Bill Text: CA AB841 | 2019-2020 | Regular Session | Amended
NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft
Bill Title: Energy: transportation electrification: energy efficiency programs: School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2020-09-30 - Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 372, Statutes of 2020. [AB841 Detail]
Download: California-2019-AB841-Amended.html
approve review, modify, if appropriate, and decide whether to approve, two pending (as of July 1, 2020) transportation electrification infrastructure applications, based on previously approved activities, that are designed to advance California’s goal of widespread transportation electrification, and to require the commission to extend its prior approvals of transportation electrification programs and investments so that they will be replicated and continued. These commission decisions will have the
effect of continuing to build out California’s transportation electrification infrastructure, improve air quality, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, create jobs, and put downward pressure on rates. Nothing in this section is intended to preclude the commission from adopting additional transportation electrification programs and investments.(1)Issue decisions approving
issue decisions concerning Application 18-06-015 (June 26, 2018) Application of Southern California Edison Company (U338E) for Approval of its Charge Ready 2 Infrastructure and Market Education Programs and Application 19-10-012 (October 28,2019) Application Of San Diego Gas & Electric Company (U902E) To Extend And Modify The Power Your Drive Pilot Approved By Decision 16-01-045. The decisions shall approve the proposed programs and investments in substantially the same form and
size as requested in each application or as subsequently modified by the electrical corporation, as applicable. program Program shall be the energy demand and emissions of greenhouse gases that would have occurred if ventilation and filtration recommendations for reopening schools were
met without the assessment, adjustment, maintenance, repairs, and efficiency upgrades funded pursuant to the program.
Bill Title: Energy: transportation electrification: energy efficiency programs: School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2020-09-30 - Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 372, Statutes of 2020. [AB841 Detail]
Download: California-2019-AB841-Amended.html
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Amended
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August 11, 2020 |
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Amended
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Senate
July 27, 2020 |
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Amended
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Senate
June 29, 2020 |
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Amended
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Assembly
March 20, 2019 |
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE—
2019–2020 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill
No. 841
| Introduced by Assembly Member Ting |
February 20, 2019 |
An act to add Sections 740.18, 740.19, and 740.20, 740.20 to, and to add Chapter 8.7 (commencing with Section 1600) to Part 1 of Division 1 of, the Public Utilities Code, relating to energy.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 841, as amended, Ting.
Energy: transportation electrification: energy efficiency programs: School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program.
Under existing law, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has regulatory authority over public utilities, including electrical corporations and gas corporations. Existing law authorizes the commission to fix the rates and charges for every public utility, and requires that those rates and charges be just and reasonable. Existing law requires the PUC, in consultation with the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (Energy Commission), the State Air Resources Board (state board), electrical corporations, and the motor vehicle industry, to evaluate policies to develop infrastructure sufficient to overcome any barriers to the widespread deployment and use of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles and, by July 1, 2011, to adopt rules that address specified issues. Existing law requires the PUC, in cooperation with the Energy Commission, the state board, air quality
management districts and air pollution control districts, electrical and gas corporations, and the motor vehicle industry, to evaluate and implement policies to promote the development of equipment and infrastructure needed to facilitate the use of electric power and natural gas to fuel low-emission vehicles. The PUC is required to ensure that its policies authorizing utilities to develop equipment and infrastructure needed for electric-powered and natural gas-fueled low-emission vehicles ensure that the costs and expenses of those programs are not passed through to electric or gas ratepayers unless the PUC finds and determines that those programs are in the ratepayers’ interest, as specified. Pursuant to these requirements, the PUC has issued various decisions adopting, then extending, an interim policy that allows certain costs incurred as a result of the adoption of home-based electric vehicle charging for basic charging arrangements to be treated as a common facility cost of an electrical corporation, to
be recovered from all residential ratepayers.
This bill would require that the PUC, in supervising the alternative-fueled vehicle program, or vehicle electrification program, of an electrical corporation, to apply the interim policy and would declare the intent of the Legislature that the interim policy be the policy applied by the PUC unless and until revised by the Legislature. PUC, but would authorize the PUC to revise the policy after the completion of the electrical corporation’s general rate case cycle in effect on January 1, 2021, if a determination is made that a change in the policy is necessary to ensure just and reasonable rates for ratepayers.
Existing law, enacted as part of the Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of
2015, requires the PUC, in consultation with the Energy Commission and state board, to direct electrical corporations to file applications for programs and investments to accelerate widespread transportation electrification, as defined, to achieve specified results. The PUC is required to approve, or modify and approve, programs and investments in transportation electrification, including those that deploy charging infrastructure, through a reasonable cost recovery mechanism, if they meet specified requirements.
