Title 24 · California Energy Code
What are the mandatory requirements for demand‑response/demand‑management equipment?
Homes and businesses (except healthcare) that install demand‑response equipment must use controls certified to OpenADR or certified to respond to OpenADR, support two‑way wired or wireless communication, and meet specific response capabilities: zone HVAC must allow ±4° remote setpoint changes, larger nonresidential lighting systems (≥4,000 W) must demonstrate a ≥15% dimming capability, EMCs >15 kW must reduce by ≥30%, and required controlled receptacles must turn off on signal — all per **§ 110.12**.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
Buildings (other than healthcare facilities) that install or are required to install demand‑responsive controls must meet the specific functional and communications requirements in § 110.12. Key requirements: demand‑response controls must be certified Virtual End Nodes (VEN) or certified to respond to VEN signals, must support bidirectional wired or wireless communications, and specific equipment types (zonal HVAC, lighting, electronic message centers, and controlled receptacles) have mandatory response capabilities and thresholds. § 110.12 also references testing/acceptance procedures in the nonresidential reference appendices.
The single most important rule: demand‑response controls must be VEN‑certified (or certified to respond to a VEN) and must be able to communicate bidirectionally so the building can receive and implement demand‑response signals. § 110.12(a).
Requirements in detail
1) General demand‑response control requirements (what the device must be able to do)
- All demand responsive controls must be either:
- a certified OpenADR 2.0a or OpenADR 2.0b Virtual End Node (VEN), or a certified Baseline Profile OpenADR 3.0 VEN; or
- certified to the Energy Commission as capable of responding to a demand response signal from a certified OpenADR VEN by automatically implementing the requested control functions for the equipment it controls. § 110.12(a)1.
- All demand responsive controls must support wired or wireless bidirectional communication with the VEN. § 110.12(a)2.
- If the demand response signal is disabled or unavailable, the controls must continue to perform their other control functions (i.e., normal operations are preserved). § 110.12(a)4.
- Demand responsive control thermostats must comply with Reference Joint Appendix 5 (JA5) technical specs for Occupant Controlled Smart Thermostats. § 110.12(a)5.
2) Demand‑responsive zonal HVAC controls
Applies to nonresidential HVAC with DDC to the zone level:
- Must allow centralized demand shed for noncritical zones by:
- remotely increasing cooling setpoints by 4 degrees or more, and remotely decreasing heating setpoints by 4 degrees or more on centralized signal; and
- remotely resetting temperatures to original operating levels on signal; and
- providing an adjustable rate of change for the setpoint increase/decrease/reset. § 110.12(b)1–4.
- Controls must include features for: Disabled by authorized operators; Manual global control by authorized operators; and Automatic Demand Shed Control that performs the centralized demand shed upon receipt of a demand‑response signal. § 110.12(b)5A–C.
3) Demand‑responsive lighting controls
- Where applicable (nonresidential lighting systems with total installed lighting power of 4,000 watts or greater that are subject to § 130.1(b) or § 160.5(b)4B), install lighting controls capable of automatically reducing lighting power in response to a demand‑response signal. § 110.12(c).
- For compliance testing, lighting controls must demonstrate a 15‑percent or greater reduction in lighting power (see Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.3). § 110.12(c)1.
- Demand‑responsive lighting controls must control the general lighting in the spaces required by the cited lighting sections and reduce general lighting consistent with those requirements. § 110.12(c)2–3.
- Exception: spaces where health or life‑safety rules prohibit dimming/reduction are exempt and do not count toward the 4,000 W threshold. § 110.12(c) Exception.
4) Demand‑responsive Electronic Message Centers (EMC)
- EMCs greater than 15 kW must be capable of reducing lighting power by at least 30% when receiving a demand‑response signal. § 110.12(d).
- Exception applies where health or life‑safety regulations prevent reduction. § 110.12(d) Exception.
5) Demand‑responsive controlled receptacles
- Where controlled receptacles are required by § 130.5(d) or § 160.6(d) and demand‑responsive lighting controls are installed, those controlled receptacles must be capable of automatically turning off all connected loads in response to a demand‑response signal. § 110.12(e).
- Exception: spaces where health or life‑safety rules prohibit automatic control are exempt. § 110.12(e) Exception.
