Plain-language guides to California AB 802 energy benchmarking for covered buildings.
What is AB 802 building benchmarking?
Covered buildings report energy use to the California Energy Commission by June 1 every year.
AB 802 basics
Last reviewed: November 2026
How to comply with AB 802 benchmarking in California
To comply with AB 802, report your building's energy use to the California Energy Commission (CEC) by June 1 every year.
AB 802 basics
Last reviewed: November 2026
Who can file your ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager report for the CEC?
The building owner can file, and so can anyone the owner authorizes, called an owner's agent.
Filing
Last reviewed: November 2026
What is the AB 802 deadline?
The AB 802 benchmarking report is due to the California Energy Commission by June 1 every year.
Deadlines and penalties
Last reviewed: November 2026
What are the penalties for not complying with AB 802?
Under Public Resources Code 25321, the civil penalty is not less than $500 and not more than $2,000 for each category of data not provided and for each day the violation continues.
Deadlines and penalties
Last reviewed: November 2026
Do I need a benchmarking service, or can I file myself?
Owners can file an AB 802 report themselves, or authorize a service to handle utility data, Portfolio Manager, and yearly submission.
Filing
Last reviewed: November 3, 2026
What does the CEC benchmarking notice mean?
A CEC benchmarking letter names the building, includes a benchmarking reference number, and sets a June 1 deadline.
AB 802 basics
Last reviewed: November 3, 2026
Do California schools and hospitals have to comply with AB 802?
Schools and hospitals over 50,000 square feet are covered under AB 802, including government-owned buildings except federal buildings.
AB 802 basics
Last reviewed: November 3, 2026
Does my apartment building have to benchmark under AB 802?
Multifamily buildings over 50,000 square feet with 17 or more residential utility accounts must report under AB 802.
AB 802 basics
Last reviewed: November 3, 2026
California Benchmarking FAQ
Short answers on California AB 802: who must comply, deadlines and penalties, filing, and Beacon Alerts.
FAQ
Last reviewed: November 3, 2026
