The building owner can file, and so can anyone the owner authorizes, called an owner's agent. That includes a property manager, a consultant or a benchmarking service. The CEC says anyone authorized by the owner may request utility data, benchmark the building and submit the report. The CEC itself cannot file for you.
Who is responsible for filing?
The owner of the building on June 1 is responsible, including for energy data from before they owned it. If a building has several owners, all of them are responsible, but the CEC needs only one report. Portfolio Manager lets you add more than one owner to a property.
What is an owner's agent?
California regulations define an owner's agent as a person with authorization from the building owner to act on the owner's behalf. The CEC FAQ does not publish an authorization form. Utilities ask you to attest that you are the owner or are authorized, and proof of ownership is not required. Keep a signed authorization on file anyway.
Can a property manager, consultant or service file for me?
Yes, if the owner authorizes it. The CEC notes that the Energy Commission cannot benchmark and report your building, and that you may hire a consultant. The CEC also states that any entity offering to submit CEC-required reports for building owners is not associated with the CEC.
Can a tenant file?
The reporting duty belongs to the owner of the building or an authorized agent. A tenant can act only as an authorized agent of the owner.
Frequently asked questions
Does the CEC require a specific authorization form?
The CEC FAQ says there is no form to request utility data as an owner or owner's agent. Utilities have their own processes and ask you to attest that you are the owner or are authorized.
Is a benchmarking service connected to the CEC?
No. The CEC states that any entity offering to submit CEC-required reports on behalf of building owners is not associated with the CEC.
Who is responsible if the building was sold?
The owner at the time of the June 1 deadline is responsible for submitting the data, including data from before they owned it.
