Central heat pump water heater (CHPWH) systems are playing a pivotal role in the decarbonization of multifamily and commercial buildings. These systems can provide electrified, efficient hot water for both new and existing buildings while minimizing grid impact and energy costs with load shifting...

The initiative is centered on exploring and implementing innovative DR methodologies, such as the Whole Home concept, to significantly enhance both customer benefits and grid performance. This strategic program aims to integrate emerging technologies that have DR capabilities, including electric...

The proposed project will study early adopters of virtual commissioning (VCx) programs, a remote type of retro-commissioning program (RRCx), that focuses on HTR small and medium businesses.  A few of these programs are in the incubator and early adopter phases and are located in regional “clumps”...

This project addresses a critical market barrier: the lack of modeling tools capable of simulating distributed Phase Change Material (“PCM”) Thermal Energy Storage Systems (“TESS”) integrated with Central Heat Pump Water Heaters (“CHPWH”). Existing tools are not designed to capture the dynamic...

Research question: How do inefficiencies in the HW distribution system create barriers to central heat pump water heater (CHPWH) installations? What can mitigate these inefficiencies in future installations and prepare commercial buildings for CHPWH retrofits?Hypothesis: if a lack of aggregated...

An innovative contractor model of partnering with homeowners and volunteers interested in saving energy has started impacting projects throughout California. Contractors partner with homeowners and community volunteers on home electrification projects, such as installing solar PV and heat pump...

The field assessment conducted under this project will evaluate the real-world energy performance and market adoption barriers of R‑454C refrigeration systems in California supermarkets. R454C is a next-generation, low-global warming potential (“GWP”) hydrofluoroolefin (“HFO”) blend that could...

This project builds upon the findings from previous CalNEXT projects (ET23SWE0036: Industrial Heat Pump Market Study and ET23SWE0062: Craft Brewery Industrial Heat Pump Screening Tool) to facilitate the installation and characterization of an air-to-water heat pump system (“AWHP” or the...

Laundry remains a significant obstacle to decarbonization efforts of multifamily buildings in California, with limited adoption of high efficiency equipment, especially heat pump clothes dryers. In addition, most LMI households living in multifamily buildings lack in-unit laundry, increasing...

The creation of new usage load shapes is planned for PA’s (“Program Administrators”) to complete before the next CA program cycle, as outlined in the most recent DEER (“Database for Energy Efficiency Resources“) resolution. The intensive measure development period in preparation for the 2028 cycle...