Decision‑relevant dimensions (quick table)
| Application | Required function / value | When required | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demand responsive control (general) | Certified OpenADR VEN or certified to respond to VEN; bidirectional comms | All buildings (except healthcare) that install/are required to install demand‑response controls | § 110.12(a). |
| Thermostats | Meet JA5 technical specs | Demand responsive control thermostats | § 110.12(a)5. |
| Zonal HVAC (DDC to zone) | Remote +4° cooling / -4° heating; reset; adjustable rate; disable/manual/auto shed features | Nonresidential with DDC to zone level | § 110.12(b). |
| Lighting (general) | Demonstrate ≥15% lighting power reduction | Nonresidential lighting systems ≥ 4,000 W subject to §130.1(b) or §160.5(b)4B | § 110.12(c). |
| Electronic Message Center (EMC) | ≥30% reduction capability | EMC > 15 kW | § 110.12(d). |
| Controlled receptacles | Automatically turn off connected loads on demand signal | Spaces required to have controlled receptacles per §130.5(d) or §160.6(d) when demand responsive lighting controls are installed | § 110.12(e). |
Exceptions & special cases
- Healthcare facilities are excluded from § 110.12 requirements; the section opens by excluding healthcare facilities. § 110.12.
- Health or life‑safety statutes, ordinances, or regulations may exempt specific spaces from lighting or receptacle reduction requirements (these exempted spaces are also not counted toward lighting power thresholds). § 110.12(c) Exception; § 110.12(e) Exception.
- Some lighting and receptacle demand‑response functions are tied to other code sections (for example § 130.1(b) and § 160.5(b)4B) — verify whether a project is subject to those sections before applying the 4,000 W threshold. § 110.12(c).
Common mistakes
- Assuming any “smart” thermostat satisfies the requirement — thermostats must meet JA5 specifications or the VEN certification path in § 110.12(a). § 110.12(a)5.
- Installing one‑way or proprietary communication that cannot be a bidirectional VEN interface; the code requires bidirectional wired or wireless communication. § 110.12(a)2.
- Counting spaces that are exempt for life‑safety toward lighting power thresholds (they do not count). § 110.12(c) Exception.
- Forgetting to provide acceptance testing/certification evidence per the referenced NA7 appendices (demand responsive lighting and controlled receptacles have specific NA7 tests). § 110.12(c)1 and related acceptance sections NA7.6.3/NA7.6.5.
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A new nonresidential building has a total installed interior lighting power of 6,000 watts and DDC to zone level for HVAC. The owner will install demand‑response capability.
What you must do:
- Lighting: Because total lighting ≥ 4,000 W, install demand‑responsive lighting controls that can automatically reduce general lighting and demonstrate ≥15% reduction during compliance testing (per NA7.6.3). Reference: § 110.12(c).
- 6,000 W × 15% = 900 W minimum reducible load for compliance testing.
- HVAC: For DDC zone‑level systems, program controls so a centralized signal can increase cooling setpoints by 4° or more and decrease heating setpoints by 4° or more, with remote reset and adjustable rate. Ensure Disabled, Manual, and Automatic Demand Shed Control features are present and operable. Reference: § 110.12(b).
- Communications: Ensure the installed demand responsive controls are either VEN‑certified or Energy Commission‑certified to respond to VEN signals, and support bidirectional wired or wireless comms. Reference: § 110.12(a)1–2.
- Acceptance: Prepare documentation and Certificate(s) of Acceptance showing testing per the NA7 appendices (demand‑response lighting tested to NA7.6.3; automatic demand shed testing referenced in NA7.5.10 if applicable). § 110.12(c)1 and acceptance appendix references.
Related provisions
- § 110.11 — Mandatory requirements for electrical power distribution systems (manufacturer certification context).
- § 130.1(b) — Mandatory indoor lighting controls referenced for which spaces lighting demand‑response applies.
- § 130.5(d) — Requirements for controlled receptacles (ties to § 110.12(e)).
- § 160.5(b)4B — Nonresidential lighting provisions referenced by § 110.12(c).
- Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.3 — Test procedure for demand‑responsive lighting control reduction demonstration. (Referenced in § 110.12(c)1).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Energy Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
§ 110.11 High relevance — show source text
(a) Low-voltage dry-type distribution transformer shall be certified by the Manufacturer as required by the Title 20 Appliance Efficiency Regulations.
EXCEPTION to Section 110.11(a):
autotransformer;
drive (isolation) transformer;
grounding transformer;
machine-tool (control) transformer;
nonventilated transformer;
rectifier transformer;
regulating transformer;
sealed transformer;
special-impedance transformer;
testing transformer;
transformer with tap range of 20 percent or more;
uninterruptible power supply transformer; or
welding transformer.
Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.
SECTION 110.12 — MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEMAND MANAGEMENT
Buildings, other than healthcare facilities, that install or are required to install demand responsive controls shall comply with the applicable demand responsive control requirements of Sections 110.12(a) through 110.12(e). (a) Demand responsive controls.
- All demand responsive controls shall be either: A. A certified OpenADR 2.0a or OpenADR 2.0b Virtual End Node (VEN), as specified under Clause 11, Conformance, in the applicable OpenADR 2.0 Specification; or a certified Baseline Profile OpenADR 3.0 Virtual End Node; or
B. Certified to the Energy Commission as being capable of responding to a demand response signal from a certified OpenADR 2.0b or a certified Baseline Profile OpenADR 3.0 Virtual End Node by automatically implementing the control functions requested by the Virtual End Node for the equipment it controls. 2. All demand responsive controls shall be capable of communicating with the VEN using a wired or wireless bidirectional communication protocol.
Reserved.
When the demand response signal is disabled or unavailable, all demand responsive controls shall continue to perform all other control functions provided by the control.
Demand responsive control thermostats shall comply with Reference Joint Appendix 5 (JA5), Technical Specifications for Occupant Controlled Smart Thermostats. (b) Demand Responsive Zonal HVAC Controls. Nonresidential HVAC systems with DDC to the Zone level shall be programmed to allow centralized demand shed for noncritical zones as follows:
The controls shall have a capability to remotely increase the operating cooling temperature set points by 4 degrees or more in all noncritical zones on signal from a centralized contact or software point within an Energy Management Control System (EMCS).
The controls shall have a capability to remotely decrease the operating heating temperature set points by 4 degrees or more in all noncritical zones on signal from a centralized contact or software point within an EMCS.
The controls shall have capabilities to remotely reset the temperatures in all noncritical zones to original operating levels on signal from a centralized contact or software point within an EMCS.
The controls shall be programmed to provide an adjustable rate of change for the temperature increase, decrease, and reset.
§ 2.0 High relevance — show source text
B. Certified to the Energy Commission as being capable of responding to a demand response signal from a certified OpenADR 2.0b or a certified Baseline Profile OpenADR 3.0 Virtual End Node by automatically implementing the control functions requested by the Virtual End Node for the equipment it controls. 2. All demand responsive controls shall be capable of communicating with the VEN using a wired or wireless bidirectional communication protocol.
Reserved.
When the demand response signal is disabled or unavailable, all demand responsive controls shall continue to perform all other control functions provided by the control.
Demand responsive control thermostats shall comply with Reference Joint Appendix 5 (JA5), Technical Specifications for Occupant Controlled Smart Thermostats. (b) Demand Responsive Zonal HVAC Controls. Nonresidential HVAC systems with DDC to the Zone level shall be programmed to allow centralized demand shed for noncritical zones as follows:
The controls shall have a capability to remotely increase the operating cooling temperature set points by 4 degrees or more in all noncritical zones on signal from a centralized contact or software point within an Energy Management Control System (EMCS).
The controls shall have a capability to remotely decrease the operating heating temperature set points by 4 degrees or more in all noncritical zones on signal from a centralized contact or software point within an EMCS.
The controls shall have capabilities to remotely reset the temperatures in all noncritical zones to original operating levels on signal from a centralized contact or software point within an EMCS.
The controls shall be programmed to provide an adjustable rate of change for the temperature increase, decrease, and reset.
The controls shall have the following features: A. Disabled. Disabled by authorized facility operators; and B. Manual control. Manual control by authorized facility operators to allow adjustment of heating and cooling set points globally from a single point in the EMCS; and C. Automatic Demand Shed Control. Upon receipt of a demand response signal, the space-conditioning systems shall conduct a centralized demand shed, as specified in Sections 110.12(b)1 and 110.12(b)2, for noncritical zones during the demand response period.
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(c) Demand Responsive Lighting Controls. Buildings with nonresidential lighting systems having a total installed lighting power of 4,000 watts or greater that are subject to the requirements of Section 130.1(b) or 160.5(b)4B shall install controls that are capable of automatically reducing lighting power in response to a demand response signal.
- For compliance testing, the lighting controls shall demonstrate a 15-percent or greater reduction in lighting power as described in NA7.6.3. The controls may provide additional demand responsive functions or abilities.
