Analysis of Flexible Demand Standards for Pool Controls: 2023 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 to add flexible demand appliance standards for pool controls to Title 20 of the California Code of Regulations. Staff analyzed the cost-effectiveness and technical feasibility of proposed flexible demand appliance standards for pool controls. Discussion of the projected statewide energy use, flexible demand potential, 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, consumer consent, certification, cybersecurity, and labelling requirements for pool controls. The proposed standards are collectively referred to as “flexible demand standards” or “flexible demand appliance standards.” The proposal would require pool controls as defined in Section 1691 (b), meaning controls that use single-phase AC power as input power and control pool filter pumps with a rated hydraulic horsepower (hhp) of 2.5hhp or less, to have a default schedule for the operation of pool equipment and internet connectivity to provide flexible demand technologies. The proposed additions also include general enforcement and testing provisions. 

The proposed standards are cost-effective, technically feasible, and would reduce 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 would save an estimated $1,131 per appliance over the life of the device by shifting the time of electricity use.