Fact: Almost all reach codes are for new construction and do not affect existing buildings in any way. Further, a new reach code for existing buildings would not affect gas stoves; a code would require electric stoves only if the gas stove is replaced during a major retrofit that requires a building permit. 

Fact: They are not. A reach code may be considered and passed in two City Council readings within the span of two or three months. (Santa Barbara did this in 2021.) A reach code does not require a rigid state-approval process. In fact, the California Energy Commission (CEC) reviews reach code applications only for minimum requirements at monthly business meetings. Furthermore, some reach codes don’t need any CEC approval. Local jurisdictions that pass Reach Codes based on health and safety concerns, not energy-related reasons, go through only the simple filing process with the Building Standards Commission. 

Fact: A reach code is flexible—one size does not fit all. While sample ordinance language is available to jurisdictions as a starting point, every reach code can be unique and tailored to a jurisdiction’s particular needs. For example, exemptions can be included for specific types of accessory dwelling units, existing commercial kitchens, and areas where solar access is limited. Cities and counties can tailor a reach code to match their exact needs. 

Fact: Reach Codes that modify the energy code must be submitted to the CEC, which requires proof that the reach codes are cost-effective (i.e., less expensive) for customers. To aid this process, the CEC funds the Statewide Reach Codes Program to prepare cost-effectiveness reports that identify cost-effective reach code measures for every climate zone in California. Jurisdictions can simply pick from a list of recommended measures for their climate zone and submit the cost-effectiveness report to the CEC with their ordinances.  

Fact: With proper planning, the electric grid can handle building and transportation electrification without reducing grid reliability. The California Public Utilities Commission, the California Independent System Operator and the state’s electric utilities are continually implementing strategies to avoid outages and shutoffs, such as improved electric system planning, installing additional utility-scale renewable generation and energy storage, and grid hardening upgrades in fire-prone areas. SCE is investing approximately $5 billion per year in upgrades to increase grid capacity, improve reliability and harden the grid against extreme weather events, including wildfires. Reach codes typically focus on new construction. Per the state building code, all new residential construction is required to have rooftop solar. Starting in 2023, all new residential construction will also be required to have space and electrical infrastructure for future energy (usually battery) storage. Many non-residential building types will be required to have both solar and batteries installed. These customer-owned resources provide an additional layer of resiliency, on top of the utility-scale enhancements already underway. 

Fact: The energy code is updated every three years and yields substantial environmental benefits each time. However, there are always additional cost-effective measures that a jurisdiction can implement to gain further benefits. For instance, electrification of space heating, water heating, or both are proven to yield substantial greenhouse gas emission savings while being cost-effective and maintaining equal performance. Reach codes are worthwhile, and they are an integral part of the code update process because they help accelerate the adoption of cost-effective measures statewide and provide precedent for subsequent code cycles. 

Fact: Serving the electrical needs of an all-electric building is not a significant concern compared to a mixed-fuel building. We design the electric grid to accommodate peak demand, which in most areas is driven by air conditioning load. Case studies have shown the peak demand from all-electric neighborhoods is not significantly higher than the peak demand from mixed-fuel neighborhoods. This is because modern electric technologies are very efficient and often are demand response capable, meaning they can avoid or minimize usage during on-peak hours when stress on the grid is greatest. All of this translates into all-electric homes having a “flatter” electricity demand profile. So, while they consume more electricity overall, all-electric homes place that demand on the grid more evenly throughout the day, which means we don’t need significant upgrades to the grid specifically for all-electric buildings.