Analysis of Flexible Demand Standards for Pool Controls: 2022 Flexible Demand Appliance Standards Docket Number 20-FDAS-01

Senate Bill 49 (Skinner, Chapter 697, Statutes of 2019) authorizes the California Energy Commission to adopt and periodically update standards for appliances to facilitate the deployment of flexible demand technologies that enable appliance operations to be scheduled, shifted, or curtailed to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) associated with electricity generation.

This staff report focuses on pool controls. This report proposes an addition to the California Code of Regulations, Title 20. Staff analyzed the cost-effectiveness and technical feasibility of proposed flexible appliance standards for pool controls. The statewide energy (electricity) use, flexible demand, GHG emission reductions and other related environmental impacts and benefits are included in this analysis.

The proposed additions to Title 20 would set design standards for pool controls. The update will require all pool controls to have a default schedule for the operation of pool equipment and internet connectivity to provide flexible demand technologies.

The proposed standards are cost-effective, technically feasible, and would avoid GHG emissions associated with electricity production by 394,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) in 2033 at full stock turnover. The standards would shift 64 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity off peak during the first year the standard is in effect and 682 GWh of electricity during the year at full stock turnover. Consumers will save an estimated $1,224 per appliance over the life of the device by shifting the time of electricity use.