This bill would require the PUC, on or before March 1, 2021, to approve issue decisions concerning 2 specific pending transportation electrification infrastructure applications and to issue a decision reauthorizing and extending programs and investments previously approved in a specific decision.
applications. The bill would require each electrical corporation, by February 28, 2021, to file an advice letter and would require the PUC to approve, by June 30, 2021, a new tariff or rule that authorizes each electrical corporation to design and deploy all electrical distribution infrastructure on the utility side of the customer meter for all customers installing a separately metered infrastructure to support charging stations. The bill would, except as provided, require the PUC, the Energy Commission, and the state board to require all electric vehicle charging infrastructure and equipment located on the customer side of the electric meter that is funded or authorized, in whole or in part, by those state entities to be installed by a contractor holding a valid C-10 license and at least one electrician on each crew hold an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program certification.
Existing law requires the PUC to review and
accept, modify, or reject a procurement plan for each electrical corporation in accordance with specified elements, incentive mechanisms, and objectives. Existing law requires the PUC, in consultation with the Energy Commission, to identify all potentially achievable cost-effective electricity efficiency savings and to establish efficiency targets for electrical corporations to achieve pursuant to their procurement plan. Existing law requires the PUC, in consultation with the Energy Commission, to identify all potentially achievable cost-effective natural gas efficiency savings and to establish efficiency targets for gas corporations to achieve and requires that a gas corporation first meet its unmet resource needs through all available gas efficiency and demand reduction resources that are cost effective, reliable, and feasible. Pursuant to these requirements electrical corporations and gas corporations have filed, and the PUC approved, various plans to undertake various actions to promote energy efficiency
that are administered by the utilities or third-party administrators.
This bill would require the PUC to require each electrical corporation and gas corporation to establish the School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program within each of its energy efficiency portfolios that consist of: (1) the School Reopening Ventilation and Energy Efficiency Verification and Repair Program to provide grants to local educational agencies to reopen schools with functional ventilation systems that are tested, adjusted, and, if necessary or cost effective, repaired, upgraded or replaced to increase efficiency and performance, and (2) the School Noncompliant Plumbing Fixture and Appliance Program to provide grants to local educational agencies to replace noncompliant plumbing fixtures and appliances that fail to meet water efficiency standards and waste potable water and the energy used to convey that water, with water-conserving plumbing fixtures and appliances. The bill would require
each electrical and gas corporation to file an advice letter by February 1, 2021, to establish the School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program and require the PUC to approve the advice letter by March 1, 2021. The bill would require each electrical and gas corporation to contract with the Energy Commission for the administration of these programs. The bill would require the PUC to require electrical corporations and gas corporations to allocate a specific portion of their energy efficiency budget for program years 2021, 2022, and 2023 to fund the School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program. The bill would require the Energy Commission, in collaboration with electrical and gas corporations, to develop and administer the School Reopening Ventilation and Energy Efficiency Verification and Repair Program and the School Noncompliant Plumbing Fixture and Appliance Program as components of the School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program. The bill would require that not less than 25% of projects funded by those programs
be in underserved communities, as defined, and require that those programs prioritize underserved communities by ensuring that all schools that are in an underserved community are offered the opportunity to apply for and receive grants before those schools that are not in an underserved community. The bill would require the Energy Commission to ensure that moneys from each utility for the School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program are used for grants for projects located in the service territory of that utility from which the moneys are received.
Under existing law, a violation of the Public Utilities Act or any order, decision, rule, direction, demand, or requirement of the PUC is a crime.
Because the provisions of this bill would be a part of the act and because a violation of an order or decision of the PUC implementing the bill’s requirements would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program by
creating a new crime.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Digest Key
Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YESBill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1.
Section 740.18 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:740.18.
(a) The purpose of this section is to require the commission to(b) On or before March 1, 2021, the commission shall do both of the following:
(2)Issue a decision reauthorizing and extending the programs and investments previously approved in Decision 16-12-065 (December 15, 2016) Decision Directing Pacific Gas and Electric Company to Establish an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Education Program. The reauthorization shall extend and replicate the programs and investments in substantially the same form and size as previously approved.
SEC. 2.
Section 740.19 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:740.19.
(a) The purpose of this section is to change the commission practice of authorizing the electrical distribution infrastructure located on the utility side of the customer meter needed to charge electric vehicles on a case-by-case basis to a practice of considering that infrastructure and associated design, engineering, and construction work as core utility business, treated the same as other distribution infrastructure authorized on an ongoing basis in the electrical corporation’s general rate case. The commission should not relegate charging electric vehicles to a lower status than any other use of electricity for which the electrical corporation provides distribution infrastructure. The commission shall continue to require each electrical corporation to provide an accurate and full accounting of all expenses related to electrical distribution infrastructure as it relates to this section, and apply appropriate penalties to the extent an electrical corporation is not accurately tracking all expenses.(b) For purposes of this section, the term “electrical distribution infrastructure” shall include poles, vaults, service drops, transformers, mounting pads, trenching, conduit, wire, cable, meters, other equipment as necessary, and associated engineering and civil construction work.
