Plug Load Energy Resources
Whether you need research on the benefits of plug load control or data about the number and types of plug loads in commercial buildings, it’s all here.
Confused by the acronyms and buzzwords? Don’t know the difference between plug and hardwired loads? Download our glossary.
Commercial Miscellaneous Electric Loads Resources
Commercial Miscellaneous Electric Loads, or CMELs, refers to plug and hardwired loads that are outside of a commercial building’s core functions. These loads are the fastest growing, and often the largest, use of electricity in commercial buildings.
Miscellaneous Electric Loads: What Are They and Why Should You Care?
U.S. DOE Building Technologies Office, 2016
Brief description of what MELs are and why they are increasingly important for commercial building efficiency.
Commercial Miscellaneous Electric Loads: Energy Consumption Characterization and Savings Potential in 2008 by Building Type
TIAX for DOE Building Technologies Program, 2010
Characterizes the current state of CMELs including analysis of unit energy consumption and annual electricity consumption based on building type.
Analysis and Representation of Miscellaneous Electric Loads in NEMS
U.S Energy Information Administration, May 2017
The Residential Demand Module (RDM) and Commercial Demand Module (CDM) of the National Energy Modeling System (NEMS) projects annual energy consumption of MELs by combining unit energy consumption (UEC) with total stock of equipment or devices by type.
Utility Incentives
Plug load incentives and rebate programs promote energy efficiency, delivering bottom-line benefits to energy savings projects by offsetting costs associated with plug load control.
In many cases, BERT’s hardwired and plug load products qualify for these rebate and incentive programs. Check with your local utility for specific information.
Utility Incentives for Plug Load by State
Plug Load Incentives and Rebates by Utility
Plug Load Density
Studies about the number and types of plug loads found in various commercial buildings. Resources also include plug load energy usage data and savings potential.
Draft Measure Information Template – Office Task Lighting Plug Load Circuit Control, California Utilities Statewide Codes and Standards Team
This Codes and Standards Enhancement (CASE) report addresses office task lighting controls, and associated controls of other plug loads.
Code Compliance
BERT delivers effective, low-cost ASHRAE 90.1 and CEC Title 24 code compliance for new construction and major building retrofit projects requiring plug load control.
Energy codes play a key role in reducing energy consumption. Both ASHRAE 90.1 and CEC Title 24 set mandatory plug load control requirements for new building construction and major renovations. ASHRAE has been adopted by a growing number of states.
BERT’s Inline series for hardwired loads provides a flexible, easy-to-install solution that utilizes the existing wireless network for plug load code compliance including:
- Varying control levels including whole circuit, partial circuit and individual receptacle
- Control for loads ranging from 120V/15A to 277V/20A
- Split wire option for CEC Title 24 compliance
- Inexpensive sub-metering option for ASHRAE 90.1 – 2013/2016 compliance
ASHRAE 90.1 – 2010 (and later)
- Almost half the US has adopted ASHRAE 90.1-2010 or later
- Code applies to Private Offices, Classrooms, Copier Rooms, Workstations, Break Rooms and Conference Rooms
- Automatic Receptacle Control for at least 50% of all 125V, 15A and 20A receptacles
- Requires automatic control device that shall function on:
- A scheduled basis
- Occupant sensor
- Signal from another control system
California Energy Commission (CEC) Title 24
- Considered most stringent energy code
- Code applies to Private Offices, Open Offices, Reception Lobbies, Conference Rooms, Kitchenette Areas, Copy Rooms and Guest Rooms
- At least one controlled receptacle must be within 6 feet of an uncontrolled receptacle. Split-wired receptacle may be used.
- Requires of one the following control devices:
- Occupant sensing control
- Automatic time-switch control
- Signal from another building system
- Other control capable of automatically shutting OFF all lights
- Controlled receptacles must be identified
General Energy Info
Information about the US Commercial Energy market and the US Building Energy Efficiency market. In addition, learn more about plug load energy usage in K-12 schools.
BERT has been included in almost 100 performance contracts because of our ability to deliver measureable and verifiable energy savings.
US Energy Information Administration
The Annual Energy Outlook 2023 provides modeled projections of domestic energy markets through 2050. It includes cases with different assumptions of macroeconomic growth, world oil prices, technological progress, and energy policies.
US Energy Information Administration
The Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) 2018 is a national sample survey that collects information on the stock of U.S. commercial buildings. It includes energy-related building characteristics and energy usage data (consumption and expenditures). CBECS includes building types that might not traditionally be considered commercial, such as schools, hospitals, correctional institutions, and buildings used for religious worship. In addition, traditional commercial buildings such as stores, restaurants, warehouses, and office buildings are included.
Advanced Energy Retrofit Guide: Practical Ways to Improve Energy Performance K-12 Schools, NREL
The Advanced Energy Retrofit Guide for K-12 Schools is one of five retrofit guides commissioned by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The guide presents general project planning guidance as well as more detailed descriptions and financial payback metrics for the most important and relevant energy efficiency measures (EEMs). The guide provides a practical roadmap for effectively planning and implementing performance improvements in existing buildings.
Energy Savings Performance Contracting: A Primer for K-12 Schools, US DOE 2016
This primer explains how schools can use ESPC to save money by improving energy efficiency and reducing operating costs while increasing occupant comfort and productivity. It provides K-12 faculty, school boards, and building managers with an introduction to ESPC benefits, guidance for getting started, and resources to support the ESPC implementation process.
Educator Resources
Plug load resources for educators. Links to curriculum, activities, videos and more.
National Energy Education Development (NEED) School Energy Survey Curriculum 2016-2017
Students investigate all aspects of the school’s energy consumption by conducting a comprehensive energy audit and developing an energy conservation plan to implement.
Plug Load Energy Activity Guide, Worksheets and Teacher Resources
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Plug load activities and teacher resources.
Watts Up Measuring Energy Video
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
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© BERT 2025, All Rights Reserved
489 Devon Park Drive, Suite 302
Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087
© BERT 2025, All Rights Reserved
489 Devon Park Drive, Suite 302
Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087