HB 2247: State energy supply

Summary

• $ The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council ( EFSEC). Raises the threshold for EFSEC jurisdiction over siting stationary thermal power plants from 250 megawatts to 350 megawatts and over floating thermal power plants from 50 megawatts to 100 megawatts. Allows any power plant using alternative energy resources to seek certification through EFSEC. Changes the mandatory membership of the council and status of the council chair.
• $ The direct service industrial customers ( DSI). Establishes B&O tax credits, brokered natural gas use tax deferrals and public utility tax credits for new gas turbine electrical generating facilities that provide electricity for direct service industrial customers.
• $ The Low-income home energy assistance program ( LIHEAP). Provides a credit against the public utility tax for utilities that offer new billing discounts to low-income customers, and for utilities that make contributions to agencies that administer the federal low-income energy assistance program.
• Establishes a limit of $2.5 million for all utilities each fiscal year and establishes a limit of available credit for each utility based on a formula.
• $ Energy efficiency in public buildings. Includes the concept of energy management systems in the development of the lifecycle cost analysis for the construction and renovation of major public buildings. Encourages use of performance-based contracting that allows the cost of the project to be paid from the energy savings guaranteed by the contractor. Directs state agencies and school districts to conduct energy audits.
• $ Green Options. Directs each utility to provide a voluntary option to customers to purchase electricity from alternative energy resources beginning January 1, 2002.

From the House Bill Report (HB 2247), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