(c) Not later than February 28, 2021, each electrical corporation shall file an
advice letter pursuant to Section 5.1 of General Order 96-B, for, and not later than June 30, 2021, the commission shall approve, a new tariff or rule that authorizes each electrical
corporation to design and deploy all electrical distribution infrastructure on the utility side of the customer’s meter for all customers installing separately metered infrastructure to support charging stations, other than those in single-family residences. Each electrical corporation shall recover its revenue requirement for this work through periodic general rate case proceedings. In those proceedings, the costs shall be treated like those costs incurred for other necessary distribution infrastructure. The new tariff shall replace the line extension rules currently used
(as of July 1, 2020) and any customer allowances established shall be based on the full useful life of the electrical distribution infrastructure. The commission may revise the policy described in subdivision (a) and this subdivision after the completion of the general rate case cycle of the electrical corporation during which the advice letter was filed if a determination is made that a change in the policy is necessary to ensure just and reasonable rates for ratepayers.
(d) (1) For purposes of this subdivision, the following terms have the following meanings:
(A) “Basic charging arrangements” means Level 1 and Level 2 charging in accordance with the SAE J1772 standard, or a replacement
standard that the commission determines to be appropriate.
(B) “D. 11-07-029” means commission Decision 11-07-029 (July 14, 2011) Phase 2 Decision Establishing Policies to Overcome Barriers to Electric Vehicle Deployment and Complying with Section 740.2 of the Public Utilities Code, made in Rulemaking 09-08-009 (August 20, 2009) Order Instituting Rulemaking on the Commission’s Qwn Motion to Consider Alternative-Fueled Vehicle Tariffs, Infrastructure and Policies to Support California’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Goals.
(C) “D. 13-06-014” means commission Decision 13-06-014 (June 27, 2013) Decision Authorizing Short-Term Extension of Limited Provisions Regarding Electric Tariff Rules 15 and 16, made in Rulemaking 09-08-009.
(D) “D. 16-06-011” means commission Decision 16-06-011 (June 9, 2016) Decision Authorizing Further Extension of the Interim Policy Regarding Electric Tariff Rules 15 and 16, made in Rulemaking 13-11-007 (November 14, 2013) Order Instituting Rulemaking to Consider Alternative-Fueled Vehicle Programs, Tariffs, and Policies.
(E) “D. 16-11-005” means commission Decision 16-11-005 (November 10, 2016) Decision Making Small Electrical Corporations Respondents to this Rulemaking, made in Rulemaking 13-11-007.
(F) “PEV charging” means plug-in electric vehicle charging.
(G) “R. 18-12-066” means commission Rulemaking 18-12-006 (December 13, 2018) Order Instituting Rulemaking to Continue the Development of Rates and
Infrastructure for Vehicle Electrification.
(2) In supervising the alternative-fueled vehicle program, or vehicle electrification program, of an electrical corporation, the commission shall allow the residential service facility upgrade costs incurred as a result of the adoption of home-based electric vehicle charging for basic charging arrangements that exceed the utility’s Electric Tariff Rule 15 (distribution line extensions) and Rule 16 (service line extensions) allowances to be treated as a common facility cost, to be recovered from all residential ratepayers.
(3) It is the intent of the Legislature that the interim policy, known as the Common Treatment for Excess PEV Charging, initially adopted with respect to the state’s three largest electrical corporations in D.
11-07-029, extended in D. 13-06-014, extended again in D. 16-06-011, expanded to include the state’s three smaller electrical corporations in D. 16-11-005, and further extended by the Assigned Commissioner’s Scoping Memorandum and Ruling entered May 2, 2019, and by the order of the Administrative Law Judge entered December 13, 2019 in R. 18-12-066, shall be the policy applied by the commission unless and until revised by the Legislature. commission, and may be revised by the commission after the completion of the electrical corporation’s general rate case cycle in effect on January 1, 2021, if a determination is made that a change in the policy is necessary to ensure just and reasonable rates for ratepayers.
SEC. 3.
Section 740.20 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:740.20.
(a) The commission, the Energy Commission and the State Air Resources Board shall require that all electric vehicle charging infrastructure and equipment located on the customer side of the electric meter that is funded or authorized, in whole or in part, by those state entities shall be installed by a contractor with the appropriate license classification, as determined by the Contractors’ State License Board, and at least one electrician on each crew holds Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program certification.(b) Subdivision (a) does not apply to electric vehicle charging infrastructure installed by employees of an electrical corporation or local publicly
owned electric utility.
SEC. 4.
Chapter 8.7 (commencing with Section 1600) is added to Part 1 of Division 1 of the Public Utilities Code, to read:CHAPTER 8.7. School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program
Article 1. General Provisions and Definitions
1600.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) The School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program, established pursuant to Section 1610, is intended to save energy, create jobs in a time of economic crisis, and provide direct support to schools and school children in underserved communities.
