Smart Control Automation and Learning for Energy (SCALE)
Summary
SCH Number
2025100878
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
Smart Control Automation and Learning for Energy (SCALE)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/20/2025
Document Description
This project will deploy an integration of Internet of Things, hardware, and software as a service control that uses machine learning to drive down the cost of powerful Model Predictive Control (MPC) in 10–50 K-12 sites across the state. The goal is to demonstrate a scalable, affordable solution for disadvantaged communities needing to manage changing utility rates, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning electrification, as well as energy codes. Widespread adoption of low-cost MPC in commercial buildings can collectively reduce peak energy demand, improve grid stability, and lower blackout risks.
Contact Information
Name
Molly Mahoney
Agency Name
California Energy Commission
Job Title
Energy Commission Specialist I
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Leslie Anderson
Agency Name
Community Energy Labs
Job Title
Project Manager
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Cities
Bell Gardens, Cupertino, Diamond Bar, Lancaster, Los Angeles, Montebello, Murrieta, Palmdale, Pomona, San Jose, Sunnyvale, Temecula
Counties
Los Angeles, Riverside, Santa Clara
Regions
Countywide
Other Location Info
City: Including but not limited to Bell Gardens, Cupertino, Diamond Bar, Lancaster, Little Rock, Los Angeles, Montebello, Murietta, Palm Dale, Pico Rivera, Pomona, Sunnyvale, San Jose, Temecula, and Winchester
Other Information
County: Including but not limited to Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and Santa Clara County
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, §§ 15301
Reasons for Exemption
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, Section 15301 provides that projects which consist of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public and private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, and which involve negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency's determination, are categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act. This project will involve the deployment of an integrated Internet of Things, hardware, and software as a service control that uses machine learning to drive down the cost of utility costs in 10-50 existing K-12 schools in California. There are no planned expansions of the site, and there will be no excessive generation of noise or odors anticipated, with no hazardous waste involved. For these reasons, the proposed work will not have any significant effect on the environment and is exempt under Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, Section 15301.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, §§ 15306
Reasons for Exemption
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, Section 15306, provides that projects which consist of data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities, and which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to environmental resources, are categorically exempt from CEQA. In this project, data and information will be collected on the performance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning energy load. For this reason, the proposed work will not have any significant impact on the environment and is exempt from CEQA under Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, Section 15306.
Additionally, the project will not impact an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern where designated, precisely mapped, and officially adopted pursuant to law by federal, state, or local agencies; does not involve any cumulative impacts of successive projects of the same type in the same place that might be considered significant; does not involve unusual circumstances that might have a significant effect on the environment; will not result in damage to scenic resources within a highway officially designated as a state scenic highway; the project site is not included on any list compiled pursuant to Government Code section 65962.5; and the project will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Therefore, none of the exceptions to categorical exemptions listed in CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 apply to this project, and this project will not have a significant effect on the environment.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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