% to 11.4%), and highlighted challenges with heat pump water heaters (HPWH) due to their sensitivity to setpoints. The study emphasized the importance of contractor training and quality control for retrofits and noted non-energy benefits such as reduced runouts, higher tank temperatures for pathogen control, and scald risk management. Further research is recommended to optimize DMMV performance, especially with HPWHs.

ET22SWE0047

Water Heating

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/10

TRC

Commercial

Field Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Restaurant Field Monitoring

Hot water is a critical resource in commercial kitchens, primarily used for sanitation purposes. Across 85,500 facilities, the estimated fuel gas demand for domestic hot water is 340 million therms per year (CalNEXT. 2023), making it a high-energy intensity end-use. Decarbonizing this sector is essential for achieving state-level greenhouse gas reduction goals. However, significant barriers exist, including added complexity of heat pumps for design, added installation complexity, space and electrical capacity limitations, high retrofit costs, potentially increased operating costs, and water heater sizing guidelines imposed by California health departments that lack heat-pump-specific guidance. This field demonstration project aimed to address these challenges by implementing and analyzing a heat pump assist water heating system in a full-service restaurant.

ET22SWE0046

Water Heating

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/11

Frontier Energy

TRC

Foodservice and Grocery

Field Study

Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development

Complete

Compressed Air End-Use Air Management

Compressed air energy systems account for about 10 percent of all manufacturing electrical energy use and almost always have opportunities for improved efficiency. One unaddressed opportunity is control and monitoring of loads at large end-use machinery. These large end-use machines often have internal air leaks, losses, inefficiencies, and unproductive loads whether production is active or not. Remedying these losses is oftentimes prohibited or too costly if the interiors of these machines are difficult to access.

A new plug-and-play product that can satisfy this need is known as an air management system which augments or replaces common, existing filter-regulator-lubricator assemblies. The new technology includes features that can be commissioned to reduce supply pressure and completely cut off airflow to these machines when they are idle and unproductive. These control features will generate dependable, reliable energy savings by reducing the load on the air compressors. Additionally, monitoring at these end-uses gives facility staff insight into their plant and machine health that would otherwise be unavailable.

Savings for this technology were calculated on a per-unit basis for both a packaged frozen food host site and across a range of flow and runtime conditions that exist across the market. Across a range of conditions that would be seen in various plants, payback can be well under five years with savings exceeding 3,000 kWh per installed unit, depending on the end-use flowrate and idle time. In machinery with open pipe blowing and large idle flowrates in comparison to the working flow, payback can easily be under one or two years. These results suggest an uncommon and useful opportunity to develop a new workpaper for energy efficiency program portfolios. The emerging technology is broadly applicable across the industrial sector and is well-suited for rebate program support that could benefit both utilities and their customers.

ET22SWE0045

Process Loads, Whole Buildings

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/11

ASK Energy, Santa Rosa

AESC

Industrial

Field Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Lab Evaluation of Integrated Controls for Commercial Buildings

This project will demonstrate an integrated, whole-building control system; quantify and compare performance against a similar building without an integrated control system; and document building energy use, demand, load flexibility, occupant comfort, and system costs. The 2,000 sq.ft. demonstration building is equipped with an off-the-shelf, programmable building automation system (BAS) capable of connecting to and controlling a wide-range of smart appliances including lighting, thermostats, window shades, plug-loads, electric water heaters, and actuated casement windows. The BAS is designed to minimize energy costs over time using a control model informed by environmental sensors, local forecasts and energy-management strategies such as occupancy-based HVAC setbacks and nightly precooling enabled by the actuated windows. Project results are expected Fall 2024.

ET22SWE0044

Whole Buildings

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/12

California Lighting and Technology Center, CLTC, UC Davis, University of California Davis

Commercial

Lab Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Standardized HVAC Sequence of Operations Savings Calculator

One of the greatest underutilized opportunities for energy savings in buildings through retrofits and retro-commissioning is optimized HVAC system sequence of operations (SOO). A recent EPIC Best In Class research project funded by the California Energy Commission showed that implementation of standardized SOO in building automation systems (BAS) represents significant, cost-effective energy savings opportunities compared to typical practice and ensures long-term optimized performance and persistence of energy savings. Field implementation results in six nonresidential building types yielded 12-60 % HVAC energy savings.

