[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6219975,"mediaKeyId","3619420-19da4850f19b1a98942b1c09f98f1f62","parentId",3619420,"title","Some TAG members support electric‑readiness appendix; opponents cite legal and affordability concerns","audioSeconds",163,"startMs",6240000,"endMs",6403000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3619420-19da4850f19b1a98942b1c09f98f1f62&start=6240&end=6403","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3619420-19da4850f19b1a98942b1c09f98f1f62/thumbnail_6240000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6219975/Washington/Some-TAG-members-support-electricreadiness-appendix-opponents-cite-legal-and-affordability-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6219975-2d033bc5183272bcf7a681e6e9ffb8b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770481617&Signature=ADFEtS7CTFcZX3qzDCX5r3HEvpAkArQ9hMoQohRB9-s3f-QbTvnfiOwwfjm8PA5~4jFpfo7fksCGhtUceZ~ytsKX8cQUr9EG6-hQDZy8pyTwJJN8blijboF0~gbzAqtlHhI~Y1JsPLik-uAUIn9H~BJC8INSIrsC--fQjHjeFuMC5X6GNdYFy3GXW8yd~Gu3Pg0SJAUVYz2FFOQxyjU3mLIDagHulKic2Aqu55UQgrSRFcIGOo-EBwtimEm-STQlGzT2Zg06oCqmqLt4F7mYkhqETq6sMxugzyaV-4cL86b81iWNYM4CF5gugoISJsy3M~7uO2ceWAPVRyctQQd8Kw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Building Code Council","date","2025-06-01T19:06:46Z","article","Johnny Coker presented a proposal adopting the IECC electric‑readiness appendix language to require certain conduit, panel capacity and wiring elements that would make future electrification of appliances easier and cheaper.

Proponents said that installing conduit, space on electrical panels and rough wiring at new‑construction time is less costly than retrofitting later, and would lower long‑term conversion costs. “It’s cheaper to put in electric readiness features upfront than to do it later,” Coker said, and noted similar measures already appear in some other state/local stretch codes.

Opponents raised legal and equity concerns. Several TAG members, including Greg Johnson and Anne Anderson, noted prior appeals and board guidance that model‑code appendices that do not directly affect building energy conservation are outside the IECC base scope. Others warned federal law could preclude state requirements that have the practical effect of discouraging or penalizing the use of federally‑covered gas appliances (EPCA was cited). Builders and industry representatives also said adding mandatory electrical capacity or conduit would add up‑front costs for homebuyers who will not change fuels.

Outcome: TAG did not vote. Several attendees recommended alternatives: (1) keep the appendix as an optional statewide appendix that local jurisdictions may adopt; (2) pursue credit‑based incentives in the energy credits table rather than a mandatory readiness requirement; or (3) collect legal guidance on EPCA preemption before moving forward. Johnny Coker and others said they will refine the text; no formal work group was established during the session.

Why it matters: Electric‑readiness requirements would influence construction costs, utility demand profiles and future electrification rates. TAG members asked for clearer legal guidance and estimated installed costs before considering mandatory adoption.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","SBCC WSEC-R TAG Meeting - May 30, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A TAG proposal to adopt an electric‑readiness appendix that would require conduit and service capacity to ease future electrification drew both support and resistance during the May 30 meeting.","taxTitle","Building Code Council, Governor's Office - Boards & Commissions, Executive, Washington","taxId",24233,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6219985,"Washington TAG debates adopting IECC as base code; members split on timing and workload",2154,900000,3054000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3619420-19da4850f19b1a98942b1c09f98f1f62&start=900&end=3054","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3619420-19da4850f19b1a98942b1c09f98f1f62/thumbnail_900000.jpg","/articles/6219985/Washington/Washington-TAG-debates-adopting-IECC-as-base-code-members-split-on-timing-and-workload","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6219985-c8aef162a132de57160af0486dd8e3b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770481617&Signature=BEckhiOI0VvPOTqzoYgnAmSrlbREui4MB9COVvssR0EKt29jL1TDJmVGc~c3JiBAyUatiz~Y7a4s4bMRwu2BbJ8efTaI2UzkQlpj7oqLwiwwqTtjJRh5zn6palzTBjYRqzj2REPxTgXahUMGFsnWAbVVgk~r3Hc~oDihRG6vpNSIkq5idDUTn23xyxuCg8S7V369ZJomCnGiZ5wOeSWQMfdbgpqzJjUKkUS0b4~Cbzd8WuVN0l~GXk3Sh~a2XnKGgx250JpqSX2nfvAt6QphFF~8k1d-YuVSBuK8kej3AGxL06YPHRGLKat4fj9xthtplGElAeJWBFBZUpUgjTIppA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Residential Energy Code Technical Advisory Group spent much of its May 30 meeting debating a proposal to adopt the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as Washington’s base residential energy code, rather than continuing to maintain a distinct Washington State Energy Code.

