HB5381 Hansen HFA 2-27
Altizer - 3259
(a) No later than October 1, 2021, the secretary shall establish an energy savings program designed to reduce energy usage for electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, and steam in all state buildings under the care, custody, and control of the state by 25% below 2018 levels by 2030. The secretary shall report annually to the Legislature regarding the energy-conservation measures, as defined by §5A-3B-1(b) of this code, installed under the energy savings program, achieved reductions in energy usage, and additional energy-conservation measures, if any, necessary to achieve the required reductions by 2030. The secretary is authorized to enter into energy-savings contracts as defined in §5A-3B-1 et seq. of this code, as necessary, to implement the energy savings program. Energy-savings contracts entered into as part of the energy savings program shall require an annual energy audit performed by a third party and at the cost of the qualified provider. Energy audits shall include (1) A comparative analysis of anticipated to actual energy savings; and (2) the terms and conditions of agency payment and performance guarantees. Any such performance guarantees shall provide that the contractor is responsible for maintenance and repair services for any energy related equipment, including computer software.
(b) The department will collaborate with the Department of Administration to develop energy saving strategies and improve energy efficiency in state buildings under the control and care of the Department of Administration.
A three-year moratorium is imposed on increases in base rates, riders, surcharges, or other charges for electric utilities, subject only a finding by the Public Service Commission of a clear and convincing showing of necessity to address reliability threats, federal mandates, or catastrophic infrastructure failure.
No later than July 1, 2021, the secretary shall establish a program for measuring and benchmarking the energy, including electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, and steam, efficiency of all state buildings under custody and control of the state. Such program shall use the benchmarking tool Energy Star Portfolio Manager® operated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. No later than October 1, 2021 and each year thereafter, the secretary shall compile and submit energy usage data for all state buildings to such benchmarking tool. The secretary shall report annually to the Legislature regarding the building energy performance compared to similar buildings in similar climates, as determined by the Energy Star Portfolio Manager®.
The office may propose rules for legislative approval in accordance with §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code as needed to implement an energy policy and development plan in accordance with the provisions of this chapter."