(b) The combined extraordinary crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic recession require mustering all possible state resources to protect our most vulnerable populations while also bolstering the economy as a whole.
(c) There is no program in California dedicated to
improving ventilation and energy efficiency in California schools at the scale required to safely prepare schools for operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. This program is vitally needed to protect the health, safety, and ability to learn for California’s school children and the health of California’s teachers.
(d) There is no program in California dedicated to replacing old, inefficient plumbing fixtures that waste potable water (and the energy needed to treat and convey that water) and that have high lead content that can leach into student’s drinking water. This program is needed to replace inefficient fixtures and appliances in schools, which would save approximately 6 billion gallons of water a year and protect student health.
(e) It is the intent of the Legislature to
advance high-quality jobs in underserved communities by increasing demand for skilled workers to implement this work.
1601.
For purposes of this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings:(a) “Local educational agency” means a school district as defined in Section 41302.5 of the Education Code or a charter school that has been granted a charter pursuant to Part 26.8 (commencing with Section 47600) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Education Code.
(b) “SRVEVR Program” means the School Reopening Ventilation and Energy Efficiency Verification and Repair Program as specified in Article 3 (commencing with Section 1620).
(c) “Skilled and trained workforce” has the same
meaning as set forth in Section 2601 of the Public Contract Code.
(d) “SNPFA Program” means the School Noncompliant Plumbing Fixture and Appliance Program as specified in Article 4 (commencing with Section 1630).
(e) “Underserved community” means a community that meets one of the following criteria:
(1) Is a “disadvantaged community” as defined by subdivision (g) of Section 75005 of the Public Resources Code.
(2) Is included within the definition of “low-income communities” as defined by paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 39713 of Health and Safety Code.
(3) Is within an area identified as
among the most disadvantaged 25 percent in the state according to the California Environmental Protection Agency and based on the most recent California Communities Environmental Health Screening Tool, also known as CalEnviroScreen.
(4) Is a community in which at least 75 percent of public school students in the project area are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program.
(5) Is a community located on lands belonging to a federally recognized California Indian tribe.
(f) “Utility” or “utilities” means both of the following:
(1) An electrical corporation.
(2) A gas corporation.
Article 2. School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program
1610.
By no later than February 1, 2021, each utility shall file an advice letter pursuant to Section 5.1 of General Order 96-B, establishing a School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program within each of its energy efficiency portfolios. Each utility shall contract with the Energy Commission for the administration of the program and its components. The commission shall approve the advice letter no later than March 1, 2021. The School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program shall consist of both of the following programs:(a) The School Reopening Ventilation and Energy Efficiency Verification and Repair Program as specified in Article 3 (commencing with Section 1620).
(b) The School Noncompliant Plumbing Fixture and Appliance Program as specified in Article 4 (commencing with Section 1630).
1611.
Each utility shall work with the Energy Commission to ensure the SRVEVR Program and SNPFA Program are operative and begin to solicit applications for grants on or before April 1, 2021, and begin to approve applications no later than May 1, 2021.1612.
Not less than 25 percent of projects funded by the SRVEVR Program or SNPFA Program shall be in underserved communities. The SRVEVR Program and SNPFA Program shall prioritize underserved communities by ensuring that all schools that are in an underserved community are offered the opportunity to apply for and receive grants before those schools that are not in an underserved community.1613.
The SRVEVR Program and the SNPFA Program shall be considered a third-party program for compliance with the commission Decision 16-08-019 (August 18, 2016) Decision Providing Guidance for Initial Energy Efficiency Rolling Portfolio Business Plan Filings.1614.
(a) The Energy Commission, in collaboration with each utility, shall adopt guidelines and regulations for the SRVEVR Program and the SNPFA Program.(b) The Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code) does not apply to the adoption of guidelines or regulations pursuant to this section.
(c)Adoption of guidelines and regulations shall not delay commencement of approval of grants under the SRVEVR or SNPFA programs beyond May 1, 2021.
(c) The Energy Commission shall adopt regulations or guidelines no later than May 1, 2021, and shall begin approving applications immediately upon their adoption.
1615.
(a) (1) The commission shall require each utility to fund its School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program by allocating their energy efficiency budgets for program years 2021, 2022, and 2023, in both of the following amounts:(1)
(A) An amount equal to the difference between the budget contained
in each utility’s 2020 annual budget advice letter approved as of July 1, 2020, and the annual portfolio funding limitation for program year 2020 as set forth in ordering paragraph 45 of the 2018–2025 business plan of each utility as approved and modified in ordering paragraph 45 of the commission’s Decision 18-05-041 (May 31, 2019) Decision Addressing Energy Efficiency Business Plans, as modified by Decision 20-02-029 (February 6, 2020) Order Modifying Decision (D.) 18-05-041 and Denying Rehearing of Decision, as Modified.
