DOCKETED  
Docket Number:  20-AAER -03 
Project Title:  Amend Title 20 Computer and Monitor Regulations  
TN #:  234977  
Document Title:  Notice of Proposed Action (NOPA) - Appliance Efficiency 
Rulemaking for Computers and Monitors  
Description:  Notice of Proposed Action (NOPA) - Appliance Efficiency 
Rulemaking for Computers and Monitors  
Filer:  Soheila Pasha  
Organization:  California Energy Commission  
Submitter Role:  Commission Staff   
Submission Date:  10/1/2020 2:05:40 PM  
Docketed Date:  10/1/2020  
 STATE OF CALIFORNIA — NATURAL  RESOURCES AGENCY                                                                                                       Gavin Newsom, Governor  
CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION  
1516 Ninth Street  
Sacramento, California 95814  
Main website: www.energy.ca.gov  
CEC -57 (Revised 1/1 9) 
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED ACTION  
Title 20. Public Utilities and Energy  
Division 2. State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission  
Chapter 4. Energy Conservation  
Article 4 . Appliance Efficiency Regulations  
 
Docket No . 20-AAER -03 
Computers and Computer Monitors  
Notice Published on  October 2 , 2020   
 
INTRODUCTION 
The Californi a Energy Commission (CEC) proposes to amend the computer and 
monitor regulations  in the Appliance Efficiency Regulations after considering all 
comments, objections, and recommendations regarding the proposed action.  
PUBLIC HEARING  The CEC  will hold a public hearing for the proposed regulations at the date and time 
listed below . Interested persons, or his or her authorized representative, may present 
oral and written statements, arguments, or contentions relevant to the proposed 
regulations at the public hearing. The record for this hearing will be kept open until 
every person has had an opportunity to provide comment.  
 
The public hearing will be held remotely, consistent with Executive Orders N -25-20 
and N29- 20 and the recommendations from the California Department of Public Health 
to encourage physical distancing to slow the spread of COVID -19. Instructions for 
remote participation are below.  
       
Wednesday, November 18, 2020  
     10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time)  
 
REMOTE PARTICIPATION  
Remote Attendance Participants may join by acces sing Zoom 
at: https://energy.zoom.us/j/92362730329?pwd=ZDNOdFQ0SVFKN3NVTVBLTzZydm
VjQT09  and enter the unique Webinar ID and password for each session (listed 
below). Zoom technical support is available at 1- 888- 799-9666 ext. 2, or you may 
contact  the CEC’s Public Advisor’s Office via email or phone. To comment or ask a 
question, dial *9 to use the “raise hand” feature in Zoom.  
2  
Webinar  ID: 923 6273 0329  
 Password:  604310  
 
To participate by telephone, call Zoom at 1- 877-853-5257 or 1- 888-475-4499 (toll 
free). When prompted, input the unique Webinar ID and password listed above. To 
comment or ask a question over the telephone, dial *9 to “raise your hand” and *6 to 
mute/unmut e your phone line.  
  
PUBLIC ADVISOR 
The CEC’s Public Advisor’s Office provides the public assistance in participating in 
CEC proceedings. For information on how to participate in this forum, or to request 
language services or other reasonable accommodatio ns, please contact the Public 
Advisor, Noemi O. Gallardo, at publicadvisor@energy.ca.gov
, or by phone at (916) 
654-4489, toll free at (800) 822- 6228, or by fax at (916) 654- 4493. Requests for 
language serv ices and reasonable accommodations should be made at least five days 
in advance. The CEC will work diligently to accommodate late requests.  
 Zoom: If you experience difficulties with the Zoom platform, please contact the Public Advisor’s office via email or phone.  
NEWS MEDIA INQUIRIES  
Direct news media inquiries to the Media and Public Communications Office at (916) 654-4989, or by email  at mediaoffice@energy.ca.gov
. 
WRITTEN COMMENT PERIOD  
Any interested person, or his or her authorized representative, may submit written 
comments to the CEC for consideration on or prior to November 16, 2020. The CEC 
appreciates  receiving written comments at the earliest possible date.  
 Please submit comments using the CEC’s e- commenting feature by going to  the web 
page found at  
https://www.energy.ca.gov/rules -and-regulations/appliance- efficiency -
regulations -title-20/appliance- efficiency -proceedings -4, Docket  20-AAER -03, then 
select the “Submit e- comment” link. A full name, e- mail address, comment title, and 
either a comment or an attached document (.doc, .docx, or .pdf format) is mandatory. After a challenge- response test used  by the system to ensure that responses are 
generated by a human user, click on “Agree & Submit Your Comment” to submit the comment to the CEC’s Docket Unit.
 
