Pre-Conference: Monday, October 7, 2024
| 5:30 PM | OPENING RECEPTION▶ Morgan's Restaurant (in the Sheraton) Join us for hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and conversation. |
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Day One: Tuesday, October 8, 2024
| 8:00 AM | BREAKFAST▶ Grand Nave Foyer |
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| 9:00 AM | WELCOME▶ Magnolia Welcome by Jose Bodipo-Memba, Chief Diversity Officer, Sacramento Municipal Utility District |
| 9:15 AM | OPENING PANEL: How to Accelerate Decarbonization in California, with AHRI, CEC, and DOE▶ Magnolia Accelerating decarbonization in California requires the close coordination of policy design and program design around market realities. Our panelists share their organization's approach to setting aggressive yet achievable objectives, how they coordinate with one another, and the role of utility customer programs. They will also discuss how well the market has responded with regards to both anticipated and unanticipated market challenges, and how these challenges may be met. Moderated by Brian Stonerock, Director, Advanced Energy Solutions, Southern California Edison Speakers:
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| 10:15 AM | BREAK |
| 10:45 AM | BREAKOUT SESSIONS |
A Balancing Act: The Precision and Power of Smart Control Tech▶ Magnolia The integration of smart control technologies offers a promising solution to transform grid impacts into valuable grid resources. By leveraging behind-the-meter resources and home energy management systems, utilities can optimize energy consumption patterns, enhance grid stability, and promote sustainable energy usage. However, understanding customer behavior, receptiveness, and the impact of automated systems remains a challenge. Learn about studies that address these challenges by monitoring customer behaviors, evaluating load management capabilities, and assessing the effectiveness of emissions reduction messaging. We will share lessons from coordinating demand response events across different end-use measures. Moderated by Mark Martinez, Senior Portfolio Manager, Southern California Edison Speakers:
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Avoiding Panel Upsizing: Who Needs an Upgrade, Really?▶ Gardenia As we transition to all-electric appliances and embrace electric vehicles, concerns arise about the capacity of residents’ existing electrical panels to handle the additional loads. While some homes may achieve full electrification without panel upgrades, others might need to upsize their panels to meet increased electrical demands. So, who needs an upgrade and who doesn’t? Join our panel discussion to explore pathways to electrification and discover tools that support Californians in this journey. Moderated by Emma Tome, Air Pollution Specialist, Building Decarbonization and Innovative Strategies, California Air Resources Board Speakers:
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Gas Heat Pumps▶ Tofanelli Certain low-carbon gas technologies may provide a bridge for customers that don’t initially electrify. In this session, we will explore three applications of gas absorption heat pumps (GAHP) that could offer significant short-term natural gas and emissions savings using a zero GWP refrigerant. Moderated by Merry Sweeney, Project Manager II, Emerging Technologies, San Diego Gas & Electric Speakers:
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Low-GWP Refrigerants: New Equipment vs. Retrofits▶ Carr Current regulations require the use of <650 GWP refrigerants through 2030. Join our discussion on available solutions to help customers meet this criteria for new equipment, and options for existing equipment. We will also address current challenges in the market to meeting this requirement, such as training and A2L, as well as plans to address GWP requirements post-2030. Moderated by Paul Delaney, Facilitator, ETCC Speakers: TBA | |
| 11:45 AM | LUNCH▶ Grand Nave Foyer |
| 12:45 PM | BREAKOUT SESSIONS |
Modeling and Modulating: Innovative Solutions Enabling Residential/Commercial Customer Flexibility▶ Magnolia How might we inform and motivate customers to participate in load management through smart technology? Join us to learn how (1) advanced communication devices and remote activation of demand response resources can provide customer savings and (2) smart panels can enable electrification and load management strategies. We will discuss a laboratory investigation into the added capabilities of smart panels and a software platform that enabled dynamic rate management while educating customers about energy savings, rebates, energy efficiency programs, and California “Flex Alerts.” Solutions will be presented for creating an intuitive interface between the utility, smart appliances, and residents, making it possible for customers to optimize their energy use through messaging, analytics, and end-device integration. Moderated by Ivy So, Program Manager, APTIM Speakers:
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Solutions for Optimizing Electrical Panel Usage and Avoiding Unnecessary Panel Upsizing▶ Gardenia Not all households will need panel upgrades in order to electrify. Join our panel of distinguished researchers who will discuss solutions that can provide a pathway to electrification without upsizing existing electrical panels. Our panel will showcase some existing solutions with deep dives on smart panels and circuit splitters. Moderated by Yu Hou, Supervisor, California Energy Commission Speakers:
