Schedule of Technical Requirements Revisions
The DLC updates the Networked Lighting Controls Technical Requirements periodically. Revisions, such as the latest version V5.2, are finalized and released as discrete versions when the DLC completes them.
Each revision is developed and distributed through the DLC Stakeholder Input Process, which gives manufacturers and other stakeholders the opportunity to review and comment on proposed changes before a version is finalized.
Renewal and Requalification
Renewal and requalification are two separate processes as detailed below:
- Annual listing renewal: During the second week of July each year, the DLC issues QPL listing renewal invoices. To keep a qualified system in “listed” status on the QPL, manufacturers must complete the annual renewal each year by submitting payment of the renewal invoice by August 15. Renewal maintains your active listing – it does not, by itself, move a system onto a newer Technical Requirements version. For systems that do not renew by the deadline, they will be moved to “delisted” status.
- Requalification to the latest version: Updating to NLC V5.2 is optional at this time. Adhering to the latest version is strongly encouraged. New technical requirement versions are developed based on feedback and priorities from our member efficiency programs, so updating your listing ensures that your product continues to align with evolving program needs and customer expectations.
To list under the current version, NLC V5.2, submit an Update application through the Application Portal: for OEM updates, to update a private label listing.
NLC V5.2 Qualification Timeline: Key Dates for 2026–2027
On August 1 each year, all active QPL listings enter the annual renewal cycle, and manufacturers must complete their renewal invoice payment by August 15 to keep their products in active listing status – unpaid listings will be delisted from the QPL.
Note that a system is only displayed under V5.2 if the application answers the new thermostat-integration questions or the ANSI C137.9 configuration-report question. Systems that do not add these capabilities can qualify under V5.0.
Qualifying a System For Both Indoor and Outdoor Applications
For more details, see the Dual Applications page.
Fee Amounts and Structure - New Systems
Note: The fee is valid until July 31 from the date the invoice is issued based on this table. Please note that the annual renewal cycle begins on August 1, at which time a renewal fee will apply.
| First System Listed | Each Additional System Listed | Applications Received | Private Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| $15,000 | $5,500 | August 1 – October 30, Fee valid until July 31 from date of invoice. | $5,500 |
| $12,000 | $5,500 | November 1 – January 31, Fee valid until July 31 from date of invoice. | $5,500 |
| $9,000 | $5,500 | February 1 – April 15, Fee valid until July 31 from date of invoice. | $5,500 |
| N/A* | N/A* | April 16 – July 31 | N/A* |
- There is an additional fee of $300 for private label applications qualifying at pre-production.
- *No new applications will be processed during this time period.
- Note: The fee is valid until July 31 from the date the invoice is issued based on this table.
Annual Renewal of Listed Systems
| Annual Renewal Fees (for term Aug 1-July 31) | First System Listed | Each Additional System Listed | Private Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invoiced in July, due in 30 days. (Potential delisting after 90 days unpaid) | $15,000 | $5,500 | $5,500 |
Between August 1 – July 31, one update submission is included with the annual renewal fees. Manufacturers may update information more frequently at their discretion in 3 fields of the QPL at no cost, and additional fields at $200 per field.
The DLC offers reduced fee amounts for family member and private label systems. Family member systems are child or derivative systems of a parent system that may offer small differences in feature sets and/or characteristics, but are otherwise identical to the parent system. For complete definitions of family member systems and private label systems, see the System Definitions page. Manufacturers interested in preparing a family set of applications should contact info@designlights.org to confirm a plan before completing the applications.
Why Listing Fees?
Qualification and listing fees are required for review of system applications and updating of system information displayed on the QPL. These fees support the overall implementation and annual revision of the Networked Lighting Controls QPL. The DLC seeks significant energy savings for its Members and their customers through networked lighting control systems. Listing fees are leveraged with grant funding and additional funding provided by DLC Member utilities and energy efficiency programs to continually drive energy efficiency through the QPL and achieve widespread adoption of lighting control systems in the market.
Backed by financial incentives of DLC Member utilities, qualification on the QPL creates new opportunities for product differentiation and delivery of customer value. The DLC aims to support market expansion and to provide a single point of entry for manufacturers to participate in energy efficiency programs.
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