 Please note that written comments, attachments, and associated contact information included within the written comm ents and attachments (e.g., your address, phone, 
email, etc.) become part of the viewable public record.  
 3 You are encouraged to use the electronic filing system, described above, to submit 
comments. All written comments submitted prior to the hearing must be submitted to 
the docket. If you are unable to submit electronically, a paper copy of your comments 
may be sent to:  
 
Docket Unit  
California Energy Commission  
Docket No. 20-AAER -03 
1516 9th Street, MS -4 
Sacramento, CA 95814 
Telephone: (916) 654 -5076 
Or by  email  to docket@energy.ca.gov .  
Or fax them to Dockets at (916) 654- 4354.  
 All written comments shall comply with the requirements of 20 C.C.R. § 1208.1.  
STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND REFERENCE  
Public Resources Code Secti on 25213, 25218(e) , 25402(c),  authorizes the Energy 
Commission to adopt rules or regulations, as necessary, to implement and make 
specific Public Resources Code Sections 25216.5, and 25402(c).  
INFORMATIVE DIGEST/POLICY STATEMENT OVERVIEW  
The Warren- Alquist Act establishes the CEC as California’s primary energy policy and 
planning agency. Sections 25213, 25218(e), and 25402(c) of the Public Resources Code mandates and/or authorizes that the Energy  Commission adopt rules and 
regulations, as necessary, to reduce the inefficient consumption of energy and water by prescribing efficiency standards and other cost -effective measures for appliances 
whose use requires a significant amount of energy or water  statewide.  
 One of the ways the CEC satisfies this requirement is through the Appliance Efficiency Regulations (California Code of Regulations  (CCR) , Title 20, Sections 1601- 1609), 
which contain definitions, test procedures, efficiency standards, and marking and certification requirements for state and federally regulated appliances. Further, the regulations require that appliance manufacturers certif y to the CEC that their products 
meet all applicable state and federal appliance efficiency regulations before their products can be included in the CEC’s Modernized Appliance Efficiency Database System (MAEDbS)  of appliances approved to be sold or offered for sale within 
California.  
 In 2017 , the CEC amended the regulations for computers and computer monitors in 
response to new technologies. Recently, the CEC has been presented with a list of new technologies for computers and computer monitors that were not available at the time of the previously completed computers rulemaking.  
 
Therefore, the CEC proposes the following amendments to the Title 20 Appliance 
Efficiency Regulations that would modify and clarify existing standards and test 4 procedures for computers and computer monitors to incorporate new technologies and 
innovations .  
 
Existing regulations regulate the idle- mode energy consumption of most types of 
computers, including desktops, notebooks, workstations, and small -scale servers. The 
base level of energy consumption for most computers including notebooks is set at a flat rate. The regulations then provide for energy “adders” that allow manufacturers to 
consume energy above the base level if they contain certain additional features and functionalities in their products. Workstations and small -scale servers do not have 
base levels and adders  but are instead required to include certain energy efficient 
features to ensure that energy consumption remains low.  
 The proposed regulations would provide a new energy allowance, or “adder”, for a 
type of new, innovative computer gaming monitor. This new technology allows users to view image contents with a much faster refresh rate.  Computer monitor on- mode 
energy consumption  will increase as its refresh rate rises. The second tier of the 
energy allowances  for computer monitors  in the existing regulations , which will 
become effective on January 1, 2021,  can accommodate energy consumption of 
monitors with refresh rates up to 300 Hz. The proposed energy adder applies to the second -tier standards and pertains  only to computer monitors with refresh rates of 300 
Hz or higher . 
 The proposed regulations  would also  add a new energy adder for a new type of 
Ethernet that provides data transfer rates of more than 1 gigabits per second and less than 10 gigabits per second. Regardless of their data transfer rates, Ethernet ports 
provided through an add- in card receive the generic energy adder for add- in cards. For 
this reason, the new energy adder is only applied for Ethernets with data transfer rates 
between 1 to 10 gigabits per second that are integrated on to the motherboard and 
therefore do not meet the definition of an add- in card.  
 