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Dual-Fuel/Hybrid Systems for Residential Heating▶ Tofanelli Dual-fuel systems allow the flexible use of either electric heat pumps or gas-fired furnaces to provide heating for residences. But are they a lower-cost option for reducing emissions without full electrification? Join us as we analyze the feasibility of utilizing dual-fuel heating sources for short-term reductions in natural gas use and emissions in California. Moderated by Eric Kirchhoff, Manager, Clean EE Strategies, SoCalGas Speakers:
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Low-GWP Refrigerants: Safety, Flammability, and Leakage Rates▶ Carr The move toward lower GWP refrigerants requires different safety and handling procedures. The panelists will discuss issues that need to be considered for the installation and safe handling of equipment that has flammable or toxic components. Moderated by Danielle Wright, Executive Director, North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council Speakers: TBA | |
| 1:45 PM | BREAK |
| 2:15 PM | BREAKOUT SESSIONS |
The Future of Flexibility: An Interactive Discussion▶ Magnolia “What does DR look like in 2030?” As we approach 2030, the landscape of demand response is poised to undergo significant transformations driven by advancements in technology, evolving regulatory frameworks, and increasing consumer awareness. However, several barriers remain, including integrating distributed energy resources into the grid, ensuring cybersecurity, meeting the need for robust data analytics, and achieving widespread customer engagement. Join us as we envision the role of demand response over the next decade, informed by trends in machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, automated demand response systems, and more. We will explore in depth the opportunities and challenges ahead and open a forum for anticipating trends crucial for developing demand response strategies that enhance grid reliability, promote energy efficiency, and support the transition to a sustainable energy system. Moderated by Josh Rasin, Manager, Technology Acceleration, Sacramento Municipal Utility District Speakers:
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Overcoming Challenges to Scaling Building Decarbonization▶ Gardenia Details coming soon. Moderated by Will Vicent, Deputy Director, Building Standards, California Energy Commission Speakers:
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Multifamily Applications Research▶ Tofanelli What options are available for optimizing emissions reductions and reducing cost for multifamily residences? Explore this question with us as we dive into topics related to gas absorption heat pumps (GAHP) and the sizing of hot water systems in the multifamily sector. Moderated by Saurabh Shekhadar, Energy Engineer, ICF (GET) Speakers:
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Training Regarding Systems Using Low and Ultra-Low GWP Refrigerants▶ Carr This session brings together experts involved in developing industry-standard handling procedures and permitting. Our panelists will discuss GWP regulations that are effective through 2030 and handling and safety training for the next generation of refrigerants after 2030. Panelists will also compare current training practices for (1) installation versus handling and (2) confined versus open spaces for synthetic and natural refrigerants. Moderated by Danielle Wright, Executive Director, North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council Speakers: TBA | |
| 3:15 PM | BREAK |
| 3:30 PM | BREAKOUT SESSIONS |
What’s Load Got to Do with It? The Rise of Flexible Heat Pump Technology▶ Magnolia How do we get more efficient comfort and convenience through demand-responsive heat pump controls? The need to balance energy efficiency, grid stability, and customer comfort and convenience requires innovative approaches to manage the variability and flexibility of heat pump systems. Join us for a discussion on pioneering projects to test the functional capabilities of heat pump systems for demand response while maximizing energy savings for consumers. We will also discuss evaluation of advanced control strategies that allow heat pumps to adjust their operation based on real-time grid demands. Moderated by Kelly Cunningham, Codes and Standards, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Speakers:
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Solutions to Equitably Fulfill the Workforce Needs for Our Decarbonized Future▶ Gardenia California needs a skilled and trained workforce to meet our aggressive decarbonization and zero-emissions targets. Join SoCalREN, SMUD, and SCE workforce, education, and training program managers as they share their current and future efforts to engage with and encourage the next generation of workers to prepare for high-paying and technically skilled jobs. Moderated by Axel Pearson, Project Manager, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Speakers:
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Other (Natural Gas) Research▶ Tofanelli Catch up on the latest research on lowering emissions that you may have missed. In this session, we will explore three areas of research that seek to address the reduction of emissions for natural gas burning equipment. Moderated by Saurabh Shekhadar, Energy Engineer, ICF (GET) Speakers:
