An Update on Energy Efficiency Policies Across the Northeast
For more information about these policy updates, please contact Natalie Lovett, NEEP policy analyst. |
| National |
U.S. House of Representatives Passes Tax Incentive Legislation
On February 12, Representative Charles Rangel (D-NY) introduced House Resolution 5351, which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1989 to provide tax incentives for the production of renewable energy and energy efficiency. The bill was passed by the House and has been referred to the Senate Ways and Means Committee. It includes provisions to extend the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings through 2013; to extend the energy efficient appliances credit through 2010; and to allow a five year recovery period for the depreciation of qualified energy management devices. The bill also denies a tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production of oil and gas. For more information on the bill, visit the Library of Congress website.
ACEEE Releases America’s Exemplary Energy Efficiency Programs Report
On February 11, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) released their second report profiling the nation’s leading energy efficiency programs. There are six criteria for choosing the exemplary and honorable mention programs: direct energy savings; market transforming effects; evaluation results; qualitative assessment; innovation; and transferability. Northeast programs that received exemplary designations included the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Small Commercial Lighting Program, Connecticut’s Energy Conscious Blueprint Program, and the Northeast ENERGY STAR Lighting and Appliance Initiative. Download the entire report from the ACEEE website for further details.
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Connecticut |
Public Hearing Held on Conservation and Load Management Plan
On March 13, the Connecticut Department of Public Utilities Control held a public hearing on Docket 07-10-03, Concerning the Joint 2008 Conservation and Load Management (C&LM) Plan for Connecticut Light and Power and United Illuminating. In the plan, the proposed budget for 2008 is $85,964,665. This is an increase of 20.7 percent from 2007. Changes in the programs from 2007 include the discontinuation of the accelerated chiller retirement initiative; the development of a long range operations and management strategic framework, which will eventually lead to the more thorough integration with the core commercial and industrial programs; and a new air conditioner turn-in program for window air conditioners. To read the proposed plan, or track its development, click here.
Legislative Developments
A number of legislative developments took place in Connecticut during the first quarter. On February 26, there were public hearings on several bills, including:SB 22 “An Act Concerning a Procurement Auction for Electric Generation Services,” SB 23 “An Act Concerning Global Climate Change,” and SB 188 “An Act Concerning Certain Electric Utility Powers and Investments.”
In March, there were also public hearings on: SB 505 “An Act Concerning a Sales Tax Exemption for ENERGY STAR Appliances,” HB5784 “An Act to Fight Waste in Energy Consumption,” SB 587 “An Act Concerning Electric and Gas Conservation Incentives,” and SB 591 “An Act Concerning Low-Interest Loans to State Residents for Energy Efficient Home Improvements.”
For more information, or to track their developments, follow the bill links.
Interim Decision Released on Natural Gas Plan
On January 23, the Department of Public Utilities Control released their draft decision on the Joint 2008 Natural Gas Conservation Plan for Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation, Southern Connecticut Gas Company, and Yankee Gas Services Company. The plan demonstrates that the actual spending for the 2007 residential programs was $1,480,698 (the budget was for $2,747,000). For 2008, the programs will be expanding into commercial and industrial programs and will have a combined budget of $6,789,503. For more information, read the interim report.
Hearing Held on Electric Efficiency Partners Program
During the first quarter of 2008, the Department of Public Utilities Control (DPUC) held two technical hearings on Docket 07-06-59, “Review of the Electric Efficiency Partners Program.” On March 7, a public commenting period was also opened. The DPUC was mandated to create this program under the 2007 Act Concerning Electricity and Energy Efficiency. For more information on this proceeding, visit the DPUC website.
Integrated Resource Plan Filed
On January 1, Connecticut Light and Power and United Illuminating filed an Integrated Resource Plan with the Connecticut Energy Advisory Board (CEAB). The Plan, which was filed in response to the 2007 Energy Act, includes a recommendation to ramp up the electric energy efficiency programs in order to capture all cost-effective efficiency and demand response. The plan is scheduled to go to the Department of Public Utility Control by August 1, 2008, after final review by the CEAB. Read the entire plan for more information.
Connecticut Electric Conservation Program Study Released
The Connecticut Energy Advisory Board (CEAB) released their “Connecticut Electric Conservation Program Study” on February 1. The study reviewed the state’s conservation and load management programs for effectiveness. Through the report, the CEAB found that Connecticut Light & Power programs cost $.0137 per lifetime kWh saved. For United Illuminating, the corresponding program administrator cost figure was $.0131 per lifetime kWh saved in 2006. Over all, the study demonstrated that the Connecticut electric conservation program costs and benefits are very similar to those found in the rest of the Northeast states, and that the programs should be continued. View the entire study here.