(2)
(B) Any carryover amount from unspent and uncommitted energy efficiency funds for program year 2020, 2021, or 2022 to the School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program for the following year’s budget.
(2) Funding allocations required by this subdivision shall only apply to program years 2021, 2022, and 2023.
(b) (1) This section does not authorize the levy of a charge or any increase in the amount collected pursuant to an existing charge beyond the amounts authorized by the commission in Decision 18-05-041, or as modified by Decision 20-02-029, nor does it add to, or detract from, any existing authority of the commission to levy or increase charges.
(2) This subdivision does not change the commission’s authority to determine revenue allocation and rate design, including its ability to prioritize customers participating in the California Alternative Rates for Energy or Family Electric Rate Assistance programs when considering appropriate revenue allocation for energy efficiency programs.
(c) The Energy Commission shall ensure that moneys from each utility for the School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program are used for grants for projects located in the service territory of that utility from which the moneys are received.
(d) All funds allocated in subdivision (a) must be spent or returned to each utility by April 1, 2025.
(e) The Energy Commission may set application and encumbrance deadlines to ensure that projects funded by the School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program are completed by April 1, 2025.
(f) The Energy Commission shall takes steps, consistent with Section 25230 of the Public Resources Code, to ensure that a diverse group of contractors are aware of funding opportunities available through the School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program.
1616.
Moneys for the School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program for each program year shall be allocated as follows:(a) Seventy-five percent to the SRVEVR Program.
(b) Twenty-five percent to the SNPFA Program.
1617.
The School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program advances the public interest in maximizing cost effective energy savings and related public benefits, including ensuring that ratepayer investments unlock deeper energy savings and benefit underserved communities. Because the commission’s current cost-effectiveness methodology does not fully take into account indirect and nonmonetary public benefits, that methodology shall not be applied to these projects. Expenditures on the School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program shall be found to be cost effective and shall not be considered by the commission when calculating the overall cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency portfolios of electrical corporations or gas corporations.1618.
Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and energy savings attributed to a project funded by the School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program shall be attributed to the utility that provided those funds when determining compliance with applicable greenhouse gas or energy efficiency saving mandates. The baseline for determining reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases and energy savings from the SRVEVRArticle 3. School Reopening Ventilation and Energy Efficiency Verification and Repair Program
1620.
For purposes of this article, the following definitions apply:(a) “Certified TAB Technician” means a technician certified to perform testing, adjusting, and balancing of HVAC systems by the Associated Air Balance Council (AABC), the National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB), or the Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Bureau (TABB).
(b) “HVAC” means heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
(c) “Licensed Professional” means a professional eligible under Division 3 (commencing with Section 5000) of the Business and Professions Code in the applicable
classification, to perform system design, construction, or installation of features, materials, components, or manufactured devices for mechanical systems.
(d) “MERV” means minimum efficiency reporting value.
(e) “ppm” means parts per million.
(f) “Program” means the School Reopening Ventilation and Energy Efficiency Verification and Repair Program.
(g) “Qualified adjusting personnel” means either of the following:
(1) A certified testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) technician.
(2) A skilled and trained workforce under the supervision
of a TAB Technician.
(h) “Qualified testing personnel” means either of the following:
(1) An HVAC acceptance test technician certified by an Acceptance Test Technician Certification Provider (ATTCP) that is approved by the Energy Commission to provide that certification.
(2) A certified testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB) technician.
(i) “TAB” means testing, adjusting, and balancing.
1621.
(a) The Energy Commission, in collaboration with each utility, shall develop and administer the School Reopening Ventilation and Energy Efficiency Verification and Repair Program to award grants to local educational agencies to reopen schools with functional ventilation systems that are tested, adjusted, and, if necessary or cost effective, repaired, upgraded, or replaced to increase efficiency and performance.(b) A local educational agency may apply for a grant pursuant to the program by submitting an application for reasonable costs of the HVAC assessment, assessment report, general maintenance, adjustment of ventilation rates, filter replacement, and carbon dioxide
monitor installation.
(c) (1) The Energy Commission shall award a grant pursuant to this article if the amount requested in the application is verified by a contractor’s estimate and the local educational agency meets other requirements determined by the Energy Commission to be appropriate to achieve the purposes of this article. A grant shall be awarded in the amount requested plus an additional 20 percent of the requested amount for repairs, upgrades, or replacements necessary to make the system functional or more energy efficient.
(2) If a licensed professional identifies cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades or repairs that would exceed the additional 20 percent awarded, a local educational agency may apply for additional funding pursuant to this article
for the cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades or repairs.
(3) The Energy Commission shall award a grant pursuant to this article for reimbursement of work already performed where the work was contracted and performed after August 1, 2020, and meets the requirements of Section 1622 to 1627, inclusive, and the local educational agency meets other requirements determined by the Energy Commission to be appropriate to achieve the purposes of this article.