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Role of Refrigerants in the Electrification of Commercial HVAC▶ Carr Electrification of large commercial HVAC requires an understanding of tradeoffs between energy efficiency and GHG emissions from refrigerants. Current requirements for companies to reduce GHG emissions will move heating technologies to heat pumps and other non-fuel-based technologies. Panelists will discuss design considerations for applications such as campuses, data centers, and general commercial-building comfort applications. Examples of installations from Europe will be shared, and progress in the US will be discussed. And we will take a look at what is being investigated for the future. Moderated by Paul Delaney, Facilitator, ETCC Speakers:
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Day Two: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
| 8:00 AM | BREAKFAST▶ Grand Nave Foyer |
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| 9:00 AM | OPENING PANEL▶ Magnolia What's Needed in the Next 5 Years, with SCE, PG&E, SMUD, and SoCalGasThe California utilities have stepped up to the challenge of decarbonization and sustainability with aggressive carbon reduction goals between 2030 and 2045. This opening panel brings together utility leadership to share what they each think are the next three milestones they hope to achieve over the next five years in order to stay on course to those goals, and how customer programs will play a role. Moderated by Carol Yin, Facilitator, ETCC Speakers:
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| 10:15 AM | BREAK |
| 10:45 AM | BREAKOUT SESSIONS |
Successful Technology Transfer through CalNEXT▶ Magnolia Details coming soon. Moderated by Savannah McLaughlin, California Public Utilities Commission Speakers:
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Removing Barriers to Heat Pump Water Heaters in Foodservice Facilities▶ Gardenia Commercial kitchens have unique energy demands that create challenges for decarbonization. In this session, the Code Readiness and CalNEXT research teams will present their recent collaborations in finding low-carbon solutions to meet these demands while helping customers decrease energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Moderated by Martin Vu, Principal Engineer and Patent Attorney, RMS Energy Consulting, LLC Speakers:
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Hydrogen Overview and the Path Forward▶ Tofanelli In this two-presentation session, come learn about the challenges in producing and transporting lower-emissions hydrogen and hydrogen-methane blends safely and efficiently. Our update will cover the status of the industry, including R&D, hydrogen, hydrogen-methane-blend transport, and hydrogen production. Moderated by Eric Kirchhoff, Manager, Clean EE Strategies, SoCalGas Speakers:
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Charging Ahead: Statewide Efforts to Deploy EV Charging Infrastructure▶ Carr Successfully deploying EV charging infrastructure requires coordination across state, utility, and private actors. This session explores how policy targets are established by the California Energy Commission and how they are interpreted and acted upon by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Southern California Edison. The panelists will present their initiatives for making charging available for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles and will discuss some challenges and opportunities presented by building out the grid to support this new EV load. Moderated by Hannon Rasool, Director, Fuels and Transportation Division, California Energy Commission Speakers:
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| 11:45 AM | LUNCH▶ Grand Nave Foyer |
| 12:45 PM | BREAKOUT SESSIONS |
Prioritizing Technology Opportunities through CalNEXT▶ Magnolia Details coming soon. Moderated by Derek Okada, Senior Fellow, Energy Solutions (CalNEXT) Speakers:
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Food Service: Providing Technologies and Support for Decarbonization▶ Gardenia Hear how decarbonization in food service is being supported at local, state, and national levels, through both education and demonstration. Learn about the efforts by local utilities, an update on codes and standards by the statewide team, and program support and development by organizations at a national level. Moderated by Martin Vu, Principal Engineer and Patent Attorney, RMS Energy Consulting, LLC Speakers:
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Natural Gas and Hydrogen Blends for End-Use Equipment▶ Tofanelli If hydrogen-natural gas blends replace pure natural gas, what are the end-user equipment implications? In this session, we will present research updates on testing and quantifying the impacts of hydrogen-natural gas blends on different commercial end-use equipment. Moderated by Steven Long, Director, Engineering, ICF (GET) Speakers:
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Leveraging EVs to Manage the Electric Grid▶ Carr EVs represent one of the largest sources of load that will show up on the electric grid in the coming decades. This could present challenges for grid-planning and deployment, but properly managed, EVs have the potential to provide entirely new types of control and flexibility for grid operators. This session explores three California utilities’ perspectives and actions on vehicle-grid integration. Moderated by Jingjing Liu, Program Manager, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Speakers:
