CalTRACK specifies a set of empirically tested methods to standardize the way normalized meter-based changes in energy consumption are measured and reported. When CalTRACK is implemented through open source software, these methods can be used to support procurement of energy efficiency, electrification, and other distributed energy resources.

What is CalTRACK?

CalTRACK methods describe a process of arriving at a calculation of avoided energy use. The core calculation is a counterfactual - the estimated consumption of energy in a building following an intervention as if the intervention had not taken place. Data requirements include a full year of pre-intervention consumption data, corresponding local weather data, and a date for the intervention.

CalTRACK includes methods that describe how to use monthly billing data, as well as interval data from smart meters to calculate hourly or daily derivatives.

The CalTRACK Process

CalTRACK methods are developed under an open-source methods charter. Methods are numbered and versioned for reference.

CalTRACK working group proceedings are hosted on Github, a collaboration platform especially well suited for open source projects. Project repository can be found here.

Empirical testing of methods specifications is generally required and test results are shared in the CalTRACK Methodological Appendix. Member organizations participate in the development and approval of methods.

Important Links

• CalTRACK Methods Documentation
• CalTRACK Methodological Appendix
• CalTRACK Participants
• CalTRACK Technical Charter