Proponents, including Greg Johnson, said adopting the IECC would simplify code use for builders and inspectors who work across state lines and tap a larger national body of technical resources. “The intent is not to make it any less stringent,” Johnson said, and he urged formation of a work group to map Washington amendments onto the IECC structure.

Opponents cautioned that a straight move to the IECC 2024 could reduce Washington’s built-in efficiency gains. Several TAG members, including Dwayne Johnlin and Anne Anderson, said that the Washington code has historically been more ambitious than the IECC and that restoring that level of performance would require a large effort to add state‑specific credits or amendments.

Speakers on both sides also raised schedule and capacity concerns. Several TAG members said they lack time and staff resources to rework credits, prescriptive requirements and compliance tools before the current code cycle’s deadlines. Krista, staff support, confirmed the TAG will not take final votes until proposals are officially referred and that several follow‑up meetings are planned.

The TAG took an informal temperature check and a minority favored forming an immediate work group to build a business case for wholesale adoption; a majority indicated they preferred to defer major structural change until a later code cycle. Greg Johnson and several volunteers agreed to work informally on a business‑case and comparison analysis for members to review before a formal proposal is scheduled for a vote.

Why it matters: moving to a national model code would change how builders, plan reviewers and energy raters comply with state requirements and could affect training, software tools and enforcement. TAG members asked staff and potential volunteers to develop a more explicit, data‑driven comparison before recommending a formal code change.","The Residential Energy Code TAG debated whether Washington should base its residential energy code on the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) rather than the current Washington State Energy Code, with members split over the timing and workload required to preserve Washington’s higher efficiency goals.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6219970,"TAG discusses mandatory heat‑recovery ventilation for cold climates; members form technical questions and suggest credits path",1136,5600000,6736000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3619420-19da4850f19b1a98942b1c09f98f1f62&start=5600&end=6736","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3619420-19da4850f19b1a98942b1c09f98f1f62/thumbnail_5600000.jpg","/articles/6219970/Washington/TAG-discusses-mandatory-heatrecovery-ventilation-for-cold-climates-members-form-technical-questions-and-suggest-credits-path","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6219970-8286e672aae6e2f7b63d90c8ebbf7921/orig.mp4?Expires=1770481617&Signature=k4U4A6sLHPji30IxUnLxT5uujmKmWDJBt6egFR3RNShRBBcg8sfB8YNyJ~xUap9dwsKqNULyGkHV4KPB2Qr1zd0xb6vNAtJ2MEhWbCXiiTh24VBvg6tKshQJf3BNNlnosbC7j95GuUXfbx9~JQvzrVpiulsh-cSLuQVgaodHXVGVwj~KOk9NKjHFyNhgB~JEsGba-4Rli5DNEkEpVmOw0l-uZB0b2CumjDdBBiXNowShxVVikFewugJiKsrKeVruIvgUZFd~HZlzWqZG4YId-8ph6rER9Iy5Q6N3ZZ5lt-5g~eOihMCexI6zYnuJUuDm-k2dzMArlwJEmMeSqHMKxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The TAG reviewed a proposal that would require heat‑recovery ventilators (ERVs/HRVs) in Climate Zone 5 homes, based on an economic analysis submitted to the TAG. Proponent Michael Moore and his collaborator said a market‑blend analysis showed ERV/HRV systems become cost‑effective in that climate band and noted that balanced ventilation is already required in some multifamily low‑rise types.

Supporters said ERVs/HRVs reduce energy use and improve indoor air quality when paired with tighter building envelopes. “When you have balanced ventilation and a tight envelope, the cost‑effectiveness picture improves,” Moore said, and he noted work to raise fan efficiency and test different equipment scenarios.