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| 1:45 PM | BREAK |
| 2:15 PM | BREAKOUT SESSIONS |
Embodied Carbon: Perspectives from Policy, Industry, and Practice▶ Magnolia Embodied carbon, the emissions associated with the production and transportation of building materials, is a significant contributor to climate change and a key area of concern for reducing impacts from the construction sector. In this panel discussion, you will hear from three experts who represent different roles and perspectives on the topic: (1) the supervising architect from the Building Standards Commission, who will explain the current regulatory landscape regarding embodied carbon in CALGreen; (2) the sustainability manager for a cement and concrete producer, who will share how they are innovating low-carbon solutions; and (3) a practicing architect whose firm develops leading software tools for life cycle assessment. Join us for this engaging and informative session exploring how California became the first state to formally address embodied carbon in its building codes and how regulators, suppliers, and designers can collaborate toward innovative and cost-effective solutions that meet and exceed current requirements. Moderated by Dave Intner, Senior Advisor, Southern California Edison Speakers:
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Heat Pump Space Heating▶ Gardenia Details coming soon. Moderated by Haile Bucaneg, Senior Mechanical Engineer, California Energy Commission Speakers:
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Natural Gas and Hydrogen Blends for Infrastructure▶ Tofanelli Join this session to learn how the proposed H2 infrastructure is expected to help offset emissions. Efforts supporting both the residential and commercial infrastructure will be presented along with existing and planned infrastructure development for transportation and industry. Moderated by Steven Long, Director, Engineering, ICF (GET) Speakers:
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Part 1: Window Projects: Exploring the Value Proposition for High-Performance Windows▶ Carr Despite the common misconception that window performance is negligible in mild climates, it plays a significant role in overall building energy performance and thermal comfort. This session will challenge existing myths, highlight innovative solutions in window technologies, and foster dialogue among industry leaders to promote information-sharing, technology transfer, and market facilitation. Moderated by Rick Dunn, Senior Manager, Emerging Technology, CalMTA Speakers:
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| 3:15 PM | BREAK |
| 3:30 PM | BREAKOUT SESSIONS |
Idea to Initiative: Advancing Market Transformation in California▶ Magnolia CalMTA, the statewide market transformation administrator, will share an update on the creation of the first market transformation initiatives for California, including the six technologies under development and the activities conducted to inform full MTI plans for two ideas: induction cooking and room heat pumps. This interactive session will include discussion of the recently completed market characterization studies, strategy pilot findings, application of an equity lens, and the evaluation framework used to measure the impact of MTIs on the market. The panelists will also take a deep dive into the logic models created for each MTI to capture specific barriers, opportunities for leverage, strategic interventions, and desired outputs and outcomes. Speakers:
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Heat Pump Water Heating▶ Gardenia Details coming soon. Moderated by Bing Liu, Building Sector Manager, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Speakers:
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Building Resiliency through Robust Flexible Demand and DERs▶ Tofanelli California’s electric grid must remain reliable and resilient while aggressively pursuing carbon neutrality by 2045. This transition presents significant challenges and opportunities, particularly in tackling climate change, managing intermittency, handling curtailment issues associated with renewable energy generation, and addressing the grid impacts of expanding electrification in buildings and transportation. Integration of flexible demand with diverse distributed energy resources through open and secure communication protocols emerges as a pivotal solution. This session aims to outline current challenges, explore potential flexible demand solutions and considerations, and propose strategies for enhancing building resilience while bolstering grid support. Moderated by Mark Martinez, Senior Portfolio Manager, Southern California Edison Speakers:
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Part 2: Building Envelopes, They’ve Got Everything—Efficiency, Decarbonization, Health, Safety, Climate Resiliency▶ Carr The performance of building envelopes and windows is crucial for achieving energy efficiency and carbon reduction goals in the built environment. Prioritizing building envelope optimization is essential for meeting decarbonization targets swiftly and effectively. Once envelope performance is addressed, it paves the way for other systems, such as heat pumps, to be properly sized and operate more efficiently. Join this session to discover how building envelopes play a vital role in our changing climate. Moderated by Yu Hou, Supervisor, California Energy Commission Speakers:
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