_______________________, read first time and referred to Committee on
MR. PRESIDENT:
I offer the following resolution and move its adoption:
A RESOLUTION urging the establishment of an interim study
committee to review the guaranteed energy savings contract program.
Whereas, The guaranteed energy savings contract
(GESC) program has been in place in Indiana since 1993 for
school corporations and since 1995 for units of local
government;
Whereas, The providers of these programs are certified
by the Indiana department of administration and must meet
statutory requirements with regard to experience in design,
implementation, and installation of energy conservation
measures and must provide monitoring services in addition
to providing a performance bond and a guarantee of savings;
Whereas, The GESC program has resulted in hundreds
of projects being completed to the benefit of school
corporations and other political subdivisions;
Whereas, The department of commerce has adopted
guidelines for the implementation of guaranteed energy
savings contracts;
Whereas, There is an ongoing need for schools and local
government to conserve energy and to reduce the cost of
energy consumption;
Whereas, The Indiana Senate encourages programs and
projects concerning energy and the reduction of energy
consumption; and
Whereas, There is a need for clarification in the law,
through amendment or through the adoption of rules,
concerning Indiana's GESC contracts and energy efficiency
programs under IC 36-1-12.5: Therefore,
SECTION 1. That the Indiana Senate requests that the legislative
council establish a study committee to find a method for establishing
guidelines to clarify, for schools and local governments, the basis upon
which guaranteed energy savings contracts are to be negotiated,
including:
(1) providing for energy conservation measures that reduce energy
consumption or reduce operating costs, including future labor and
contracted services;
(2) providing for future cost avoidance for capital projects related
to energy conservation and reduced energy consumption; and
(3) providing for up front and ongoing documentation of cost
savings anticipated and realized under a guaranteed energy
savings contract.
SECTION 2. That the committee, if established, shall operate
under the direction of the legislative council and that the committee
shall issue a final report when directed to do so by the council.