This draft Advancement Plan summarizes available information and essential research activities for the proposed Market Transformation Initiative (MTI) that CalMTA recommends advancing from Phase I: Concept Development into Phase II: Program Development. The initial research efforts outlined will inform the long-term potential of this technology before CalMTA recommends whether to advance this MTI further. All Advancement Plans are reviewed by the Market Transformation Advisory Board (MTAB) and the public before they are finalized by CalMTA.

read the foodservice water heating systems advancement plan

CalMTA solicited comments on the Draft Foodservice Water Heating Systems Advancement Plan from July 10 – July 31, 2024. View public comments received on the document here.

This draft Advancement Plan summarizes available information for a proposed Market Transformation Initiative (MTI), called Residential Heat Pump Water Heating. It describes the scope of work for research, testing, and stakeholder engagement that would be needed to develop a full MTI Plan for approval by the CPUC for implementation.

There are numerous statewide and national efforts targeting this technology. Yet, despite the many programs promoting it, heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) make up less than 2% of the water heater market. This MTI proposes aligning existing efforts to create common goals, a strategic approach to market engagement, and cost neutralization, as well as identifying opportunities and processes to coordinate resources across programs to accelerate the pace of HPWH adoption in California.

Read the Residential Heat Pump Water Heating Advancement Plan

This document was posted for public comment on the California Public Utilities Commission Public Document Area and the CalMTA Public Comment Submission Portal from June 19 – July 11, 2024. The Feedback Response Memo provides a high-level summary of comments received and the Advancement Plan Feedback Response details the specific feedback and CalMTA’s response.

This draft Advancement Plan summarizes available information for a proposed Market Transformation Initiative (MTI), called Commercial Replacement & Attachment Window Solutions. It describes the scope of work for research, testing, and stakeholder engagement that would be needed to develop a full MTI Plan for approval by the CPUC for implementation.

This proposed MTI would offer a significant opportunity to improve building envelope thermal performance and downsize heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. It would seek to address the many commercial buildings that still contain single pane glass windows and offer substantial improvements over typical window replacements.

Read the Commercial Replacement and Attachment Window Solutions Advancement Plan

This document was posted for public comment on the California Public Utilities Commission Public Document Area and the CalMTA Public Comment Submission Portal from June 19 – July 11, 2024. The Feedback Response Memo provides a high-level summary of comments received and the Advancement Plan Feedback Response details the specific feedback and CalMTA’s response.

CalMTA received approval for the advancement of a potential Market Transformation Initiative (MTI) focused on induction cooking in January 2024. As part of the research phase for this MTI, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) also approved a Strategy Pilot targeting the stocking and pricing of induction cooking with major retailers, called the Geographic Targeting Using ESRPP for Portable/Window Heat Pump and Induction Cooking. This pilot launched May 1, 2024, and will provide important sales data, lessons learned on sales and stocking practices, and whether a geographically targeted upstream approach will be effective and viable for induction and portable heat pumps.

The proposed Strategy Pilot described in this document is designed to test an intervention that could be used to change public opinion, build awareness of the benefits of induction cooking, and ultimately grow demand for induction cooktops and ranges. This Strategy Pilot builds upon the work that others have already been doing in California.

Program Strategy Pilot: Induction Cooking Chefluencer Event Testing

Read the Change in scope

This document was posted for public comment on the California Public Utilities Commission Public Document Area from May 22-June 5, 2024. The Chefluencer Strategy Pilot Feedback Memo provides a comprehensive list of comments received and CalMTA’s response. Watch the Chefluencer Strategy Pilot recording of the June 7 webinar. In August, CalMTA proposed a change in scope to the Chefluencer Strategy Pilot.

This Program Strategy Pilot from CalMTA describes the objectives, scope, assessment plan, timelines, and budget to support the future development of an Induction Cooktops and Ranges  Market Transformation Initiative (MTI) and a Portable/Window Heat Pump MTI. This plan will help determine whether ENERGY STAR Retail Products Platform (ESRPP) serves as a viable intervention strategy for targeting certain geographic areas including environmental and social justice (ESJ) communities. The Strategy Pilot seeks to gather retail sales data and test manufacturer, retailer, and customer engagement related to portable/window heat pumps and induction cooking technologies in stores that serve identified ESJ communities.

