The New York Times highlighted 2050 Partners and our work supporting a building technique that reduces construction cost, saves water, saves energy, and improves water quality. 2050 Partners is proud to be supporting this work through field studies and building code advocacy.
Leverage Codes & Standards to Drive Affordability, Decarbonization & Grid Resilience
Advance forward-thinking codes, standards, and test procedures to lower costs, strengthen the grid, and enhance strategies for energy efficiency and long-term utility planning.
The Strategic Role of Codes & Standards for Utilities
Smart codes and standards—including those for energy efficiency, building performance, appliance standards, and load management—provide utilities with a high-impact, cost-effective approach to:
By shaping and implementing codes and standards, utilities can reduce costs, modernize infrastructure, and lead in climate action.
Leading utility partner in advancing codes and standards programs nationwide
Supported codes and standards initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels on behalf of utilities
Services for Utilities Focused on Codes & Standards Impact
POLICY & ADVOCACY
- Shape and advocate for codes, standards, and test procedures at the local, state, and federal levels
- Support utility engagement in regulatory proceedings and policy development
- Develop strategies to integrate codes and standards into utility affordability, reliability, and decarbonization goals
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT & IMPLEMENTATION
- Design and support utility-led codes and standards programs that drive cost savings and energy efficiency
- Integrate codes and standards into broader utility energy efficiency and demand-side management portfolios
- Lead stakeholder engagement efforts to drive adoption and successful implementation
RESEARCH & ANALYSIS
- Conduct technical and market research to assess the impact of new technologies and evolving codes and standards
- Analyze energy, economic, and grid benefits to inform utility strategies
- Evaluate emerging technologies and test procedures to support policy and program development
EXPERT TEAM MANAGEMENT & PROJECT DELIVERY
- Build and manage expert teams to meet utility codes and standards program needs
- Oversee subcontractor coordination to reduce contracting burdens for utilities
- Lead multi-disciplinary teams to execute complex projects across energy sectors
CODE READINESS RESEARCH CASE STUDY
Frequently Asked Questions
How do codes and standards programs benefit utilities beyond energy savings?
Codes and standards are a cost-effective tool for utilities to reduce customer costs, improve grid reliability, and meet decarbonization goals. By shaping these policies, utilities can:
- Lower energy demand and infrastructure costs
- Enhance affordability through long-term efficiency gains
- Strengthen grid resilience by optimizing load management
How can utilities influence the development of codes and standards?
Utilities play a critical role in shaping appliance standards, test procedures, and building codes by:
- Engaging in regulatory and policy development processes
- Providing technical data to inform rulemaking and compliance strategies
- Supporting research that demonstrates cost-effectiveness and grid benefits
How do utilities claim energy savings from codes and standards programs?
Utilities can attribute energy savings by:
- Advocating for and supporting stronger standards, which lead to market-wide reductions
- Implementing programs that improve compliance and adoption of new codes
- Measuring and verifying savings through regulatory frameworks that recognize codes and standards impacts
What role do test procedures play in utility strategies?
Test procedures establish performance metrics for appliances and equipment, ensuring that energy savings, load flexibility, and decarbonization goals are accurately measured and achieved. Utilities can:
- Support test procedure updates to align with real-world conditions
- Leverage test data to guide incentive programs and efficiency standards
- Use test procedures to validate grid-interactive and flexible load technologies
How do codes and standards support utility decarbonization efforts?
Codes and standards are a foundational strategy for decarbonization by:
- Promoting energy efficiency and load flexibility
- Advancing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and communication standards
- Reducing emissions through building electrification and performance policies
How do utilities integrate codes and standards into broader energy portfolios?
Successful integration requires aligning codes and standards programs with:
- Demand-side management and energy efficiency initiatives
- Distributed energy resource planning and grid modernization
- Long-term affordability and equity goals
What challenges do utilities face in codes and standards implementation, and how can they be addressed?
Utilities often face regulatory complexity, compliance barriers, and stakeholder coordination challenges. These can be addressed by:
- Building internal capacity and technical expertise
- Partnering with expert teams to manage research, advocacy, and implementation
- Developing long-term strategic plans to align codes and standards with utility priorities
Key Partner in Utility Codes & Standards Program Strategy & Implementation
Trusted by Utilities to Shape State & Federal Energy Policies
Recognized Experts in Codes & Standards Impact Research and Market Analysis
Experts in Demand-Side Management & Grid-Interactive Codes & Standards
Managed 100+ Subcontractors, Reducing Contracting Burdens for Utilities
Resources
2050 Partners Stakeholder Engagement and Support Process and Approach
Discover how 2050 Partners supports the energy transition through its stakeholder engagement and support process and approach. From CalBEM to EV codes, learn about our impactful stakeholder support services across the US.
Paper: Energy Code Decarbonization Pathway to Accommodate the Ninth Circuit Court Ruling
This paper explores the challenges and opportunities presented by recent court rulings on building energy codes and fossil fuel use. It looks at how states can balance decarbonization goals with compliance requirements and offers practical solutions for implementing effective energy codes.