Dive Brief:

• Thermostats, HVAC systems, building management systems and other devices that can respond to utility companies' demand management instructions will have to accommodate those systems if they are new installations or retrofits come June.
• The code says the devices have to be able to understand at least one of the message protocols that utilities use.
• California required the standards in hopes that a system in which buildings and utilities communicate about energy availability and prices can help reduce demand.

Dive Insight:

In addition to the heating and cooling communication requirements for all buildings, nonresidential buildings will have to have daylight-matching capabilities as well as the ability to dim lighting and manage power demands in new construction and retrofits.