Standardized and optimized control sequences for HVAC systems have been developed and published by ASHRAE. Field validation of these control sequences in new construction and during major control upgrades confirms that significant and cost-effective energy savings outcomes are possible compared to typical practice. However, this work also revealed a variety of compatibility barriers when applied to existing control system hardware and the SOO have not been validated across a full range of physical conditions and building types.

Utility program services and incentives play a crucial part in driving the market adoption of standardized HVAC SOO. While today a standardized HVAC SOO retrofit may be able to receive an incentive under a custom program, prescriptive programs are easier for the implementer (and the applicant) because savings algorithms and data inputs are pre-approved and the process is streamlined. Before an energy conservation measure can be introduced to a prescriptive incentive program, the baseline assumptions, calculation methodology, equipment useful life, incremental costs, and other measure attributes must be well established and typically published in a Technical Reference Manual (TRM) or technology workpaper. These protocols then serve as the basis for many aspects of program design, including the establishment of program eligibility criteria, incentive levels, measure cost-effectiveness pre-screening, and program reporting, among others. This process ensures that prescriptive programs are aligned with the requirements set by state regulators, and they utilize a set of pre-approved, standardized measurement and verification (M&V) approaches for claiming savings.

Retrofitting existing HVAC system controls to a standardized SOO has great potential for energy savings in buildings. However, it is difficult and therefore costly to accurately estimate the energy savings of the control retrofits. Therefore, energy savings and an incentive-estimating tool is needed that can quickly assess the value of a potential retrofit before embarking on project design will reduce barriers to identifying promising retrofit sites.

This project will establish energy savings estimates through simulation of a standardized HVAC SOO covering a variety of existing conditions in a variety of building types in California. First, we will use simulations to determine the control optimization measures with the most potential impact on energy savings. Second, we will develop an energy savings calculator to estimate energy savings using site-specific conditions and parameters. Third, we will develop supporting materials required for the development of a TRM/workpaper.

Resources in Final Report
ASHRAE G36 Savings Estimation Calculator

ET22SWE0043

HVAC, Whole Buildings

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2024/04

TRC

Commercial

Tool Development/Enhancement

Tool Development

Complete

Field Study of HVAC Cost Optimized Supply Air Temperature Reset (CORE)

This project demonstrates the development and deployment of Cost Optimized Reset (CORE), a dynamic, cost-responsive supply air temperature reset strategy designed to minimize heating, cooling, and fan energy use in multi-zone variable air volume (VAV) heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. With HVAC energy consumption varying significantly across supply air temperature reset strategies, Cost Optimized Reset offers a solution that optimizes energy use and cost efficiency. The project refined the algorithm for broader adoption in California commercial buildings and evaluated its performance in real-world applications.

The research team implemented CORE in four medical office buildings in California and collected and analyzed HVAC energy consumption data. Measurement and verification analysis compared the new strategy to baseline supply air temperature controls, revealing 5 to 22 percent energy savings and 1 to 20 percent cost savings. Energy simulations further demonstrated that CORE could achieve 1 to 30 percent energy savings in buildings with typical loads and airflows, with simplified versions of the algorithm achieving comparable performance, making it accessible to a wider range of buildings.

Key advancements to CORE included adding smoothing factors for operational stability, updating calculations to accommodate diverse HVAC systems, and creating versions of the algorithm that function with partial or no zone-level data. The study also emphasized the importance of thorough system evaluations and retro-commissioning to address pre-existing issues, ensuring effective implementation of advanced controls. Additionally, the team recommended integrating CORE into programming libraries offered by building automation system manufacturers to streamline deployment and improve compatibility with other controls.

This project highlights the potential of Cost Optimized Reset to enhance energy efficiency and cost savings in commercial buildings, while also identifying pathways for broader adoption and implementation.

ET22SWE0042

HVAC, Whole Buildings

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/10

Dynamic H2O, Association for Energy Affordability, AEA, Carbon Zero Buildings, Eden Energy, Htec Packaged Systems and Controls, Insolcorp, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, LBNL, Nyle Water Heating Systems, Sunamp, Tapani Plumbing, TRC, Whole Systems Energy Consulting

VEIC

Multifamily

Market Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

High Efficiency Dehumidification System Field Study

This project involves field demonstration of the High Efficiency Dehumidification System (HEDS) technology. The technology was first developed to address dehumidification issues but has evolved to include energy efficiency benefits. The technology reduces loads on both the chiller and reheat water source by expanding dehumidification and reheat coils, lowering chilled water flows, and utilizing dehumidification coil outlet flow for reheat purposes. This saves energy over the traditional design that has separate dedicated higher flow chilled water and hot water coils. The technology supports decarbonization and electrification by reducing the natural gas consumption common in hot water reheat systems while also reducing energy consumption at the chiller.

ET22SWE0040

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/03

AESC, ASK Energy

Commercial

Field Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

ASHRAE Guideline 36 Open Source Supervisory Control Technology Development and Demonstration

This project demonstrates a scalable approach to implementing ASHRAE Guideline 36 (G36) sequences of operations for chilled water and hot water plants in existing buildings. G36 establishes industry best practices for standardized HVAC control strategies, enabling improved energy efficiency and system performance and previous studies have shown significant energy savings for airside systems. Expanding on this, the research team deployed G36 sequences in one chilled water plant and two hot water plants across two buildings using a layered architecture that integrates supervisory control platforms, Control Description Language programming, and Brick ontology tagging.

The supervisory control layer enabled seamless coordination with existing building automation systems, minimizing infrastructure changes. Control Description Language facilitated transparent and modular implementation aligned with G36 specifications, while Brick ontology tagging created a machine-readable semantic model for scalable integration and diagnostics. Prior to deployment, the team conducted a comprehensive evaluation and retro-commissioning process to correct existing control and equipment issues that could limit performance.

Measurement and verification were performed using metered energy data and regression models with typical meteorological year weather data to determine weather-normalized annual energy consumption. The results demonstrated 7 and 11 percent energy savings in the hot water plants and 15 percent savings in the chilled water plant, translating to annual cost reductions ranging from $0.095 to $0.17 per square foot. This project highlights the potential of modular and scalable G36 adoption to enhance energy efficiency across diverse systems while minimizing engineering effort. It also emphasizes the critical role of retro-commissioning in optimizing system performance and ensuring successful implementation in complex environments.

ET22SWE0039

HVAC, Whole Buildings

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2026/01

ASHRAE G36 SOO

TRC, UC Berkeley, Taylor Engineers

Industrial

Field Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Aerosol Sealing of Existing Attics and Crawlspaces

Retrofit air sealing of homes provides a significant opportunity for reducing residential energy use. According to results published on the impact of retrofit air sealing in single-family homes in California, reducing envelope leakage by 50% would result in 7-15% reduction in heating and cooling energy use. This project developed and tested new applications of aerosol envelope sealing that allows the process to be applied to existing occupied homes. The new method avoids issues related to unwanted deposition of sealant particles on finished surfaces in the home by applying the technology from the outside of home in a ventilated attic or crawlspace. This project found that the aerosol sealing process was much more effective at sealing envelope leakage compared to traditional methods. Across 13 demonstrations, the aerosol sealing process sealed an average of 40% of the existing home leakage compared to just 14% sealed using the common manual sealing approach.

ET22SWE0037

Whole Buildings

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2024/08

Western Cooling Efficiency Center, WCEC, University of California Davis, aerosol sealing

UC Davis

Residential, Multifamily

Field Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Residential Water Heater Sizing Measure Package Support

Currently, incentives for energy efficient water heater retrofits require a like-for-like replacement. However, anecdotal evidence exists that contractors upsize heat pump water heater (HPWH) replacements relative to existing gas water heaters. This projects’ results can add to current statewide water heating measure offerings by enabling incentives for non-like-for-like size replacements.

TRC utilized data from existing fuel substitution workpaper development with prototype buildings and various water heater sizes to update the (CPUC-approved) DEER Water Heater Calculator V 5.1 across the California (CA) climate zones establishing like-for-like baselines for savings claims.

A survey of current practice found: 1) most contractors upsize tanks when replacing a gas or electric resistance water heater with a HPWH, 2) a HPWH replacement required circuit breaker upgrades in approximately half their projects but rarely an electrical panel upgrade, and 3) the most common type of HPWH retrofit is from a natural gas water heater to a HPWH.

ET22SWE0036

Water Heating

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2022/12

DEER Water Calculator,

TRC

Residential

Measure Package Development

Measure Package Revision

Complete

Multifamily In-Unit Heat Pump

VEIC conducted a study to examine the market opportunity and technology performance of 120-volt and 240-volt (120V/240V) variable speed, high-efficiency in-unit heat pumps for use in direct replacement of less efficient room air conditioning units and displacing or replacing in-unit gas or electric heating in California multifamily buildings. The market opportunity and technology performance are examined and informed through a review of the existing multifamily building stock in California and a technical review of new in-unit heat pump solutions, building energy modeling, and interviews with key market stakeholders including manufacturers, multifamily program implementers, consultants and property managers, and national, regional, and state level energy efficiency organizations.