(4) The 20-percent contingency funds set forth in paragraph (1) shall be returned to the SRVEVR Program if not used for the purposes specified in this subdivsion. The local education agency shall provide the Energy Commission with documentation, as specified by the Energy Commission,
demonstrating how contingency funds were spent.
1622.
As conditions for receiving a grant pursuant to this article, a local educational agency shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1623 to 1627, inclusive, for all air-handling units, rooftop units and unitary and single zone equipment in that facility’s HVAC system or systems.1623.
(a) (1) The local educational agency receiving a grant shall install filtration with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 13 or better in the local educational agency’s HVAC system where feasible. Qualified testing personnel shall review system capacity and airflow to determine the highest MERV filtration that can be installed without adversely impacting equipment, shall replace or upgrade filters where needed, and shall verify that those filters are installed correctly. If a system uses ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) to disinfect the air, the UVGI lamp shall be checked for proper operation, replacing bulbs as needed and verifying that the ultraviolet light does not shine on filters. Recommendations for additional maintenance, replacement, or upgrades to allow for more protective filtration shall be recorded in the assessment report required pursuant to Section 1626.(2) For systems with economizers, qualified testing personnel shall test system economizer dampers pursuant to Section B of NRCA-MCH-05-A–Air Economizer Controls. Economizer dampers and controls that are not properly functioning shall be repaired by a skilled and trained workforce. Recommendations for additional maintenance, replacement, or upgrades shall be recorded in the assessment report.
(b) (1) After completing the requirements of subdivision (a), a qualified testing personnel shall verify the ventilation rates in the facility classrooms, auditoriums, gymnasiums, nurses
offices, restrooms, and other occupied areas to assess whether they meet the minimum ventilation rate requirements set forth in Table 120.1-A of Part 6 (commencing with Section 100.0) of Title 24 California Code of Regulations. Assessment shall include all of the following:
(A) Calculation of the required minimum outside air ventilation rates for each occupied area based on the anticipated occupancy and the minimum required ventilation rate per occupant set forth in Table 120.1-A. Calculations shall be based on maximum anticipated classroom or other occupied area occupancy rates and determined by the performing technician. Natural Ventilation shall be designed in accordance with Section 402.2 of the California Mechanical Code (Part 4 (commencing with Section 1.1.0) of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) and shall include mechanical
ventilation systems designed in accordance with Section 403.0, Section 404.0, or both of those sections, of the California Mechanical Code.
(B) Measurement of outside air pursuant to Section B of
NRCA-MCH-02-A–Outdoor Air Acceptance and verification of whether the system provides the minimum outside air ventilation rates calculated in subparagraph (A).
(C) Survey readings of inlets and outlets to verify all ventilation is reaching the served zone and that there is adequate distribution. Verify if inlets and outlets are balanced within tolerance of the system design. Document read values and deficiencies. If the original system design values are not available, document available information and note unavailability of system design values in the assessment report.
(D) Verification of building pressure relative to the outdoors to ensure positive pressure differential and to ensure the building is not over pressurized.
(E) Verification of coil velocities and coil and unit discharge air temperatures required to maintain desired indoor conditions and to avoid moisture carry over from cooling coils.
(F) Verification that separation between outdoor air intakes and exhaust discharge outlets meet requirements of the California Building Code.
(G) Confirmation that the air handling unit is bringing in outdoor air and removing exhaust air as intended by the system design.
(H) Measurement of all exhaust air volume for exhaust fans, including restrooms. Document any discrepancies from system design.
(2) If the system does not meet the minimum ventilation rate requirements
set forth in Table 120.1-A, a licensed professional or qualified adjusting personnel shall review the system airflow and capacity to determine if additional ventilation can be provided without adversely impacting equipment performance and building indoor environmental quality. If additional ventilation can be provided, a qualified adjusting personnel shall adjust ventilation rates to meet the minimum ventilation rate requirements set forth in Table 120.1-A to the extent feasible. After the adjustment, the measurement and versifications required in subparagraphs (B), (D), and (E) of paragraph (1) shall be repeated. If minimum ventilation rate requirements set forth in Table 120.1-A cannot be met, this deficiency shall be reported in the assessment report and the verification report, and addressed by a licensed professional as required pursuant to Sections 1626 and 1627.
