California's Energy Mandate: What Title 24 Means for Your Office - Today and Tomorrow
Decoding the current requirements for commercial buildings and anticipating the impact of the 2026 updates
By Robert Kroon
California’s Title 24 standard demands a bold reassessment of the vital role that DC-powered buildings play in our future. It's clear that this shift in focus will redefine energy efficiency and sustainable architecture in the state.
California's commitment to energy efficiency is reflected in Title 24, officially known as the Building Energy Efficiency Standards. Published and regularly updated by the California Energy Commission (CEC), these comprehensive regulations aim to decrease energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings throughout the state. Updated every three years to incorporate the latest technological advancements, the current version of Title 24 took effect in January 2023 and will remain the standard until January 2026.
Understanding Demand Responsive Controlled Receptacles
A significant aspect of the current Title 24 standards is the requirement for Demand Responsive Controls for Controlled Receptacles. A controlled receptacle is an electrical outlet designed to be remotely shut off during periods when the electrical grid experiences high demand and requires load reduction.
With limited exceptions, roughly half of all receptacles in commercial spaces are mandated to be connected to these demand-responsive controls. This allows grid operators to remotely deactivate these circuits during peak load times, providing a crucial tool for managing energy demand.
The Rationale Behind Demand Response
The Energy Commission's implementation of this rule is a proactive measure to mitigate strain on the power grid and reduce the likelihood of rolling blackouts. As California transitions toward more carbon-free and inherently variable energy sources like solar and wind, the need for sophisticated load management strategies becomes increasingly critical.
Unlike more stable traditional power sources, the fluctuating nature of renewable energy generation necessitates tools that can quickly respond to changes in supply and demand. By targeting specific electrical loads through demand-responsive controls, the commission aims to avoid broad power outages and ensure a more stable energy supply.
Impact on Commercial Workplace Powering
Consider the cost impact for an AC-powered building or retrofit!
The Title 24 requirements for controlled receptacles have significant implications for how commercial workplaces are powered. Office planners must now account for the installation of two distinct electrical circuits to each workstation. At least one receptacle must be connected to a demand-responsive circuit, a requirement that extends to modular panel systems. It's crucial to note that even power strips must adhere to these regulations.
While some might consider it a simple workaround to plug essential devices into the non-controlled outlet, the increasing density of electronic equipment in modern workplaces often makes this impractical and fundamentally undermines the regulation's intent. Furthermore, Title 24 includes provisions for separate metering of demand-responsive circuits, making non-compliance readily apparent.
The Promise of Cordless Solutions
An August Berres battery-powered desk designed for the transition to DC power. It accommodates existing AC-powered equipment as well as DC-powered (USB-C) equipment.
Interestingly, cordless, or battery-powered, solutions present a potential avenue for reducing the reliance on traditional wired circuits and, consequently, the number of demand-responsive circuits required. Companies like August Berres offer cordless power solutions that eliminate the need for direct electrical connections to workstations.
This reduction in wiring can lead to decreased costs associated with materials, conduit, and electrical infrastructure. Moreover, with recommended off-peak charging, these cordless systems can utilize either standard or demand-responsive circuits for charging, as the latter will be active during these lower demand periods. The inherent advantages of cordless power are amplified in the context of these new Title 24 regulations.
Strengthening the Case for DC-Powered Buildings Amidst Looming Power Shortages
The complexities introduced by Title 24's demand-responsive receptacle requirements, coupled with the broader push for energy efficiency and renewable integration, find even greater resonance when considering the looming power shortages created by the rapid expansion of AI data centers.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning models require unprecedented computational power, necessitating massive data centers with energy consumption levels that can rival entire cities. This exponential growth in energy demand from AI data centers is placing significant strain on existing power grids globally, and California is no exception. Experts predict a dramatic surge in electricity demand from these facilities in the coming years, potentially leading to power shortages and increased energy costs.
In this context, the inherent efficiencies of DC-powered buildings become even more compelling. As noted earlier, many modern electronic devices operate natively on DC power, and renewable energy sources like solar PV and wind turbines generate DC electricity. By eliminating the multiple AC-to-DC conversions in traditional AC buildings, DC power distribution can significantly reduce energy waste, a crucial advantage when energy resources become increasingly scarce and expensive due to the demands of AI infrastructure.
The existing surplus of commercial office space can also be efficiently retrofitted with DC power, avoiding the requirement for demand-responsive receptacles.
Furthermore, the integration of on-site solar generation and battery storage, both key aspects of the proposed Title 24 2026 updates, aligns naturally with DC power systems. A DC microgrid can directly utilize solar-generated DC power and efficiently store it in DC batteries, minimizing conversion losses and maximizing the use of on-site renewable energy. This reduced reliance on the grid can provide a degree of insulation from potential power shortages and price volatility driven by the massive energy consumption of AI data centers.
While the widespread adoption of DC-powered buildings still faces hurdles, the confluence of stringent energy efficiency regulations like Title 24 and the looming energy demands of AI infrastructure creates an argument for accelerating research, development, and standardization in DC power distribution technologies for commercial and industrial buildings.
The ability of DC systems to more efficiently utilize renewable energy and reduce overall energy consumption positions them as a potentially critical solution in an energy-constrained future shaped by AI.
Looking Towards Title 24 2026: A Shift Towards Renewables and Storage
The landscape of California's energy efficiency standards is set to evolve further with the upcoming 2026 update to Title 24, effective January 1, 2026. These proposed changes signal an even stronger push towards renewable energy integration and enhanced grid reliability in nonresidential buildings. Key updates include expanded mandates for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and the introduction of required Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for buildings with PV installations. The specific sizing of these systems will depend on factors such as roof area and conditioned floor space, varying across building types and climate zones.
The 2026 updates underscore the importance of demand management and on-site energy generation in achieving California's ambitious carbon reduction goals. Furthermore, the methodology for evaluating energy compliance is shifting from Energy Design Ratings (EDR) to Long-term System Cost (LSC), which will assess a building's energy and carbon performance over a 30-year lifecycle. The emphasis on on-site DC generation and storage in the 2026 updates further bolsters the long-term viability and potential benefits of DC-powered buildings in a world facing increasing energy demands.
The Broader Influence of California's Standards
An August Berres 24-Place charging cart can connect to one outlet. Plug it into a demand-responsive circuit for charging overnight.
California's leadership in building energy efficiency standards often has a ripple effect across the nation. Due to its significant market and progressive environmental policies, other states frequently look to Title 24 as a model when developing or updating their own energy codes.
Several states, particularly in the West and Northeast, have either adopted aspects of California's standards or have implemented similarly stringent regulations aimed at achieving comparable energy savings and environmental benefits. This trend towards harmonization is driven by the desire to achieve energy efficiency goals, simplify compliance for businesses operating in multiple states, and leverage the expertise embedded in California's comprehensive regulations.
As climate change concerns grow, and as the energy demands of technologies like AI become more pronounced, it is anticipated that more states will align their building energy codes with the forward-thinking approach of California's Title 24.
