Ubiquitous  plug-load devices include appliances, electronics and tools—anything  that plugs into an electrical outlet. Currently, these devices are  responsible for as much as 20 percent of the electrical consumption in  buildings, and 30 percent by 2030. To exacerbate the situation, a  majority of these devices consume power even when not in use—the much  dreaded “phantom power” which accounts for over 15 gigawatts of power  consumption, worldwide, 24/7. The plug loads, if not well managed, could  disable California’s plans for Zero Net Energy in new homes by 2020.

The  California Plug Load Research Center (CalPlug) was established to  improve energy efficiency in the use and design of appliances and  consumer electronic devices. CalPlug recently earned funding support from the California Energy Commission, for $1 million.  CalPlug focuses on energy efficiency solutions, efficiency evaluations  of consumer electronics, standards development, education and public  outreach, and user behavior studies. CalPlug will address challenges in  plug load efficiency for both residential and commercial buildings by  collaborating closely with utilities, manufacturers, advocacy groups,  research institutions, and energy policy makers.

CalPlug’s  innovation extends beyond the research labs and reaches out to  industry, commerce and government. Business collaborations and studies  of user behavior are essential to plug-load energy conservation, as is  consumer education. Through collaborations with research institutes and  manufacturers, the center will assist in developing future appliance  efficiency standards and incentives for manufacturers and retailers.