(c) If a demand control ventilation is installed, it shall be adjusted to a carbon dioxide set point of 800 ppm or less and tested by a qualified testing personnel pursuant to Section B of NRCA-MCH-06-A–Demand Control Ventilation Systems Acceptance. If the demand control ventilation system does not maintain average daily maximum carbon dioxide levels below 1,100 ppm, it shall be disabled until such time as the local educational agency determines that the COVID-19 crisis has passed, unless disabling the control would adversely affect operation of the overall system. When disabling a demand control ventilation system, the system must be configured to meet the minimum ventilation rate requirements and tested and adjusted in accordance with paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section
1625. Recommendations for additional maintenance, replacement or upgrades shall be recorded in the assessment report.
(d) A qualified testing personnel or a skilled and trained workforce shall verify coil condition, condensate drainage, cooling coil air temperature differentials (entering and leaving dry bulb), heat exchanger operation, and drive assembly. If repairs, replacement, or upgrades are necessary, these deficiencies shall be reported in the assessment report and the verification report, and addressed by the licensed professional pursuant to Sections 1626 and 1627.
(e) A qualified testing personnel or qualified adjusting personnel shall do all of the following:
(1) Review control sequences to
verify systems will maintain intended ventilation, temperature and humidity conditions during school operation. Previously unoccupied buildings shall perform the recommended practices of reopening a building as covered in the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Building Readiness document – Restarting a Building.
(2) Verify a daily flush is scheduled for two hours before and after scheduled occupancy or demonstrate calculation of flush times per ASHRAE Guidance for Reopening and Operating Schools and Buildings or otherwise applicable local or state guidance.
(3) Verify that HVAC system operational times, exhaust fans operation times, setpoints, and enabled features meet ASHRAE Guidance for Reopening and Operating
Schools and Buildings or otherwise applicable local or state guidance.
(f) Requirements for filtration levels, ventilation rates, and ventilation schedules may be amended by the Energy Commission based on the latest COVID-19 or other applicable guidance.
1624.
If installed HVAC systems or system components are broken, fail to meet minimum ventilation requirements, or are unable to operate to the original design and intent, this information will be set forth in the assessment report prepared pursuant to Section 1626 to be provided to a licensed professional for determination of appropriate corrective measures pursuant to Section 1626. Repairs, upgrades, or replacements shall be performed by a skilled and trained workforce.1625.
(a) To ensure proper ventilation is maintained throughout the school year, all classrooms shall be equipped with a carbon dioxide monitor that meets all of the following requirements:(1) The monitor is hard-wired or plugged-in and mounted to the wall between three and six feet above the floor and at least five feet away from the door and operable windows.
(2) The monitor displays the carbon dioxide readings to the teacher through a display on the device or other means such as a web-based application or cellular phone application.
(3) The monitor
provides a notification through a visual indicator on the monitor, such as an indicator light, or other alert system, such as an electronic mail, text, or cellular telephone application, when the carbon dioxide levels in the classroom have exceeded 1,100 ppm.
(4) The monitor maintains a record of previous data that includes at least the maximum carbon dioxide concentration measured.
(5) The monitor has a range of 400 ppm to 2000 ppm or greater.
(6) The monitor is certified by the manufacturer to be accurate within 75 ppm at 1,000 ppm carbon dioxide concentration and is certified by the manufacturer to require calibration no more frequently than once every five years.
(b) If a classroom carbon dioxide concentration exceeds 1,100 ppm more than once a week as observed by the teacher or the facilities staff, the classroom ventilation rates shall be adjusted by qualified personnel to ensure peak carbon dioxide concentrations in the classroom remain below the maximum allowable carbon dioxide ppm setpoint. Verification of the installation of carbon dioxide monitors in all classrooms shall be included in the assessment report required pursuant to Section 1626.
(c) The requirements of paragraphs (1) to (6), inclusive, of subdivision (a) may be amended by the Energy Commission as necessary to reflect available technology and to achieve the intent of this section.
1626.
A qualified testing personnel or qualified adjusting personnel shall prepare an assessment report for review by a licensed professional. The licensed professional shall review the assessment report and determine what, if any, additional adjustments or repairs would be necessary to meet the minimum ventilation and filtration requirements, determine whether any cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades or replacements are warranted or recommended, and provide an estimated cost for this work. If the cost of recommended repairs, upgrades, or replacements are greater than the contingency amount provided in the grant, then the licensed professional and the local educational agency shall submit an application for additional funding pursuant to this article. The provision of any additional funding for repairs, upgrades, or replacements shall be conditioned on the applicant ensuring that all construction work funded, in whole or in part, by the additional funding is performed by a skilled and trained workforce. The assessment report shall include all of the following information:(a) Name and address of school facility and person or contractor preparing and certifying assessment report.
(b) Documentation of HVAC equipment model number, serial number, general condition of unit, and any additional information that could be used to assess replacement and repair options given potential for increased energy efficiency benefits.
(c) Either verification that MERV 13
filters have been installed or verification that the maximum MERV-rated filter that the system is able to effectively handle has been installed and what that MERV-rating is.
(d) The verified ventilation rates for facility classrooms, auditoriums, gymnasiums, nurses’ offices, restrooms, offices, and other occupied areas, and whether those rates meet the requirements set forth in Table 120.1-A. If ventilation rates do not meet applicable requirements, then an explanation for why the current system is unable to meet those rates shall be provided.
