The Countdown is on: discover how electrification, clean energy, and grid innovation can power California to net zero by 2045.
Where Emerging Energy Technologies Are Tested, Proven, and Accelerated
SCE's Technology Test Center (TTC) Laboratory supports California's decarbonization goals as listed in Edison International's Countdown to 2045 and SCE's Technology Roadmap. At the TTC, engineers and technical specialists evaluate emerging technologies in controlled environments that mirror real-world conditions. Findings are utilized by SCE programs, stakeholders, and customers to make informed decisions in the quest towards a decarbonized future.
Testing conducted at the TTC has played an important role in past technology adoption. For example, TTC testing helped accelerate the adoption of LED lighting and influenced the supermarket refrigerated display case industry to add doors. The TTC remains committed to world‑class research that supports California’s clean energy goals.
Test Center Highlights
The TTC has three CETCs currently under renovation which are expected to be operational in 2027. These test chambers (one dual, one single) will allow precise, dynamic control of testing conditions, permitting steady-state and dynamic testing of devices. For example, we will evaluate HVAC units (approximately 2-5 tons), refrigeration equipment, and appliances. These will be studied under various climate conditions representative of California climate zones. Appliances and systems will be studied for energy efficiency performance and demand flexibility potential.
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This state-of-the-art testing facility can be used to evaluate the performance and demand flexibility of heat pump water heaters. The lab also acts as a showcase for demonstrating new HPWH technologies to visitors. With four dedicated testing bays, the lab supports residential and small commercial systems, including 120V or 240V units with tank sizes ranging from 40 to 80 gallons. The facility can replicate real-world indoor ambient conditions and precisely control water-side end uses. Findings from the HPWH Lab provide critical data that supports utility program design and policy development, helping to accelerate heat pump water heater adoption.
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The TTC can also conduct benchtop testing of appliances, plug loads, and IoT devices, with a focus on measuring energy usage, power demand, power quality and device controllability. These evaluations help quantify the energy efficiency, demand response, and demand flexibility potential of new technologies and measures.
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The TTC Lab is used as a test environment to evaluate Demand Response Systems. Currently, SCE's Demand Response team uses the lab for the control system that supports the Summer Discount Plan.
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Technology Test Center Lab History
Founded in 1996, the Technology Test Center has evolved from lighting and refrigeration testing to a comprehensive clean energy innovation hub, supporting HVAC, demand response, and electrification technologies. Ongoing modernization—including new environmental test chambers planned for 2027—continues to expand its testing capabilities.
Explore the key milestones that have shaped the Technology Test Center into a leading hub for energy innovation and testing.
1996
The Refrigeration Technology Test Center (RTTC) was established.
2002
Enhanced HVAC capabilities and renamed the RTTC to the Refrigeration and Thermal Test Center.
2004
U.C. Davis partnership forms the Southern California Lighting Technology Center.
2006
Plug load testing capabilities added to RTTC.
2008
LED lighting testing initiated.
2010
Facilities merged as the Technology Test Center.
2015
Demand Response Enabling Technology testing introduced.
2021
Heat Pump Water Heater Lab opens.
2023
Major renovation of TTC facilities completed.
2027
Fully functional, updated environmental test chambers operational.
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