Bill Caption

Relating to energy savings performance contracts.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

Under current law, savings realized through an energy savings performance contract are the only funds permitted for use to pay the provider of an energy or water conservation measure. HB 1571 would do three main things. First, it would allow any available funds to be used to pay the provider of a conservation measure. Second, it would expand energy savings performance contracts to include alternative fuel programs for school districts, institutions of higher education, and state agencies. Finally, this bill would also include avoided anticipated (that is, unrealized) replacement and repair costs in the definition of "energy savings."

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill infringes on the principle of limited government by allowing energy savings performance contracts to be executed with any available funds, expanding its purposes to include alternative fuels, and allowing execution to be based on unrealized savings. Because this would decrease transparency, accountability, and the potential effectiveness of these contracts, we oppose HB 1571.