- For buildings where demand response controls are required, demand responsive controls shall control the general lighting in the spaces required to meet Section 130.1(b) or 160.5(b)4B.
- General lighting shall be reduced in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 130.1(b) or 160.5(b)4B. Exception to Section 110.12(c): Spaces where a health or life safety statute, ordinance, or regulation does not permit the general lighting to be reduced are not required to install demand responsive controls and do not count toward the 4,000-watt threshold.
§ 110.0 High relevance — show source text
110.0 Systems and Equipment—General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
110.1 Mandatory Requirements for Appliances . . . . . . . . . 39
110.2 Mandatory Requirements for Space-Conditioning Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
110.3 Mandatory Requirements for Service Water-Heating Systems and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
110.4 Mandatory Requirements for Pool and Spa Systems and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
110.5 Natural Gas Central Furnaces, Cooking Equipment, Pool and Spa Heaters, and Fireplaces: Pilot Lights Prohibited. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
110.6 Mandatory Requirements for Fenestration Products and Exterior Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
110.7 Mandatory Requirements to Limit Air Leakage . . . . 57
110.8 Mandatory Requirements for Insulation, Roofing Products and Radiant Barriers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
110.9 Mandatory Requirements for Lighting Controls. . . . 59
110.10 Mandatory Requirements for Solar Readiness. . . . . 60
110.11 Mandatory Requirements for Electrical Power Distribution System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
110.12 Mandatory Requirements for Demand Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
SUBCHAPTER 3 NONRESIDENTIAL, HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES, AND COVERED PROCESSES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
120.0 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
120.1 Requirements for Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
120.2 Required Controls for Space-Conditioning Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
120.3 Requirements for Pipe Insulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
120.4 Requirements for Air Distribution System Ducts and Plenums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
§ 110.10 High relevance — show source text
The potential solar zone area is the total area of any low-sloped roofs where the annual solar access is 70 percent or greater and any steep-sloped roofs oriented between 90 degrees and 300 degrees of true north where the annual solar access is 70 percent or greater. Solar access is the ratio of solar insolation including shade to the solar insolation without shade. Shading from obstructions located on the roof or any other part of the building shall not be included in the determination of annual solar access. Exception 5 to Section 110.10(b)1A: Single-family residences having a solar zone total area no less than 150 square feet and where all thermostats are demand responsive controls and comply with Section 110.12(a), and are capable of receiving and responding to Demand Response Signals prior to granting of an occupancy permit by the enforcing
agency. Exception 6 to Section 110.10(b)1A: Single-family residences meeting the following conditions: A. All thermostats are demand responsive controls that comply with Section 110.12(a), and are capable of receiving and responding to Demand Response Signals prior to granting of an occupancy permit by the enforcing agency. B. Comply with one of the following measures: i. Install a dishwasher that meets or exceeds the ENERGY STAR [®] Program requirements with a refrigerator that meets or exceeds the ENERGY STAR Program requirements, a whole house fan driven by an electronically commutated motor, or an SAE J1772 Level 2 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE or EV charger) with a minimum of 40 amperes; or ii. Install a home automation system capable of, at a minimum, controlling the appliances and lighting of the dwelling and responding to demand response signals; or iii. Install alternative plumbing piping to permit the discharge from the clothes washer and all showers and bathtubs to be used for an irrigation system in compliance with the California Plumbing Code and any applicable local ordinances; or iv. Install a rainwater catchment system designed to comply with the California Plumbing Code and any applicable local ordinances, and that uses rainwater flowing from at least 65 percent of the available roof area.
B. Multifamily buildings, hotel/motel occupancies and nonresidential buildings. The solar zone shall be located on the roof or overhang of the building or on the roof or overhang of another structure located within 250 feet of the building or on covered parking installed with the building project, and shall have a total area no less than 15 percent of the total roof area of the building excluding any skylight area. The solar zone requirement is applicable to the entire building, including mixed occupancy.
Exception 1 to Section 110.10(b)1B: High-rise multifamily buildings, hotel/motel occupancies, and nonresidential buildings with a permanently installed solar electric system having a nameplate DC power rating, measured under Standard Test Conditions, of no less than one watt per square foot of roof area.
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Exception 2 to Section 110.10(b)1B: High-rise multifamily buildings, hotel/motel occupancies with a permanently installed domestic solar water-heating system complying with Section 150.1(c)8Biii.
§ 160.3 High relevance — show source text
(d) Mechanical acceptance testing.
