Understanding Georgia's Electricity Standards

what is the ga standard for electricity

The GA standard for electricity refers to the Global Adjustment (GA) charge, a component of the total commodity cost for electricity in Ontario, Canada. It covers the costs of building new electricity infrastructure, maintaining existing resources, and delivering conservation programs. The GA is calculated monthly, based on the difference between market revenues and specific components like renewable energy projects and conservation programs. In the context of electrical standards, GA also refers to Georgia, which has its own state minimum standard electrical codes, based on the National Electrical Code (NEC). These codes outline the safe installation and operation of electrical wiring, equipment, and emergency power systems.

Characteristics Values
Name Global Adjustment (GA)
Purpose Covers the cost of building new electricity infrastructure, maintaining and refurbishing existing generation resources, and delivering conservation programs
Calculation Total dollar amount for each month based on the difference between market revenues and certain components
Components Renewable Energy Supply, Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program, Feed-in-Tariff Program, NUG contracts with IESO, conservation programs, and offsetting market revenues
Application Applied to all customers in Ontario, including those paying the market price or with contracts with licensed electricity retailers
Customer Calculation Based on percentage contribution (energy withdrawn during top 5 peak hours) or monthly consumption multiplied by the applicable Class B rate
Variations Three variations of the Class B GA rate published monthly by IESO to accommodate various billing cycles
Rate Estimates Based on projections of monthly costs covered by GA, including a true-up component for over/under-collection from the previous month
Actual GA Rate Representation of actual GA costs allocated over total energy consumed in Ontario by Class B
Related Codes Georgia State Minimum Standard Electrical Code, National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), Georgia State Amendments to the National Electrical Code

shunzap

GA electricity standards for residential buildings

The Georgia Energy Code (GEC) is one of eight mandatory minimum standard construction codes in the state of Georgia. The GEC is mandatory across the state, regardless of whether local jurisdictions have elected to adopt and enforce it. However, designers and builders must comply with the requirements, even in jurisdictions that have not elected to enforce the code. The GEC is not enforced in jurisdictions that have not opted to do so, but local inspectors are hired by cities and counties to enforce it in those that have. While attendance is not mandatory, the Department of Community Affairs provides training for inspectors through Clayton College and State University.

The GEC was first promulgated by the State Building Administration Board, as authorized by Ga. L., 1978, p. 2212, and went into effect on July 16, 1978. The code was based on the Model Code for Energy Conservation, developed by the National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards, and ASHRAE/IES Standard 90-1975. The General Assembly transferred the functions, personnel, and equipment of the State Building Administration Board to the State Department of Community Affairs on July 1, 1980, which has maintained the GEC since then.

The GEC has undergone several revisions over the years. From its inception until March 31, 1996, it was based on the 1992 MEC and ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-1989 with state amendments. On January 1, 2003, the 2000 IECC with state amendments went into effect, except for the SHGC 0.40 requirement, which was implemented on January 1, 2004. On January 1, 2005, the GEC adopted the 2000 IECC with state amendments, which was mandatory for all buildings except those owned or leased by the US government. On January 1, 2008, Georgia implemented the 2006 IECC with Georgia State Supplements and Amendments.

The Georgia Residential Green Building Code Task Force is responsible for reviewing and recommending the adoption of the National Green Building Standard, ICC 700-2008, and any necessary Georgia State Amendments as a permissive code. The current Georgia State Minimum Standard Electrical Code is the 2020 NFPA 70 (NEC 2020), which went into effect on January 1, 2021, replacing the 2017 version.

shunzap

GA electricity standards for commercial buildings

In the state of Georgia, the Georgia Energy Code (GEC) is one of eight mandatory minimum standard construction codes. The GEC has statewide application and is mandatory regardless of whether it is enforced by a local jurisdiction. Local units of government enforce the code in jurisdictions that have elected to enforce the GEC. The code is not enforced in jurisdictions that have not elected to enforce it, but designers and builders must still comply with the requirements. Local inspectors are hired by cities and counties, and the Department of Community Affairs provides training for inspectors through Clayton College and State University.

The Georgia State Minimum Standard Mechanical Code establishes the state's minimum requirements for heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning equipment (HVAC). Areas not specifically addressed by the Mechanical Code but covered by NFPA 90A and NFPA 90B are supplemented by the NFPA Standards. The state's minimum requirements for exhausting commercial cooking equipment are established by the Life Safety Codes and NFPA 96.

The Georgia Residential Green Building Code Task Force is responsible for reviewing and recommending the adoption of the National Green Building Standard, ICC 700-2008, and any necessary Georgia State Amendments as a permissive code. The applicability of this code encompasses detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) as prescribed in the International Residential Code.

The 2020 NFPA 70 (NEC 2020) is the current Georgia State Minimum Standard Electrical Code, effective as of January 1, 2021. It was preceded by the 2017 NFPA 70 (NEC 2017), which became effective on January 1, 2018. The Georgia State Amendments to the National Electrical Code (2020 Edition) were revised on September 1, 2021.

shunzap

GA electricity standards for industrial buildings

In the state of Georgia, the Georgia State Minimum Standard Electrical Code 2020, based on the NFPA 70, 2020 (preceded by the 2017 NFPA 70, effective January 1, 2018), is the mandatory code for electrical standards in industrial buildings. This code is a publication for the safe installation and operation of electrical wiring, equipment, and emergency power systems. It includes informative annexes on a range of topics, such as conduit and tubing, critical operations power systems, and supervisory control and data acquisition.