ET22SWE0035

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2023/11

cooling

VEIC

Multifamily

Market Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Hybrid Heat Pump and Indirect Evaporative Cooling Packaged Unit (Hybrid RTU)

Rooftop packaged units (RTUs) provide heating, ventilation, and air conditioning for approximately 75 percent of commercial building floor area in California. This project laboratory tested a commercially available Hybrid RTU that includes a heat pump and Indirect-Direct Evaporative Cooling across a range of outdoor conditions that match California climate zones. This Hybrid RTU can replace conventional RTUs on commercial buildings.

For common California outdoor conditions of 95°F dry bulb, 50°F dew point humidity, the Hybrid RTU has a room (system) cooling capacity of 4.60 (4.85) tons and coefficient of performance (COP) 4.19 (4.42) with 56% outdoor air ventilation fraction.

The measured results were used to develop performance curves and lookup tables that will be used by future projects to estimate energy savings using Energy-Plus and CBECC-Com.

ET22SWE0034

HVAC

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2025/05

University of California Davis, Western Cooling Efficiency Center, WCEC

UC Davis

Industrial

Lab Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Low-Income Multifamily Housing Characteristics Study

With nearly a third of California’s low-income households living in large (5+ unit) multifamily housing, electrifying and deploying advanced electric technologies to this portion of the housing stock is critical to reaching the state’s goals for equitable climate action. Formulating policies and programs tailored to this segment’s specific housing characteristics is critical to achieving speed and scale in building electrification, yet there is a gap in statewide data on the characteristics of low-income multifamily housing. This Low-Income Multifamily Housing Characteristics Study analyzed the physical characteristics of this housing stock and occupant demographics utilizing Census data (American Community Survey, American Housing Survey) and other public data sources (Low-Income Energy Affordability Tool, Residential Energy Consumption Survey). It also conducted a field study of affordable multifamily buildings in the Bay Area to fill gaps in building-level characteristics not available in public data sources and assess prevalence of factors known to be key barriers to electrification in multifamily housing, such as the need for electrical system upgrades (wiring, circuit panels, service lines) and space constraints. Finally, it gathered input from existing programs serving this market segment with energy efficiency and electrification measures and other stakeholders. Findings from the market characterization, field study, and stakeholder engagement were used to inform recommendations for technology development and program strategies and needs for electrifying this market segment.

ET22SWE0033

HVAC, Water Heating, Whole Buildings

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2023/12

Bright Power, AEA, TRC, The Ortiz Group, AESC, Caifornia Housing Partnership, Terner Center for Housing Innovation, UC Berkeley

VEIC

Multifamily, Hard-to-Reach (HTR)

Field Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Wastewater Treatment SB1383 Compliance Characterization

This study is a market characterization of the various California Senate Bill No. 1383 (SB1383) Landfill Diversion compliance solutions under consideration or are in planning by wastewater treatment facilities. The State’s vast network of operating facilities within the investor-owned utilities (IOU) territories offer significant untapped potential for process-based energy savings and load optimization related to both existing operations, planned expansions, and capital investments as a result of these legislative changes. This characterization effort has worked with industry partners and solutions providers to classify compliance strategies by plant size, treatment type, and other key drivers/limitations, and characterize each in terms of relative energy consumption, demand response (DR), and load management potential and fit, biogas generation/cogeneration impacts, carbon impacts, trucking/transportation impacts, creation of beneficial byproducts and other co-benefits. Using several collaborative sources, the project team was able to inventory and classify the various biosolids management compliance strategies, including infrastructure improvements to enable enhanced treatment and process control, existing drying and caking strategies, regional solutions, and emerging technologies and strategies. This report can be used as a starting point for further in-depth analysis of proposed solutions, cost-benefit analysis, capital infrastructure needs, and project life cycle. While SB1383 presents a challenge to the existing infrastructure, it also presents a unique opportunity for the wastewater sector to act as a resource in meeting California’s ambitious goals.