Connecticut Global Warning Solutions Act
House Bill 5600, "An Act Concerning Connecticut Global Warming Solutions," was voted favorably out of the House Committee on Public Safety and Security. The proposed legislation provides various actions the state should undertake in order to reduce carbon emissions from in the electric generation, transportation, and building sectors. Some examples of proposed policies include requiring certain facilities to report their greenhouse gas emissions, requiring that the state building code be revised to reflect more stringent energy standards, and creating certified energy inspectors. Read the legislation for more information.
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Maine |
Residential and Commercial Energy Conservation Legislation Introduced
In February Sen. Bartlett introduced, Senate Bill 841, “An Act to Promote Residential and Commercial Energy Conservation.” The bill is currently in the House and Senate Committees on Business, Research, and Economic Development. If enacted, the bill would require residential and commercial buildings to be built and renovated according to the state model building energy code. It would also require that the model building energy code be automatically updated every three years, and that a tax credit be given to homeowners selling homes that are certified as energy efficient by the US Environmental Protection Agency. For further details, see the Maine Legislature website.
RGGI Bill Passed
In March, both the Maine House and Senate passed a resolve regarding the legislative review of portions of “Chapter 157: CO2 Budget.” This legislation gives approval to amendments to the Department of Environmental Protection’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) regulations. For more information, go here.
Additional Maine Legislative Developments
Throughout February, public hearings held on several energy-related bills including: Senate Bill 859 “An Act to Diminish Global Warming;” House Bill 1945, “An Act to Update the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative;” and House Bill 1529, “An Act to Lower Energy Costs and Increase Renewable Energy in Maine.” Visit the Maine Legislature's website for further details on these bills.
Compact Fluorescent Lamp Breakage Study Released
On February 25, the state of Maine released research confirming that mercury vapor released from a broken compact fluorescent lamp can pose a health risk. Over five months, 45 experimental trials were conducted on compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) broken in a moderate sized room. During the trial, mercury concentration in the rooms often exceeded the Maine ambient air guideline of 300 nanograms per cubic meter (ng/m3). The report also found that vacuuming up the broken CFL can elevate mercury concentrations. For more information read the entire report.
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Massachusetts |
RGGI Bill Passed by Senate
On March 6, the Mass. State Senate passed Senate Bill 2531, “Relative to the Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act.” The bill, which is a substitute for S2423, gives legislative approval for the state to enter into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and also establishes the role of the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs in the RGGI program. For further details, click here.
Green Communities Legislation in Conference
Senate Bill 2468 and House Bill 4373, which were passed to be engrossed this past January and November, are currently in conference in order to resolve disparities between the bills. Follow the Senate and House developments for further detail.
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New Hampshire |
RGGI Legislation Passed by House
On March 19, House Bill 1434, An Act Relative to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and Authorizing Cap-and-Trade Programs for Controlling Carbon Dioxide Emissions, was passed by the New Hampshire House with amendments.This bill establishes a greenhouse gas emissions reduction fund to hold the carbon credit auction proceeds, and states that funding priorities will be given to programs that further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, are cost-effective, and reduce New Hampshire’s peak electric load, among others. Read the entire bill for more detail.
Energy Conservation and Efficiency Board Legislation Passed by House
On January 15, the New Hampshire Science, Technology, and Energy Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 1561, “Establishing an Energy Conservation and Efficiency Board.” The bill would create an advisory group, similar to the Energy Conservation Management Board (ECMB) in Connecticut, in order to help improve consistency and effectiveness among the energy efficiency programs. The bill was passed by the House on March 5, and is currently in the Senate. To track the bill, visit here.
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New Jersey |
Green Building Legislation Passes Assembly
On February 7, the New Jersey Assembly passed Assembly Bill 1559, which authorizes Municipal Planning Boards to adopt green buildings and environmental sustainability master plan elements. The bill has been referred to the Senate Economic Growth Committee. For further information visit the New Jersey Legislature's website.
RGGI Legislation Passed
Assembly Bill 4559, which authorizes the state to participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), was engrossed on January 13. The legislation authorizes the auctioning of up to 100 percent of the RGGI carbon credits, and for the proceeds to be utilized for consumer benefit purposes. The bill further specifies that 60 percent of the auction proceeds shall be allocated to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to support end-use energy efficiency projects and efficient electric generation facilities, 20 percent shall be allocated to the Board of Public Utilities to reduce low- and moderate-income electricity demands or costs, and 10 percent shall be allocated to the Department of Environmental Protection to assist local government reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Read the bill for more information.
