Board hears commercial code additions: submetering, renewable generation targets, medium‑voltage and PoE guidance

Chris briefed the board on multiple commercial code proposals in the 2024/2026 cycles: mandatory submetering for major end uses in buildings of 10,000 square feet or larger, renewable generation or off‑site procurement targets, new requirements for commissioning and functional testing, and NEC updates addressing medium‑voltage and limited‑energy (PoE/class 4) systems.

“Gross condition floor area greater than or equal to 10,000 square feet will require submetering of major end uses,” Chris said, adding that meters must support automatic data communications so owners can track building energy performance. He also said the code proposal establishes a minimum on‑site renewable electricity generation threshold (0.7 watts per square foot) or allows off‑site procurement to meet the requirement, with exemptions for small buildings under 5,000 square feet.

Chris called out NEC restructuring and new medium‑voltage articles to address private‑side medium‑voltage systems and emerging DC solutions in data centers, and he described guidance for fault‑managed power and power‑limited circuits as the industry moves toward more DC and PoE systems. Board members warned about unintended consequences: utilities may not have the capacity to meet aggressive EV or renewable site infrastructure demands and costs for developers could be substantial.