ET22SWE0031

Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2023/08

AESC

Industrial

Market Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Solar Assisted HVAC Market Study

A market evaluation study of solar-assisted heat pumps (SA-HP) was performed to understand configurations, commercially available products, and market size for applications in the heating mode, since previous research has shown inconclusive heating mode energy savings. Primary and secondary research was performed in this study. The three categories of direct expansion (DX) SA-HP, indirect expansion (IX) SA-HP, and hybrid SA-HP, were identified and explored for use in space heating applications. The more basic DX SA-HP systems cost less than the more complex IX DA-HP systems but have lower solar heat gains and resulting system benefit. California climate zone weather data was analyzed, and it was determined climate zone 16 would have the highest potential benefit for SA-HP. This study found there is limited commercial availability, which was noted a barrier for mass adoption, in addition to contractor training related to SA-HP systems and applications, and existing roof conditions.

ET22SWE0030

HVAC

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2022/12

AESC, ASK Energy

Residential

Market Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Packaged Central CO₂ Heat Pump Water Heater Multifamily Demonstration

Central heat pump water heaters (CHPWH) are essential to the reduction of energy usage and carbon emissions, addressing one of the largest energy-consuming end-uses in buildings. Packaged models show promise for reducing costs of these systems while increasing reliability and easing the hot water market transformation. Packaged CHPWHs can ease the installation and enable scaling of CHPWH adoption with fewer supply chain and installation barriers. Validation and enhancement of packaged CHPWH products is needed to encourage market adoption and find opportunities to maximize mutual benefits of the technology.

This report presents the findings of a field demonstration of packaged, carbon dioxide (CO₂) CHPWHs installed at two new construction multifamily buildings. An average annual coefficient of performance of 2.9 was observed, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions of 86 percent in comparison to a natural gas code baseline. Effective load shift controls displaced up to 52 percent of the energy out of peak time-of-use periods which reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 4.9 percent over a system without load shifting. Total system benefits and energy cost impacts are also presented.

Since these were among the first of this product type to be installed, the project team identified some opportunities for improvement which will yield even further benefits to building owners, utility programs, manufacturers, and installers. Recommendations include commissioning considerations of swing tank setpoints and recirculation return water balancing, attention to loads and efficiency in new construction buildings that may have partial occupancy residents move in, and active monitoring with fault detection diagnostics for maximizing impacts, quality installation, and persistence of savings. Future study should include demonstrations of packaged systems that minimize temperature maintenance loads through design variations and new program or rate structures that provide value to the building owner reflective of the benefits to the utilities and grid.

ET22SWE0028

Water Heating, Whole Buildings

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2025/08

ASK Energy, Ecotope

Multifamily

Field Study

Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development

Complete

Greenhouse Lighting Controls

This project continued a study begun for PG&E to evaluate the potential of adaptive lighting controls in greenhouses. The tasks were to gather more user experience from the grower, estimate energy savings potential, record the grower’s observations on crop yield and quality, and conduct outreach to other growers and industry stakeholders. The Project Team could not collect field data as hoped, so it created a model to estimate savings potential based on typical photoperiod, daily light integral (DLI), and glazing transmittance parameters. Working with industry experts, the Project Team estimated 9% and 11% potential annual energy savings for cannabis and tomatoes, respectively. As a next step, the Project Team recommended that CalNEXT facilitate pilot projects by industry actors to study how effectively the technology could be incentivized through Normalized Metered Energy Consumption (NMEC) projects.

ET22SWE0027

Lighting

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2023/05

Pacific Gas & Electric, PG&E

Energy Solutions

Agricultural

Field Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Advanced Multifamily EV Load Management System

This project evaluates a new electric vehicle (EV) charging solution designed to provide charging access in existing multifamily buildings that have limited electrical capacity. This technology is worth studying because it claims to offer features with significant potential for helping address barriers to implementing cost-effective multifamily EV charging access. Multifamily buildings rarely have available capacity to add traditional charging solutions for more than a few drivers, are often subject to significant demand charges (and grid impacts) from high-power charging solutions, require complex or expensive billing administration, and involve significant capital outlay to install EV chargers. This technology claims to offer power-sharing capabilities, built-in load shifting, scalability, and a turnkey subscription model which can help provide more charging access per site.
The study seeks to verify circuit- and panel-sharing capabilities to provide charging within capacity-constrained environments and to identify barriers to broader commercialization for this type of technology.