Critics pressed technical and implementation concerns. TAG members asked about prerequisite airtightness (ACH50), ductwork and distribution costs, site‑specific differences, and realistic installed costs (some builders reported higher installed prices than those used in the study). Rater and QA requirements for commissioning and field verification were also discussed; Tom Alderson and others recommended clear third‑party QA and commissioning steps.

Outcome: The TAG did not adopt a mandatory requirement immediately. Members suggested either (a) leave ERV/HRV as an option that yields credits in the energy credit table, or (b) require ERV/HRV only when paired with specified airtightness levels. Several members volunteered to continue work on target fan efficacies and cost assumptions with the proponent; Michael Moore and others will refine modeling inputs and consider multiple implementation approaches.

Why it matters: Whole‑house balanced ventilation changes both energy use and indoor air quality; the proposal could raise up‑front costs and require training and QA to realize modeled savings.","A proposal to require heat‑recovery ventilation (ERV/HRV) in colder parts of the state prompted technical questions about airtightness prerequisites, installed cost assumptions and QA requirements; TAG members asked proponents to refine modeling inputs and pursue a credit or paired‑requirement approach.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6219980,"TAG greenlights ERI compliance path work group after technical briefing and modeling",2708,4006000,6714000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3619420-19da4850f19b1a98942b1c09f98f1f62&start=4006&end=6714","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3619420-19da4850f19b1a98942b1c09f98f1f62/thumbnail_4006000.jpg","/articles/6219980/Washington/TAG-greenlights-ERI-compliance-path-work-group-after-technical-briefing-and-modeling","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6219980-75e36c8ef1eee2cc1f8993fbb4a1e75f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770481617&Signature=FRgmHgESQwgf23Q5ducLjLZhMPIoY6ct8hAnbNrO2YBmdvTbINUfOhHPrB3ZCq~hAxYQRNNT5jmXxIb0O6rWgtsP-Quy3lYCBWRTe4TG4Y58rFxfnvVJEQqqUiV6eQwbTFqNGI9nYQMnlnmA6-LBa2VH53pVwSKDm6gHTfhP8RYJv1M7Qon4og2RXlA3LZMKyvI9tpsTAoj3XGQCBTfhdybDiQkRkK7YxOj6NmRjw0IvptU4nl2pktDe9Um5342cniDxzpBMPZZnDqY1895NaHJkOyZUfr6-YPSQ7nLOBelqC9W-3O3OFW1QvX-Pe46Kbuo~0LmgV1l9ByD6Kh9-Rg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Residential Energy Code TAG spent a significant portion of its meeting debating proposals to add an Energy Rating Index (ERI) compliance pathway to Washington’s residential energy code.

Kevin Rose of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance outlined the ERI concept and presented PNNL modeling that mapped ERI scores to homes complying with the 2021 Washington State Energy Code. He said the ERI is a single annualized metric (lower is better) used by HERS‑raters and computed via recognized software under the RESNET methodology; ERI targets can be set to produce the same statewide performance targets as prescriptive paths.

Proponents argued ERI offers a third‑party, performance‑oriented compliance path that aligns with federal incentives (such as 45L), brings certified raters into the compliance process, and can make compliance more flexible for builders. Multiple TAG speakers, including Damon Doyle and Elizabeth Torske, urged convening a work group to reconcile proposed ERI targets with Washington’s code objectives.

Opponents and questioners pressed technical details: whether ERI modeling properly captures water‑heating impacts, how the path would be administered by building officials, and whether HERS‑rater QA and certification standards would be enforced. Tom Alderson and others urged strong QA language and third‑party verification to guard against inconsistent ratings.

Outcome: TAG members volunteered for an ERI work group led by Kevin Rose and including industry and agency volunteers (Damien Doyle, Elizabeth Torske, Patrick Hanks, Tom Alderson among others). The work group will refine ERI targets, reconcile modeling to the 2024 prescriptive path, and draft clear verification/QA language for the compliance pathway.","The TAG reviewed multiple proposals to add an Energy Rating Index (ERI) compliance pathway. Proponents presented PNNL modeling showing ERI scores for homes complying with the current Washington code; several TAG members supported forming a work group to refine targets and implementation details.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Some TAG members support electric‑readiness appendix; opponents cite legal and affordability concerns

Washington TAG debates adopting IECC as base code; members split on timing and workload

TAG discusses mandatory heat‑recovery ventilation for cold climates; members form technical questions and suggest credits path

TAG greenlights ERI compliance path work group after technical briefing and modeling