The proposed regulations would also modify the existing regulations by supplementing 
a definition for computers with cyclical behavior. Most battery -operated computers only 
charge their batteries when connected to the AC main power source. However, 
notebooks computers that incorporate this new technology periodically charge and 
discharge their batteries while they are connected to the main power source,  causin g a 
cyclical pattern in power consumption by the computer . Furthermore, the CEC 
proposes to address the test procedure for this type of computer through this 
rulemaking.  
 
The proposed regulation woul d also add a new definition for multi -screen notebooks. 
These new innovative notebooks offer secondary  screen s embedded on the surface 
where the notebook keyboard is typically located. For these notebooks , the keyboard 
is typically in the form of touch screen , although it could also be a  mechanical 
keyboard. However, multi -screen notebooks with mechanical keyboards meet the 
existing definition of a notebook computer  and do not need to be included in the new 
definition . The proposed regulations would further  modify the existing regulations by 5 modifying the definition of notebook computer s to allow inclusion of multi- screen 
notebook computer s, meaning they would have to comply with the notebook 
standards . The proposed regulations  would also modify  the test procedure to address 
the testing protocol  for these m ulti-screen computers.   
Difference from existing comparable federal regulation or statute  
The CEC has determined that there are no existing comparable federal regulations or 
statutes.  
Broad objectives of the regulations and the specific benefits anticipated by the 
proposed amendments  
The broad objective of this rulemaking is  to update to the Appliance Efficiency 
Regulations to modify and clarify existing standards and test procedures f or computers 
and computer monitors to incorporate new technologies and innovations .  
 The specific benefit  of this rulemaking is to ensur e California residents will continue to 
have access to new and innovative computer and computer monitor  technologies .  
Determination of inconsistency or incompatibility with existing state regulations  
The CEC has conducted an evaluation for other state regulations in this area and has 
determined that the proposed regulations are neither inconsistent nor incompatible with existing state regulations . 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE  
None  
MANDATED BY FEDERAL LAW OR REGULATIONS  
None  
OTHER STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS  None  
FISCAL IMPACTS  
The CEC has made the following initial deter minations:  
 
• Mandate on local agen cies and school districts: None   
• Cost to any local agency or school district requiring reimbursement pursuant to 
17500 et seq.: None  
• Cost or savings to any state agency: None   
• Non-discretionary cost or savings imposed upon local agencies: None 
• Cost or savings in fede ral funding to the state:  None  6 SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON HOUSING COSTS  
None 
SIGNIFICANT STATEWIDE ADVERSE ECONOMIC IMPACT DIRECTLY 
AFFECTING BUSINESS, INCLUDING ABILITY OF CALIFORNIA BUSINESSES TO COMPETE WITH BUSINESSES IN OTHER STATES  
The CEC has made an initial determination that t he proposed regulations are unlikely to 
have a statewide adverse economic impact directly affecting business, including the 
ability of California businesses to compete with businesses in other states.  
 
The CEC is proposing to amend Title 20 Appliance Efficiency Regulations that would 
modify and clarify existing standards and test procedures for computers and computer 
monitors to incorporate new technologies and innovations that were not known at the 
time of the previously completed rulemaking.  
 