ET22SWE0026

Plug Loads & Appliances

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2023/12

Energy Solutions

Multifamily

Field Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

Next Generation Refrigeration Analysis Tool Proof of Concept

The project developed an energy modeling framework based on OpenStudio, EnergyPlus, and ancillary tools and was the first step toward creating a grocery refrigeration analysis tool. VEIC performed sensitivity analysis and validation on the OpenStudio modeling framework to ensure it appropriately represented the target project population to serve CA and low-GWP refrigeration systems in support of utility programs. This project supported the recommendations identified in the “SCE Report – June 2021 – ET18SCE7080 Next-Generation, Low-GWP Refrigeration Systems: Tool Assessment and Market Impacts.” An analysis tool was created which included automation capabilities that could form the backbone of a refrigeration tool for CA. With further development, it may result in an easy-to-use tool for grocery stores of all sizes, including independent grocers that tend to serve disadvantaged and hard-to-reach communities.

Resources in Final Report
Grocery Analysis Tool (.zip)
NASRC Stakeholder Survey Questions

ET22SWE0025

Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2023/11

Effecterra, Optimized Thermal Systembs (OTS), North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council, NASCR, DS Engineering, CoolSys, Henderson Engineers

VEIC

Commercial, Foodservice and Grocery

Market Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Occupancy-based Thermostats for Commercial Offices

A field demonstration of occupancy-based control (OBC) for thermostats with remote occupancy sensors was conducted at two offices in San Diego County to evaluate the savings potential of the technology. In this field test, programmable thermostats were replaced with thermostats with OBC, an emerging technology consisting of a smart thermostat and wirelessly connected PIR occupancy sensors. The technology can decide whether to turn on/off a single-zone HVAC unit by gathering occupancy information from occupancy sensors placed in each individual space in its zone. The offices were separated into a control group with existing programmable thermostats and a treatment group with emerging technology. The energy consumptions of single-zone HVAC units in each group were monitored from September 2022 to November 2022.The study found that the occupancy-based thermostat the treatment group consumed less energy and expected to save 15% to 34% annually.

ET22SWE0023

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2022/12

ASK Energy

Commercial, Foodservice and Grocery

Field Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Residential Housing Characteristics Study

This California Low-Income Residential Housing Characteristics Study project proposes to address the lack of complete data on housing structures in disadvantaged communities (DAC) and Hard-to-Reach (HTR) single-family residential housing. While high-level data such as the number of homes in DACs and other key demographic and market information (housing age, access to broadband, etc.) can be pulled from census and other research, data on the baseline physical conditions of DAC and HTR homes is lacking (i.e., structural integrity, electrical panel, and wire capacity, and code adherence). This data is foundational to being able to both size the total available market for emerging technologies and develop effective, properly budgeted program pathways to serve and transform these communities. The results will help facilitate the deployment of emerging technologies including heat pump water heaters, heat pump HVAC, smart plug loads, efficient appliances including induction stove-tops, home networking equipment, and other decarbonization measures.

The project will leverage past studies and piggyback on existing IOU programs and contractor networks serving CA IOU DAC and HTR communities to perform targeted incremental housing condition data collection. For example, the San Joaquin Valley Disadvantaged Communities Pilot has provided initial data on home readiness for electrification and identified some initial costs needed to ready homes for electrification. The study will also use contractors to conduct in-home survey assessments and identify a home that is ready for electrification and will estimate costs for those homes that require upgrades and or retrofits to allow electrification. We estimate the number of Single Family Homes in California where occupants are low-income to be 3.5 M. We plan to create a survey for in-depth contractor assessments.

This information, analyzed in combination with other data, will be used to inform the scope and nature of barriers to serving DAC and HTR communities with Emerging Technologies efforts and to develop programmatic strategies for helping California achieve its decarbonisation and equity goals.

ET22SWE0022

HVAC, Plug Loads & Appliances, Water Heating

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2023/11

Ortiz Group, ASK Energy, AESC

Residential, Disadvantaged Communities (DAC), Hard-to-Reach (HTR)

Field Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Residential Multi-Function Heat Pumps: Product Search

Residential Multi-Function Heat Pumps (MFHP) use one efficient outdoor compressor and heat exchanger coil to provide space cooling, space heating, and domestic hot water heating. Air-to-air versions of MFHP use refrigerant to provide heating and cooling services and have the potential to eliminate the need for electric resistance backup heaters. Eliminating electric resistance keeps the maximum power consumption lower and can avoid the need for electrical service breaker panel upgrades in many residential buildings, reducing cost and speeding up installation times compared to the typical separate space conditioning heat pump and standalone heat pump water heater products. The Villara AquaThermAire will be commercially available in California in Q1 2023, Panasonic offers the Aquarea EcoFleX in Europe, and other manufacturers have interest in offering MFHP products in the future.