- Common areas. Before an occupancy permit is granted, the following systems and equipment serving multifamily common areas shall be certified as meeting the Acceptance Requirements for Code Compliance, as specified by Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7. These systems and equipment shall also comply with the applicable requirements of Section
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160.3(d)3. A Certificate of Acceptance shall be submitted to the enforcement agency that certifies that the equipment and systems meet the acceptance requirements: A. Outdoor air ventilation systems shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.1. B. Constant volume, single zone air conditioning and heat pump unit controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.2. C. Duct systems shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.3 where either: a. They are new duct systems; or b. They are part of an altered system. D. Air economizers, DOAS, HRV or ERV systems shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.4. Exception to Section 160.3(d)1D: Air economizers installed by the HVAC system manufacturer and certified to the Commission as being factory calibrated and tested are not required to comply with the Functional Testing section of the Air Economizer Controls acceptance test as described in NA7.5.4.2. E. Demand control ventilation systems required by Section 160.2(c)3 shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.5. F. Supply fan variable flow controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.6. G. Hydronic system variable flow controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.7 and NA7.5.9. H. Boilers or chillers that require isolation controls as specified by Section 170.2(c)4Iii or 170.2(c)4Iiii shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.7.
I. Hydronic systems with supply water temperature reset controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.8.
J. Automatic demand shed controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.10.
K. Fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) for packaged direct expansion units shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.11. L. Automatic fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) for air handling units and zone terminal units shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.12.
M. Distributed energy storage DX AC systems shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.13. N. Thermal energy storage (TES) systems shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.14. O. Supply air temperature reset controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.15. P. Water-cooled chillers served by cooling towers with condenser water reset controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.16.
Q. When an energy management control system is installed, it shall functionally meet all of the applicable requirements of Part 6.
§ 110.11 High relevance — show source text
110.11 Mandatory Requirements for Electrical Power Distribution System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
110.12 Mandatory Requirements for Demand Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
SUBCHAPTER 3 NONRESIDENTIAL, HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES, AND COVERED PROCESSES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
120.0 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
120.1 Requirements for Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
120.2 Required Controls for Space-Conditioning Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
120.3 Requirements for Pipe Insulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
120.4 Requirements for Air Distribution System Ducts and Plenums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
120.5 Required Nonresidential Mechanical System Acceptance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
120.6 Mandatory Requirements for Covered
Processes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
120.7 Mandatory Requirements for Building Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
120.8 Nonresidential Building Commissioning. . . . . . . . . . 91
120.9 Mandatory Requirements for Commercial Boilers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
120.10 Mandatory Requirements for Fans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
SUBCHAPTER 4 NONRESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR LIGHTING SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT, AND ELECTRICAL
POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
130.0 Lighting Systems and Equipment, and Electrical Power Distribution Systems—General . . . . . . . . . . . 95
130.1 Mandatory Indoor Lighting Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
130.2 Outdoor Lighting Controls and Equipment . . . . . . .100
§ 130.5 High relevance — show source text
Install a control capable of automatically shutting OFF the controlled receptacles when the space is typically unoccupied, either at the receptacle or circuit level. When an automatic time switch control is installed it shall incorporate an override control that allows the controlled receptacle to remain ON for no more than 2 hours when an override is initiated and an automatic holiday “shut-OFF” feature that turns OFF all loads for at least 24 hours and then resumes the normally scheduled operation. Countdown timer switches shall not be used to comply with the automatic time switch control requirements; and 2. Install at least one controlled receptacle within 6 feet from each uncontrolled receptacle or install a multiple-receptacle outlet with at least one controlled and one uncontrolled receptacle. Where receptacles are installed in modular furniture in open office areas, at least one controlled receptacle shall be installed at each workstation; and 3. Provide a permanent marking for controlled receptacles or circuits to differentiate them from uncontrolled receptacles or circuits; and 4. For hotel and motel guest rooms, install controlled receptacles for at least one-half of the 120-volt receptacles in each guestroom. Electric circuits serving controlled receptacles in guestrooms shall have captive card key controls, occupant sensing controls, or automatic controls so the power is switched OFF no longer than 20 minutes after the guestroom has been vacated.