The Georgia Energy Code (GEC) is one of the eight mandatory minimum standard construction codes in Georgia, applicable statewide. While local governments enforce the code in jurisdictions that have elected to do so, it is not enforced in those that have not. However, designers and builders must still comply with the requirements, and local inspectors are hired by cities and counties to verify compliance.

Compliance with the GEC can be demonstrated during the plan review stage and is verified by local inspection. Some jurisdictions may accept a registered design professional's seal on a letter stating that the design conforms to the code, although acceptance is at the discretion of the local building official. Disputes can be taken to the local board of appeals for a hearing.

In addition to the GEC, Georgia has adopted various amendments to its state minimum standard codes, including the Georgia State Amendments to the National Electrical Code (2020 Edition), which took effect on September 1, 2021. These amendments include changes to the original wording of various standards, such as those related to ground fault circuit interrupters and the reduction of uniform live loads.

Furthermore, the Georgia Residential Green Building Code Task Force reviews and makes recommendations regarding the adoption of the National Green Building Standard, with necessary state amendments, as a permissive code. This code applies to detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings.

shunzap

GA electricity standards for emergency power systems

In Georgia, the NFPA 70 outlines the minimum standard electrical code. Chapter 27 of the Georgia State Minimum Standard Building Code addresses the installation and protection of electrical systems and components. This chapter also specifies where standby and emergency power must be provided.

The design, construction, erection, and installation of electrical components, appliances, equipment, and systems in buildings and structures are governed by Chapter 27 and NFPA 70. The International Fire Code, International Property Maintenance Code, and NFPA 70 govern the use and maintenance of these electrical systems.

An uninterrupted source of power is required for equipment where specified by the manufacturer, listing, code, or applicable standards. Emergency power systems can be used as an alternative to installations that require standby power systems. Essential electrical systems for Group I-2 occupancies must comply with Section 407.11. Emergency power is also required for power-operated doors and locks in Group I-3 occupancies, as outlined in Section 408.4.2.

Standby or emergency power is mandated in occupancies with hazardous materials, as per the International Fire Code. Additionally, emergency and standby power are required in high-rise buildings, as detailed in Section 403.4.8. For laboratory suites located above the sixth story or below the grade plane, standby or emergency power must be provided in accordance with Section 5004.7 of the International Fire Code. Furthermore, emergency power is mandated for egress illumination, as specified in Section 1008.3.

In Group I-2 occupancies located in flood hazard areas, new essential electrical systems, and the installation of new generators, must adhere to ASCE 24. Connections for temporary generator hookups should be positioned at or above the elevation mandated by ASCE 24. Emergency and standby power systems are required as outlined in Sections 2702.2.1 through 2702.2.18. Essential electrical systems for ambulatory care facilities must comply with Section 422.6.

shunzap

GA electricity standards for energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is a key priority for Georgia. The Georgia Energy Code (GEC) is a mandatory minimum standard construction code that applies statewide. It is based on the Model Code for Energy Conservation and ASHRAE/IES Standard 90-1975. The GEC is one of eight mandatory minimum standard construction codes, and it must be used for all state-funded buildings. Local units of government enforce the code in jurisdictions that have elected to do so. While the code is not enforced in jurisdictions that have not elected to enforce it, designers and builders must still comply with the requirements.

The National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) is a publication that provides guidelines for the safe installation and operation of electrical wiring, equipment, and emergency power systems. The 2010 Georgia Amendments to the State Minimum Standard Codes, which include the NFPA 70, came into effect on January 1, 2010.

Regulated electric utilities in Georgia are required to file integrated resource plans (IRPs) with the Georgia Public Service Commission every three years. These plans must consider the impact of energy efficiency improvements on projected energy demand and detail the utilities' forecast requirements, taking into account present and projected energy demands and any demand reductions resulting from improved energy efficiency measures. Georgia Power, the state's only regulated electric utility, had its most recent IRP approved in July 2019.

Georgia also offers various energy efficiency programs to help residents reduce their energy usage and lower their bills. For example, the Home Energy Improvement Program offers free energy efficiency upgrades for manufactured homes, and Georgia Power customers can get special discounts on energy-saving LED light bulbs. Additionally, income-qualified customers can receive free energy-saving home improvements, and all customers can earn rebates for qualifying energy-saving improvements.

Frequently asked questions

GA, or Global Adjustment, is a component of the total commodity cost for electricity in Ontario, Canada. It covers the costs of building new electricity infrastructure, maintaining existing resources, and delivering conservation programs.

GA covers the costs of building new electricity infrastructure and maintaining and refurbishing existing generation resources. It ensures an adequate electricity supply in the long term.

The GA is calculated monthly as the difference between market revenues and specific components, including renewable energy projects and conservation programs. It is applied to all customers in Ontario, including those with market price or contracted rates.

GA has an inverse relationship with the wholesale price of electricity. When wholesale prices are lower, GA is typically higher, and vice versa. The GA charge is factored into the rates set by the Ontario Energy Board for customers on the Regulated Price Plan (RPP).

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment