Reach Codes Corner: Wrapping Up the Newcomers Webinar Series Next Month with a Look at Implementation

This column is a monthly feature focusing on specific topics of interest to newcomers to the reach code development community.

The product of a successful collaboration between the Statewide Reach Codes Program, BayREN, and the California Climate and Energy Collaborative, the Newcomers webinar series will conclude in September with an overview of reach code implementation. With more than 1100 registrants, the series took deep dives into all aspects of the reach code development and adoption process, with sessions on process and timing, cost-effectiveness analyses, and ordinance options.

“The team decided to conclude the series with a look at the special issues surrounding implementation,” notes Misti Bruceri, Program Coordinator and Technical Lead for the Statewide Program, “with the 2022 Energy Code effective date rapidly approaching, we expect that local jurisdictions will have questions about how to implement their reach codes and we wanted to provide guidance.”

The September session, scheduled for Tuesday, September 27, 2022 from 10:00-11:30 am, will explore tools and approaches being used by jurisdictions as well as numerous resources, including checklists, training modules, and FAQs developed for the 2019 code cycle that will be adapted for use in the 2022 cycle. “We’re still developing the content,” notes Karen Kristiansson, Program Manager, BayREN Codes & Standards, “so we would love to hear from registrants about specific aspects where additional insights would be valuable.”

To register for the final session, visit the Statewide Reach Codes Program website or the BayREN website. To submit questions or topics for inclusion in the webinar, please email codes@bayren.org.

Previous webinar recordings are available on our YouTube channel and webinar presentations can be downloaded from the Events listings for each webinar on localenergycodes.com.

Learning about Induction Technologies: An Overview of Statewide Loaner Programs

In our February issue, we featured a Q&A column with Chef Christopher Galarza about all-electric kitchens. A key component to achieving this in the kitchen was the use of induction cooktops.

Now, numerous local jurisdictions, utilities and CCAs are offering induction cooktop loaner programs to offer residential and commercial customers the opportunity to 'test drive' this technology at no cost. These programs can be vital to creating stakeholder consensus when developing reach code measures for all-electric new construction or existing buildings under the 2022 code cycle.

Typically, the loaner programs include the use of an induction kit, which may include a portable cooktop, an induction-compatible pot, an instruction packet, and educational materials. Kits may also include magnets so the user can test their existing cookware for compatibility. Often, the program also includes free shipping.

The list below is not inclusive but provides a snapshot of existing programs:

• Acterra (for mid-SF Peninsula communities)

• City of Albany

• City of Burlingame

• East Bay Community Energy (EBCE) for any East Bay resident regardless of energy provider

• City of Hayward

• City of Healdsburg

• Pacific Gas & Electric

• City of Piedmont

• City of San Mateo

• San Diego Green Building Council

• City of San Jose

• Sonoma Clean Power (residents of Sonoma and Mendocino counties)

• Southern California Edison

Some local library systems that have tool and equipment lending services, such as Sacramento's,  may also offer induction cooktop loaner kits that can be checked out by library patrons.