Exception 1 to Section 130.5(d): Receptacles that are only for the following purposes: i. Receptacles specifically for refrigerators and water dispensers in kitchen area. ii. Receptacles located a minimum of six feet above the floor that are specifically for clocks. iii. Receptacles for network copiers, fax machines, A/V and data equipment other than personal computers in copy
rooms.
iv. Receptacles on circuits rated more than 20 amperes. v. Receptacles connected to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) that are intended to be in continuous use, 24 hours per day/365 days per year, and are marked to differentiate them from other uncontrolled receptacles or circuits.
Exception 2 to Section 130.5(d): Receptacles in healthcare facilities.
(e) Demand responsive controls and equipment. See Section 110.12 for requirements for demand responsive controls and equipment, including demand responsive controls for controlled receptacles.
Note: Definitions of terms and phrases in Section 130.5 are determined as specified in Section 100.1(b). Terms and phrases not found in Section 100.1(b) shall be defined as specified in Title 24, Part 3, Article 100 of the California Electrical Code.
Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.
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PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR ACHIEVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY
§ 110.10 High relevance — show source text
(d) Documentation. A copy of the construction documents or a comparable document indicating the information from Sections 110.10(b) through 110.10(c) shall be provided to the occupant.
(e) Main electrical service panel.
- The main electrical service panel shall have a minimum busbar rating of 200 amps.
- The main electrical service panel shall have a reserved space to allow for the installation of a double pole circuit breaker for a future solar electric installation. The reserved space shall be permanently marked as “For Future Solar Electric”.
Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402, 25402.1, and 25605, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, 25605, and 25943, Public Resources Code.
SECTION 110.11—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Certification by Manufacturers. Any electrical power distribution system equipment listed in this section may be installed only if the manufacture has certified to the Commission that the equipment complies with all the applicable requirements of this section.
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(a) Low-voltage dry-type distribution transformer shall be certified by the Manufacturer as required by the Title 20 Appliance Efficiency Regulations.
EXCEPTION to Section 110.11(a):
autotransformer;
drive (isolation) transformer;
grounding transformer;
machine-tool (control) transformer;
nonventilated transformer;
rectifier transformer;
regulating transformer;
sealed transformer;
special-impedance transformer;
testing transformer;
transformer with tap range of 20 percent or more;
uninterruptible power supply transformer; or
welding transformer.
Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.
SECTION 110.12 — MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEMAND MANAGEMENT
Buildings, other than healthcare facilities, that install or are required to install demand responsive controls shall comply with the applicable demand responsive control requirements of Sections 110.12(a) through 110.12(e). (a) Demand responsive controls.
- All demand responsive controls shall be either: A. A certified OpenADR 2.0a or OpenADR 2.0b Virtual End Node (VEN), as specified under Clause 11, Conformance, in the applicable OpenADR 2.0 Specification; or a certified Baseline Profile OpenADR 3.0 Virtual End Node; or
§ 160.6 Medium relevance — show source text
Controlled receptacles shall meet the following requirements, as applicable:
- Install a control capable of automatically shutting OFF the controlled receptacles when the space is typically unoccupied, either at the receptacle or circuit level. When an automatic time switch control is installed it shall incorporate an override control that allows the controlled receptacle to remain ON for no more than 2 hours when an override is initiated and an automatic holiday “shut-OFF” feature that turns OFF all loads for at least 24 hours and then resumes the normally scheduled operation. Countdown timer switches shall not be used to comply with the automatic time switch control requirements; and
- Install at least one controlled receptacle within 6 feet from each uncontrolled receptacle, or install a multiple receptacle outlet with at least one controlled and one uncontrolled receptacle. Where receptacles are installed in modular furniture in open office areas, at least one controlled receptacle shall be installed at each workstation; and
- Provide a permanent marking for controlled receptacles or circuits to differentiate them from uncontrolled receptacles or circuits; and Exception 1 to Section 160.6(d): Receptacles that are only for the following purposes: A. Receptacles specifically for refrigerators and water dispensers in kitchen areas. B. Receptacles located a minimum of 6 feet above the floor that are specifically for clocks. C. Receptacles for network copiers, fax machines, A/V and data equipment other than personal computers in copy
rooms.
D. Receptacles on circuits rated more than 20 amperes. E. Receptacles connected to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) that are intended to be in continuous use, 24 hours per day/365 days per year, and are marked to differentiate them from other uncontrolled receptacles or circuits. Exception 2 to Section 160.6(d): Receptacles in common use areas providing shared provisions for living, eating, cooking or sanitation to dwelling units that would otherwise lack these provisions.
(e) Demand responsive controls and equipment. See Section 110.12 for requirements for demand responsive controls and equipment, including demand responsive controls for controlled receptacles.