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New York |
Bill to Fund Efficiency in Schools Under Consideration
Assembly Bill 5316, relating to the development of a New York state school energy efficiency fund, is currently being considered by the Education Committee. If enacted, this bill would authorize the Commissioner of Education to develop regulations for school energy improvement projects and would create a school energy efficiency fund. Click here to track the progress of this bill.
Climate Change Legislation Returns to Assembly
Assembly Bill 7365, “Climate Change Solutions Program Act,” returned to the Assembly on March 19, after dying in the Senate. The bill, originally introduced in April 2007, defines how the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auction proceeds will be allocated in New York. If enacted, it would give the auction proceeds primarily to energy efficiency and energy conservation programs, as well as to programs that increase the state’s investment in clean renewable sources of energy and to programs that help achieve New York’s other air quality goals. Visit the New York Legislature's website for more details.
PSC Issues Environmental Impact Statement
On March 19, the Public Service Commission (PSC) released its “Generic Environmental Impact Statement” (GEIS) as part of the Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EEPS) proceeding. The purpose of the GEIS was to comprehensively assess of the potentially impacts and benefits associated with the development and implementation of an EEPS. The resulting recommendation from the PSC, is that the state should proceed in the development of the program in order to achieve the state goal of reducing its energy consumption by 15 percent by 2015. Read the GEIS and track the EEPS proceeding on the DPS website.
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Pennsylvania |
Clean Energy Bill Referred to Committee
On March 11, the House Appropriations Committee passed House Bill 1, which aims to establish a Clean Energy Program and to consolidate the Energy Development Authority’s provisions and powers. On March 14, the bill was referred to the House Energy Policies Committee. For more details, click here.
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Rhode Island |
Green Building Act Introduced
House Bill 7552, “An Act Relating to Public Property and Works- Establishing a Green Buildings Act,” was introduced and referred to the House Finance Committee on February 26. The bill requires all public buildings, including schools, to be constructed or renovated to meet the United States Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating at a Silver level. Track this bills progress, here.
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Vermont |
Energy Efficiency and Affordability Act Signed into Law
Senate Bill 209, "The Vermont Energy Efficiency and Affordability Act," was signed by Governor Douglas on March 19. The legislation, which is a revised version of the vetoed energy bill from last session, creates building efficiency goals of increasing residential energy efficiency infiltration by 20 percent by 2017, and 25 percent by 2020 (approximately 80,000 housing units), and requires the Commissioner of Public Service to update residential and commercial building codes in conjunction with the release of the updated international energy conservation code (IECC), among other provisions. For further details on the Act, visit the Vermont legislature website.
Energy Independence Act Reported Out of Appropriations Committee
On April 1, Senate Bill 350, the “Energy Independence and Economic Prosperity Act,” was reported out of the Senate Appropriations Committee. If passed, this bill would: establish an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions; establish an advisory group to develop recommendations for funding greenhouse gas reduction efforts and create goals for the electrical energy efficiency program; to establish a process for the commissioning and energy tracking of buildings; and expand the RGGI program to include all significant sources of greenhouse gases, amongst other provisions. Click here to learn more about this legislation.
Green Industry Workforce Development Bill Referred to Senate
On March 18, Senate Bill 0331, relating to workforce development for green industries, was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. If enacted, the bill would require the commissioner of economic development to conduct analysis on the potential economic benefit of the green economy sector for Vermont. The bill would also create a pilot project for green curricula in the state’s colleges and universities. To track the bill, visit the Vermont Legislature's website.
Public School Energy Conservation Bill Referred to Committee
On March 17, House Bill 784, relating to energy conservation in public schools, was referred to the House Appropriations Committee. This bill, if passed, would seek to reduce school energy consumption by creating a school energy retrofit program, a facility operating plan initiative, and a regional facility management pilot project. For more details, read the entire bill.
Various Energy Legislation Introduced in Vermont
In January, several legislative bills concerning energy efficiency were introduced. These include: Senate Bill 0223, “Encouraging the Conservation of Propane;” Senate Bill 306, “Concerning High Performance School Design and Construction Standards;” Senate Bill 337, “Concerning the Exclusion of Energy Efficiency Improvements from Grand List Tax Value;” Senate Bill 339, “The Energy Independence and Rural Economic Development Act;” and House Bill 556, “Authorizing Alternative, Cost-Containing Measures by School Districts.: Visit the Vermont Legislature's website for more details.
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Copyright © 2008
Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, Inc.
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