diff --git a/src/EnergyPlus/api/plugin.py b/src/EnergyPlus/api/plugin.py
index 589d7f7f62a..9ef552b1715 100644
--- a/src/EnergyPlus/api/plugin.py
+++ b/src/EnergyPlus/api/plugin.py
@@ -53,6 +53,10 @@
 # ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE
 # POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
 
+import sys
+if not hasattr(sys, 'argv'):
+    sys.argv = ['']
+
 from typing import List
 
 from pyenergyplus.api import EnergyPlusAPI