In May 2021, most residential electricity customers in Alameda County were placed on Time of Use rates as part of a statewide transition to support more renewable energy. The transition included a year of bill protection, which has now concluded.
Learn moreReach Codes

All-electric buildings and transportation is safer, healthier and more cost effective — especially in new construction.
To encourage electrification, EBCE is supporting the development of “reach codes,” forward-thinking building and transportation codes that go beyond what is required by the state. To support Cities in the development of a reach code, EBCE has launched the Municipal Electrification Assistance Program; Cities can apply to receive technical assistance to support the development of a new Reach Code ordinance, or can request assistance to facilitate implementation of an existing Reach Code.
Improved safety
Reduced emissions
Better public health
Reach Codes make public health a top priority
When they go all-electric, buildings, vehicles, and off-road equipment transition from carbon-based fuels such as natural gas, gasoline, and diesel to clean energy provided by EBCE. By developing reach codes, cities in Alameda County can do their part to save energy and reduce GHG emissions.
Every three years, cities and counties across the state can adopt local reach codes in line with the new Building Standards Code (Standards), or Title 24, of the California Code of Regulations.
Several cities within Alameda County have utilized reach codes, including Albany, Berkeley, Fremont, Hayward, and Oakland.
Reach codes may include:
Prescriptive Codes
One or more specific energy efficiency measures are required, such as high-efficiency all-electric heating equipment.
Performance Codes
Requires that a building must perform more efficiently, based on accepted computer modeling. Performance codes allow trade-offs between energy efficiency measures.
How To Participate
Cities are encouraged to participate and receive technical support. Let us know what type(s) of reach codes your city is interested in developing.
Resources
BayREN’s Guide to Understanding and Adopting Reach Codes
Model Code and Staff Reports
Existing Building Reach Code Memo (PDF)
Existing Building Model Reach Code (Climate Zone 3 and 12)
Electric Vehicle Model Reach Code Revised January 2020
Model Staff Report for Electric Vehicle and New Building Reach Code
Model Staff Report for Existing Building Reach Code
Cost Effectiveness Study for Existing Building Reach Code
Building Decarbonization New Construction Reach Code Resources
Materials from April 23/24th Alameda Reach Code Meetings in Fremont and Berkeley
EBCE/TRC presentation on Building and Electric vehicle code opportunities (PDF)
Association for Energy Affordability on the importance and feasibility of electrification (PDF)
Scott Shell presentation on all electric building design (PDF)
FAQ
FAQs about EBCE’s Building Electrification & EV Infrastructure Reach Code Initiative (PDF)
For more information, contact:
JP Ross
Senior Director, Local Development, Electrification and Innovation
(510) 570-5912
Consultants
