Western Electrical Contractors Association, Inc.

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California Energy Commission Advisory -- Home Energy System Raters and Acceptance Test Technicians

Thursday, April 9, 2020

The safety and well-being of all Californians is of utmost importance to the California Energy Commission (CEC). Consistent with Governor Gavin Newsom's Executive Order to combat the COVID-19 Pandemic (N-33-20, dated March 19, 2020), the CEC advises all of its partners and stakeholders to abide by its directives. Under this order, the California Department of Public Health's (CDPH) State Public Health Officer has ordered, "all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of the federal critical infrastructure sectors, as outlined at https://www.cisa.gov/identifying-critical-infrastructure-during-covid-19. In addition, and in consultation with the Director of the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, I! may designate additional sectors as critical in order to protect the health and well-being of all Californians."

The State Public Health Officer has designated essential critical infrastructure workers needed at this time to support critical sectors. This list of essential workers is updated as needed. 

Since Home Energy Rating System (HERS) raters and Acceptance Test Technicians Certification Program (ATTCP) technicians test and inspect energy efficient equipment installed in buildings, they fall under the category of inspector as defined by CDPH below: 

"Construction Workers who support the construction, operation, inspection, and maintenance of construction sites and construction projects (including housing construction)". 

All workers are instructed to follow the public health guidelines issued by CDPH and local public health officials, including social distancing and staying home when sick to protect those they serve, their coworkers, and themselves. As efforts to control the spread of the virus continue, state and local officials are regularly updating their directives and guidance. Because a person can be infected with novel coronavirus without exhibiting any symptoms, the CEC advises technicians and raters not to enter homes or buildings in which sensitive populations are, except under emergency situations. When possible, delay of HERS and ATTCP inspections, testing or field verification is recommended until such time as orders are lifted. To learn more about the latest COVID-19 response measures and directives in your area, contact your local building and public health departments. 

For more information, please contact the CEC's Energy Standards Hotline. Your understanding, cooperation, and patience in these challenging times is appreciated.