The proposed regulations do not create the need for a new, non- existent good or 
service . Instead, it allows for  the improvement  of products that will replace some of the 
existing goods in the market. These are the new generations of the same product s, 
and the total amount of computers  sold is not expected to change as a result of this  
rulemaking. Businesses engaged in the manufacturing or sale of computers and 
computer monitors will benefit by being able to mar ket and sell  more product diversity 
and include products that utilize new technolog ies. For consumers, including 
businesses, small businesses and state and local agencies that purchase and use 
computers and computer monitors, this broader product offering in the California 
market typically leads to greater competition and stable or slightly decreasing prices. 
The proposed changes will ensure that California residents and businesses continue 
to have access to new and innovative technologies.  
  
Under the A ppliance Efficiency Regulations, retailers are responsible for ensuring that 
the regulated products they sell are certified to the CEC and appear in the CEC’s 
MAEDbS before they are sold or offered for sale in California. Because data submittal 
requirements have been revised  to certify  computer and computer monitor products , 
the CEC believes  that some retailers may experience additional costs associated with 
checking MAEDbS to ensure that the products they sell appear in the MAEDbS and are therefore compliant and lawful to sell in the state.  
RESULTS OF THE ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS/ASSESSMENT  
The CEC concludes that  it is: (1) unlikely the proposal will create jobs within California, 
(2) unlikely the proposal will eliminate jobs within California, (3) unlikely the proposal will create new businesses in California, (4) unlikely the proposal will eliminate existing businesses within California, and (5) unlikely the proposal will result in the expansion 
of businesses currently doing business within the state.  
 Benefit of the Proposed Action: The benefit of this proposed action is to update the 
Appliance Efficiency Regula tions to incorporate new technologies  related to computers 7 and computer monitors to ensur e California residents will continue to have access to 
appliances that incorporate new and innovative technologies .  
 
The proposed regulation will not affect  the healt h and welfare of California residents, 
worker safety, or the state’s environment.  
COST IMPACTS ON REPRESENTATIVE PERSON OR BUSINESS  
The CEC  is not aware of any significant cost impacts that a representative private person 
or business would necessarily incur in reasonable compliance with the proposed action.  
 
The CEC is proposing to amend Title 20 Appliance Efficiency Regulations that would 
modify and clarify existing standards and test procedures for computers and computer 
monitors to incorporate new technologies and innovations that were not known at the 
time of the previously completed rulemakings.  
 
The proposed regulations do not create the need for a new, non- existent good or 
service . Instead, it allows for the improvement of products that will replace some of the 
existing goods in the market. These are the new generations of the same product s and 
the total amount of computers and computer monitors sold, and the overall net cost of 
those products is not expected to change as a result of this  rulemaking. Businesses 
engaged in the manufacturing or sale of com puters and computer monitors will benefit by 
being able to market and sell  more product diversity and include products that utilize new 
technologies . For consumers, including businesses, small businesses and state and 
local agencies that purchase and use computers and computer monitors, this broader 
product offerings in the California market typically leads to greater competition and 
stable or slightly decreasing prices. The proposed changes will ensure that California 
residents and businesses  continue to  have access to appliances that utilize new and 
innovative technologies.  
 Under the A ppliance Efficiency Regulations, retailers are responsible for ens uring that 
the regulated products they sell are certified to the CEC and appear in the CEC’s 
MAEDbS before they are sold or offered for sale in California. Because data submittal requirements have been revised to certify  computer and computer monitor products,  
the CEC  believes  that some retailers may experienc e additional costs associated with 
checking MAEDbS to ensure that the products they sell appear in the MAEDbS and are therefore compliant and lawful to sell in the state.  
BUSINESS REPORT  
The regulati ons impose a reporting requirement for manufacturers of computers and 
computer monitors. However, these are not newly regulated product s, they are only 
being updated to require revised  data submissions consistent with amendments to test 
procedures.  
 State law (Public Resources Code Section 25402(c)(1))  requires manufacturers to 
certify to  the CEC  that their appliances comply with the applicable energy efficiency 
standards before they are s old or offered for sale in the state. The Appliance Efficiency 8 Regulations require manufacturers to provide specified information for this purpose to 
the MAEDbS. MAEDbS is used by manufacturers and maintained by the CEC to list 
the appliances  authorized to be sold or  offered for sale in California. This is necessary 
to help the CEC and consumers verify compliance with applicable federal and state 
efficiency standards. Some retailers may choose to act as a manufacturer when they 
rebrand a product and assume the certification burden for that appliance.  
 