ET22SWE0021

Whole Buildings

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2022/12

Western Cooling
Efficiency Center, WCEC, University of California Davis

UC Davis

Residential

Market Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Refrigerant Management Market Assessment

If the grid achieved 100% zero carbon today and all homes adopted heat pumps, California could potentially emit at least 60 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent over the next 10 to 20 years solely from refrigerant leaks in residential and commercial HVAC equipment. Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant emissions have 400 to 4,000 times the climate forcing power of CO2 itself. Two new policies enable California’s drive to reduce HFC emissions and create a demand for more “refrigerant efficient” HVAC and ultra-low GHG refrigerants:
• Utilities must now use the new Total System Benefit metric to evaluate energy efficiency incentives including consideration of refrigerant emissions,
• Recent Air Resources Board (CARB) regulation of HFCs.
This report examines the market for commercial HVAC focused on Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) and competitive technologies in light of these changes, finding that utilities should re-evaluate incentives for VRF or suspend them until 2027 when the most powerful and common HVAC refrigerant, R-410A, is replaced.

ET22SWE0020

HVAC

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2023/11

VEIC

Commercial

Market Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Market Potential for Heat Pump Assisted Hot Water Systems in Food Service Facilities

Electrifying the building sector is a critical step toward meeting California’s decarbonization goals. Water heating for food service applications represents 340M therms of gas consumption and thus presents a significant electrification opportunity through the application of heat pump (HP) assistance. For this study the program team conducted a market assessment of the potential for the adoption of heat pump-assisted hot water systems (HPaHWS) in food service facilities. This market assessment evaluated the total reachable market and the market penetration potential for HPaHWS. The program team also addressed the market barriers and opportunities for the adoption of HPaHWS as they currently exist. This study occurred in three phases: Literature search, Interviews, Numerical data collection, and analysis.

ET22SWE0019

Water Heating

TDR

Complete
Final Report

2023/06

Energy Solutions, Frontier Energy

TRC

Commercial, Foodservice and Grocery

Market Study

Follow-Up Project

Complete

Commercial and MF CO2-based Heat Pump Water Heater Market Study and Field Demonstration

AESC conducted a California-focused market study and field demonstration of an all-electric CO2 refrigerant heat pump water heater (HPWH) designed for central systems in commercial and multi-family (MF) buildings. The study added to existing research and non-residential HPWH initiatives with a focus on the California market, policies, rate structures, efficiency programs, demand flexibility programs, and market barriers. The field study evaluated product performance and impacts on energy, cost, and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) of the technology relative to baseline natural gas as well as load flexibility capabilities in the context of CA rates and the new Total System Benefit (TSB) metric for EE programs. The product was installed, monitored, and analyzed at two participant MF sites. Recommendations for possible technology improvements to optimize benefits and future design iterations were explored, focusing on items such as cost, installation challenges, energy and capacity performance, customer satisfaction, and load-shifting abilities.

ET22SWE0017

Water Heating, Whole Buildings

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2023/12

ASK Energy, Ecotope

Commercial

Field Study

Support New/Updated Custom Measure Development

Complete

All-Electric Commercial Kitchen Electrical Requirements Study Evaluation

This study identifies the impacts of converting a gas and electric commercial foodservice facility to an all-electric kitchen. Three categories, which represent 82% of foodservice sites in California, were analyzed to estimate the costs to update site electrical infrastructure and the added load to the site and grid.

The analysis found the average connected amp load of the three categories increased between 50% and 79% with an average peak demand increase of 35kW per site at a cost of approximately $1,600 to $7,400 annually for sites that incur demand charges. These increases caused the loads to exceed the existing service capacity in 75% of sites analyzed.

Significant upgrades to the existing electrical systems would be required to meet the added load of electric cooking equipment. The average cost per site was estimated as $40,000 for institutional sites, $123,000 for quick-service and $160,000 for full-service restaurants.

ET22SWE0010

Process Loads

TSR

Complete
Final Report

2022/12

RBE Consulting Electrical Engineers, Metro Electric NG Associates, Forward Dining Solutions, Vacaville Unified School District, Southern California Edison, SCE

Energy Solutions

Commercial,
Foodservice and Grocery

Market Study

Project Findings for EE Program Integration

Complete

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