Last week�s More Than Smart conference in San Francisco explored the innovation, planning, business opportunities, and data and communications needs available to help build a distributed energy future. The third annual conference drew more than 200 attendees.
California Energy Commissioner Andrew McAllister spoke on a panel along with representatives from the California Public Utility Commission, the California Independent System Operator, Governor Jerry Brown�s office and The Brattle Group titled �Enabling California�s Distributed Energy Future in 2016.�
Although the conference goal was to communicate an overall state plan to move toward distributed energy, the panel focused on each office�s goals and priorities. McAllister highlighted the importance of forecasting demand on a local level and implementing a benchmarking program to help building owners understand how much energy a building uses compared to other similar buildings.
McAllister emphasized the continuing importance of energy efficiency as a central part of California�s future resource mix. Energy Commission accomplishments in energy efficiency � such as the adoption of the Existing Building Energy Efficiency Action Plan and the 2016 Building Energy Efficiency Standards �offer a solid foundation for the work ahead after the passage of recent energy-related legislation.
Legislation is also key to the Energy Commission creating a nation-leading, comprehensive benchmarking and disclosure program for commercial and multifamily buildings across California. Benchmarking helps identify the most attractive upgrades for building owners, creating a critical link to investment.