Program Strategy Pilot: Geographic Targeting Using ESRPP for Portable/Window Heat Pump and Induction Cooking

Public comment was collected via the California Public Utilities Commission Public Documents Area from January 8-23, 2024. The Strategy Pilot Comment Memo provides a comprehensive list of comments received and CalMTA’s response.

This Program Strategy Pilot from CalMTA describes the objectives, scope, assessment plan, timelines, and budgets for research that will support the future development of a Portable/Window Heat Pumps Market Transformation Initiative (MTI). CalMTA has identified several opportunities and barriers that warrant further research into how consumers interact with and utilize this technology particularly in multifamily units and small single-family homes. The results of the Strategy Pilot will inform the development of strategic interventions to overcome barriers to adoption in this market transformation idea’s target market of renters in environmental and social justice (ESJ) communities.

Program Strategy Pilot: Portable/Window Heat Pump Self-Installation Practices

Public comment was collected via the California Public Utilities Commission Public Documents Area from January 8-23, 2024. The Strategy Pilot Comment Memo provides a comprehensive list of comments received and CalMTA’s response.

This Advancement Plan describes information to be developed and research conducted to establish an Efficient Rooftop Units (ERTU) Market Transformation Initiative (MTI). Rooftop units are forced-air systems that package the evaporator, condenser coils, fans, and heating components into a single unit to serve a building’s heating, cooling, and ventilation needs. Three main design improvements addressing supply efficiency, heat recovery, and an improved shell can deliver 10-40% energy savings beyond today’s minimum efficiency RTUs. Greater savings and grid benefits can be achieved through the addition of advanced controls strategies.  CalMTA will use data and research collected to further inform and refine the proposed market transformation theory, intervention strategies, and metrics and data to determine if this MTI should be recommended for implementation.

Read the Efficient Rooftop Units (ERTUs) Advancement Plan

Public comment was collected via the California Public Utilities Commission Public Documents Area from December 6-20, 2023 and the Market Transformation Advisory Board. The MTI Advancement Plan Batch 1 Feedback Memo and ERTU Advancement Plan Feedback Response Memo provide a comprehensive list of comments received and CalMTA’s response.

This Advancement Plan describes information to be developed and research conducted to establish a Portable/Window Heat Pumps Market Transformation Initiative (MTI). Portable and window heat pumps (aka micro heat pumps) are affordable, self-contained consumer products that provide efficient heating and cooling for small spaces. These devices can be self-installed and plugged into standard 110-volt outlets. CalMTA will promote units that can still provide heat when the outdoor air temperature is below 41F, include air filtration, use low GWP refrigerants, and incorporate controls to allow the units to be grid-responsive in the future.  

Read the Portable/Window Heat Pumps Advancement Plan

Public comment was collected via the California Public Utilities Commission Public Documents Area from December 6-20, 2023 and the Market Transformation Advisory Board. The MTI Advancement Plan Batch 1 Feedback Memo and Portable/Window Heat Pumps Advancement Plan Feedback Response Memo provide a comprehensive list of comments received and CalMTA’s response.

This Advancement Plan describes information to be developed and research conducted to establish an Induction  Cooktops and Ranges Market Transformation Initiative (MTI). Induction ranges and cooktops use electromagnetic induction to heat cookware directly. Unlike traditional gas or electric stoves, which heat the burner, and the burner in turn heats the cookware, induction stoves work by directly heating the cooking vessel. They save energy through instant, direct, and efficient heat transfer, and provide precise temperature control. They do not emit noxious gases that contribute to reduced indoor air quality. Induction cooktops are available on combined stove/oven units, as a cooktop installed in a countertop, or as portable plug-in countertop units. 

Read the Induction Cooktops and Ranges Advancement Plan

Public comment was collected via the California Public Utilities Commission Public Documents Area from December 6-20, 2023 and the Market Transformation Advisory Board. The MTI Advancement Plan Batch 1 Feedback Memo and Induction Cooktops & Ranges Advancement Plan Feedback Response Memo provide a comprehensive list of comments received and CalMTA’s response.