It is necessary for the health, safety, or welfare of the people of the state that these 
regulations, which require a report, apply to businesses.   
SMALL BUSINESS  
The proposed regulations may affect small business. However, t he CEC is not aware 
of any significant cost impacts that a small business  would incur in reasonable 
compliance with the proposed action.  
CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVES  
In accordance with Government Code Section 11346.5, subdivision (a)(13),  the CEC 
must determine that no reasonable alternative considered by the agency, or that has otherwise been identified and brought to the attention of the agency, would be more effective in carrying out the purpose f or which the action is proposed;  would be as 
effective and less burdensome to affected private persons than the proposed action;  or 
would be more cost -effective to affected private persons and equally effective in 
implementing the statutory policy or other provision of law.  
 The CEC invites interested persons to present statement s or arguments , or data  
concerning alternatives to t he proposed regulations at the scheduled hearing or during 
the written comment period.  
CONTACT PERSON  
Please direct inquiries concerning all aspects of the rulemaking process including 
requests for copies of the proposed text (express terms ), the initial statement  of 
reasons (ISOR), any modified version of the regulations, the substance of the 
proposed regulations, or any other information upon which the rulemaking is based to:  
 
Corrine Fishman  
Regulations Manager, Efficiency Division  
1516 Ninth Street  
Sacramento, CA 95814- 5512  
(916) 6 90-5000 (cell)  
corrine.fishman@energy.ca.gov
 
 If Corrine Fishman is unavailable, please  contact Soheila Pasha at 
Soheila.pasha@energy.ca.gov
. 9 COPIES OF THE INITIAL STATEMENT OF REASONS, THE EXPRESS TERMS, 
AND RULEMAKING FILE  
The CEC will have the entire rulemaking file available for inspection and copying 
throughout the rulemaking process  at the above address. As o f the date this notice is 
published in the Notice Register, the rulemaking file consists of this notice, the express 
terms, the Economic and Fiscal Impact Statement (399) and the ISOR . Copies may be 
obtained by contacting Corrine Fishman at th e address or phone number  above or 
accessed through the CEC website at https://www.energy.ca.gov/rules -and-
regulations/appliance- efficiency -regulations -title-20/appliance- efficiency -proceedings -
4. 
AVAILABILITY OF SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES TO ORIGINAL PROPOSAL FOR AT 
LEAST 15 DAYS PRIOR TO AGENCY ADOPTION/REPEAL/AMENDMENT OF 
RESULTI NG REGULATIONS  
Participants should be aware that any of the proposed regulations could be substantively changed as a result of public comment, staff recommendation, or recommendations from commissioners. Moreover, changes to the proposed regulations not i ndicated in the express terms could be considered if they improve the 
clarity or effectiveness of the regulations. If the CEC considers changes to the 
proposed regulations pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.8, a full copy of the text will be availab le for review at least 15 days prior to the date on which the  CEC 
adopts or amends the resulting regulations.  
COPY OF THE FINAL STATEMENT OF REASONS  
At the conclusion of the rulemaking, persons may obtain a copy of the Final Statement of Reasons (FSOR), o nce it has been prepared, by visiting the Energy Commission’s 
website at 
https://www.energy.ca.gov/rules -and-regulations/appliance- efficiency -
regulations -title-20/appliance- efficiency -proceedings -4 or contacting the contact 
person above.  
AVAILABILITY OF DOCUMENTS ON THE INTERNET  
The CEC maintains a website to facilitate public access to documents prepared and 
consider ed as part of this rulemaking proceeding. Documents prepared by the CEC for 
this rulemaking  have been posted at https://www.energy.ca.gov/rules -and-
regulations/appliance- efficiency -regulations -title-20/appliance- efficiency -proceedings -4