NOTE: Definitions of terms and phrases in Section 160.6 are determined as specified in Section 100.1(b). Terms and phrases not found in Section 100.1(b) shall be defined as specified in Title 24, Part 3, Article 100 of the California Electrical Code .
NOTE: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8 and 25943, Public Resources Code .
SECTION 160.7—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES
(a) Elevators. Elevators shall meet the requirements of Section 120.6(f).
(b) Pool and spa systems. Pool and spa systems available to multiple tenants or to the public shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 110.4. Pool and spa systems installed for exclusive use by a single tenant shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 150.0(p). Pool and spa systems installed for public use shall comply with Section 150.0(p)2, Section 150.0(p)3, and Section 150.0(p)4.
§ 130.3 Medium relevance — show source text
Exception to Section 130.3(a)2B: Outdoor signs in tunnels and large covered areas that are intended to be illuminated both day and night. 3. Demand responsive Electronic Message Center (EMC) control. See Section 110.12 for requirements for demand responsive EMC controls .
Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.
SECTION 130.4—LIGHTING CONTROL ACCEPTANCE AND INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS
Nonresidential buildings other than healthcare facilities and hotel/motel buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 130.4(a) through 130.4(c). Healthcare facilities shall comply with the applicable acceptance and installation documentation requirements of OSHPD.
(a) Lighting and receptacle control acceptance requirements. Before an occupancy permit is granted, indoor and outdoor lighting and receptacle controls serving the building, area or site and installed to comply with Section 110.12, 120.6(h)5B, 130.1, 130.2, 130.5 or 140.6 shall be certified as meeting the Acceptance Requirements for Code Compliance as specified by the Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6 and NA7.8. A Certificate of Acceptance shall be submitted to the enforcement agency under Section 10-103(a) of Part 1, that the equipment and systems meet the acceptance requirements:
Reserved.
Reserved.
Daylight responsive controls shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.1;
Lighting shut-OFF controls shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.2;
Demand responsive lighting controls shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.3; and
Outdoor lighting controls shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.8; and
Lighting systems receiving the Institutional Tuning Power Adjustment Factor shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.4.
Demand responsive controls required to control controlled receptacles shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.5.
(b) Lighting control installation certificate requirements. To be recognized for compliance with Part 6 an installation certificate shall be submitted in accordance with Section 10-103(a) for any lighting control system, energy management control system, interlocked lighting system, lighting power adjustment factor, or additional wattage available for a videoconference studio, in accordance with the following requirements, as applicable:
Certification that when a lighting control system is installed to comply with lighting control requirements in Part 6 it complies with the applicable requirements of Section 110.9; and complies with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.7.1.
Certification that when an energy management control system is installed to function as a lighting control required by Part 6 it functionally meets all applicable requirements for each application for which it is installed, in accordance with Sections 110.9, 130.0 through 130.5, 140.6 through 150.0, and 150.2; and complies with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.7.2.
Reserved.
Reserved.
§ 130.5 Medium relevance — show source text
(e) Demand Responsive Controlled Receptacles. In spaces required to have controlled receptacles per Section 130.5(d) or 160.6(d) and where demand responsive lighting controls are installed, the controlled receptacles shall be capable of automatically turning off all connected loads in response to a demand response signal. Exception to Section 110.12(e): Spaces where a health or life safety statute, ordinance or regulation does not permit the receptacles to be automatically controlled.
Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.
64 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
3 NONRESIDENTIAL, HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES,
AND COVERED PROCESSES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 120.0—GENERAL
Sections 120.1 through 120.10 establish requirements for the design and installation of building envelopes, ventilation, space-conditioning and service water-heating systems and equipment in nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings as well as covered processes that are within the scope of Section 100.0(a).
Note: The requirements of Sections 120.1 through 120.10 apply to newly constructed buildings. Section 141.0 specifies which requirements of Sections 120.1 through 120.10 also apply to additions or alterations to existing buildings.
Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.
SECTION 120.1—REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY
(a) General requirements.
All occupiable spaces in hotel/motel buildings, and nonresidential buildings other than healthcare facilities shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 120.1(a) through 120.1(g). Healthcare facilities shall be ventilated in accordance with Chapter 4 of the California Mechanical Code.
