The Gas Committee will also be working closely with the California Energy Commission, which has funded the first phase of the Super-Efficient Gas Water Heater Appliance Initiative (SEGWHAI), a project that aims to spur the development of water heaters that are 30 percent more efficient than standard units.

Martha Brook, Senior Mechanical Engineer at the CEC, will provide the Gas Committee with periodic updates on the project, asking for input or other feedback, and then relaying that information back to the SEGWHAI steering committee and contractors.

“We’re looking to fill the gap between standard gas tank-type water heaters and tankless or condensing heaters,” said Brook. “We think that CEE and the Gas Committee are critical to the success of this initiative.”

CEE Executive Director Marc Hoffman acknowledged the CEC for recognizing the importance of developing a national approach and “our common interests in energy efficiency.”

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