(e) The verified exhaust for facility classrooms, auditoriums, gymnasiums, nurses’ offices, restrooms, and other occupied areas and whether those rates meet the requirements set forth in the design intent.
(f) Documentation of system deficiencies and recommendations for additional maintenance, replacement, or upgrades to improve energy efficiency, safety, or performance.
1627.
(a) Upon completion of all work funded by a grant pursuant to this article, the local educational agency shall prepare an HVAC verification report. The HVAC verification report shall include all of the following information:(1) Name and address of school facility and person or contractor preparing and certifying report.
(2) Description of assessment, maintenance, adjustment, repair, upgrade, and replacement activities and outcomes.
(3) Verification that the local educational agency has complied with all requirements of this article.
(4) Verification that either MERV 13 filters have been installed or verification that the maximum MERV-rated filter that the system is able to effectively handle has been installed and what that MERV-rating is.
(5) The verified ventilation rates for facility classrooms, auditoriums, gymnasiums, nurses’ offices, restrooms, offices and other occupied areas and whether those rates meet the requirements set forth in Table 120.1-A. If ventilation rates do not meet applicable guidance, then an explanation for why the current system is unable to meet those rates shall be provided.
(6) The verified exhaust for facility classrooms, auditoriums, gymnasiums, nurses’ offices, restrooms, and other occupied areas and whether those
rates meet the requirements set forth in the design intent.
(7) Documentation of system deficiencies and recommendations for additional maintenance, replacement, or upgrades to improve energy efficiency, safety, or performance.
(8) Documentation of initial operating verifications, adjustments, and final operating verifications, and document any adjustments or repairs performed.
(9) Verification of installation of carbon dioxide monitors, including make and model of monitors.
(10) Verification that all work has been performed by qualified personnel, including the provision of the contractor’s name and license, acceptance test technician name and certification
number, where applicable, TAB technician name and certification number, where applicable, and verification that all construction work has been performed by a skilled and trained workforce.
(b) The local educational agency shall maintain a copy of the HVAC verification report and make it available to any member of the public or the Energy Commission upon request.
Article 4. School Noncompliant Plumbing Fixture and Appliance Program
1630.
For purposes of this article, the following terms have the following meanings:(a) “Noncompliant appliance” means all of the following:
(1) Any commercial dishwasher that was manufactured prior to January 1, 2010, that does not meet the efficiency requirement of the Energy Star Product Specification for Commercial Dishwashers, Version 1.1.
(2) Any automatic commercial ice maker that was manufactured prior to January 1, 2010, that does not meet the efficiency requirement of the Energy Star Product Specification for Automatic Commercial Ice Makers, Version 1.0.
(3) Any commercial clothes washer that was manufactured prior to January 1, 2010, that does not meet the efficiency requirement of the Energy Star Product Specification for Clothes Washers, Version 5.0.
(b) “Noncompliant plumbing fixtures” and “water-conserving plumbing fixtures” have the same meanings set forth in Section 1101.3 of the Civil Code.
(c) “Water-conserving appliance” means any of the following:
(1) A commercial dishwasher that meets the criteria of the Energy Star Product Specification for Commercial Dishwashers, Version 2.0, or any revision to those criteria published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency that is adopted by
the Energy Commission for the program.
(2) An automatic commercial ice maker that meets the criteria of the Energy Star Product Specification for Automatic Commercial Ice Makers, Version 3.0, or any revision to those criteria published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency that is adopted by the Energy Commission for the program.
(3) Any commercial clothes washer that meets the criteria of the Energy Star Product Specification for Clothes Washers, Version 8.0, or any revision to those criteria published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency that is adopted by the Energy Commission for the program.
1631.
The Energy Commission, in collaboration with each utility, shall develop and administer the School Noncompliant Plumbing Fixture and Appliance Program to provide grants to state agencies and local educational agencies to replace noncompliant plumbing fixtures and appliances that fail to meet water efficiency standards and waste potable water and the energy used to convey that water, with water-conserving plumbing fixtures and appliances.1632.
On or before April 1, 2021, the Energy Commission shall issue a notice to local educational agencies of the availability of grants under the School Noncompliant Plumbing Fixture and Appliance Program and to invite local educational agencies to submit applications.1633.
(a) The Energy Commission shall award a grant pursuant to this article if an applicant submits documents showing the existence of noncompliant plumbing fixtures or appliances in the buildings for which the grant funding will be used and a cost estimate that is verified by a contractor for the replacement of the noncompliant plumbing fixtures and appliances with water-conserving plumbing fixtures and water-conserving appliances, and the applicant meets other requirements determined by the Energy Commission to be appropriate to achieve the purposes of this article.(b) As a condition of the grant, an applicant receiving a grant shall ensure that all construction
work funded, in whole or in part, by the grants are performed by a skilled and trained workforce.