The required outdoor air-ventilation rate and the air-distribution system design shall be clearly identified on the plans in accordance with Section 10-103 of Title 24, Part 1. (b) Reserved. (c) Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings. All occupiable spaces shall meet the requirements of Section 120.1(c)1 and shall also comply with either Section 120.1(c)2 or Section 120.1(c)3.
Air filtration.
A. Mechanical system types specified in Subsections i, ii and iii below shall be designed to ensure that all recirculated air and all outdoor air supplied to the occupiable space is filtered before passing through any system thermal conditioning components. Air filters shall conform to the requirements of Sections 120.1(c)1B, 120.1(c)1C and 120.1(c)1D.
§ 503.5.7.7 Medium relevance — show source text
E 503.5.7.7 Chilled-Water Coil Selection.
Chilled-water cooling coils shall be selected to provide a 15°F (8°C) or higher temperature difference between leaving and entering water temperatures and a minimum of 57°F (14°C) leaving water temperature at design conditions.
Exceptions:
(1) Chilled-water cooling coils that have an air-side pressure drop exceeding 0.70 inch of water (0.17 kPa) when rated at 500 feet per minute (2.54 m/s) face velocity and dry conditions (no condensation).
(2) Individual fan-cooling units with a design supply airflow rate 5000 cubic feet per minute (ft [3] /min) (2.36 m [3] /s) and less.
(3) Constant-air-volume systems.
(4) Coils selected at the maximum temperature difference allowed by the chiller.
(5) Passive coils (no mechanically supplied airflow).
(6) Coils with design entering chilled-water temperatures of 50°F (10°C) and higher.
(7) Coils with design entering air dry-bulb temperatures of 65°F (18°C) and lower. [ASHRAE 90.1:6.5.4.7]
E 503.5.8 Heat Rejection Equipment. Section E 503.5.8 through Section E 503.5.9 applies to heat-rejection equipment used in comfort cooling systems, such as air-cooled condensers, dry coolers, open-circuit cooling towers, closed-circuit cooling towers, and evaporative condensers.
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(3) Water temperature reset is not required where valve position is used to comply with Section E 503.5.7. [ASHRAE 90.1:6.5.4.4]
E 503.5.7.5 Hydronic (Water Loop) Heat Pump and Water-Cooled Unitary Air Condi- tioners. Hydronic heat pumps and water-cooled unitary air-conditioners shall have a two-position automatic valve interlocked to shut off water flow
when the compressor is off.
Exception: Units employing fluid economizers.
[ASHRAE 90.1:6.5.4.5.1]
E 503.5.7.5.1 Controls. Hydronic heat pumps and water-cooled unitary air-conditioners having a total pump system power exceeding 5 hp (3.7 kW) shall have controls, devices, or both (such as variable speed control) that will result in pump motor demand of not more than 30 percent of design wattage at 50 percent of design water flow. [ASHRAE 90.1:6.5.4.5.2]
E 503.5.7.6 Pipe Sizing. Chilled-water and condenser-water piping shall be designed such that the design flow rate in each piping segment shall not exceed the values listed in Table E 503.5.7.6 for the
appropriate total annual hours of operation. Piping size selections for systems that operate under variable flow conditions (e.g., modulating two-way control valves at coils) and that contain variable-speed pump motors shall be permitted to be made from the “Variable Flow/Variable Speed” columns. All others shall be made from the “Other” columns.
Exceptions:
Frequently asked questions
What does “VEN‑certified” mean for equipment?
VEN‑certified means the device is certified as an OpenADR Virtual End Node (OpenADR 2.0a/2.0b or Baseline Profile OpenADR 3.0) or certified to the Energy Commission as capable of responding to a VEN. See § 110.12(a).
If my lighting load is 3,900 W, do I need demand‑response lighting controls?
No — the 4,000 W threshold in § 110.12(c) is the trigger for the lighting control requirement; spaces exempted for health/life‑safety are also excluded. § 110.12(c).
Must controlled receptacles turn off on a VEN signal or a separate control?
Where required and where demand‑responsive lighting controls are installed, controlled receptacles must be capable of automatically turning off all connected loads in response to a demand‑response signal (i.e., the same demand‑response capability). § 110.12(e).
Are healthcare facilities subject to these requirements?
No. § 110.12 explicitly excludes healthcare facilities from the Section’s requirements.
Where is the compliance/testing guidance for the required reductions?
Testing and acceptance criteria are in the Reference Nonresidential Appendices (for example NA7.6.3 for lighting) as referenced in § 110.12(c)1 and in the acceptance/testing sections called out elsewhere in Part 6.
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