Senate Bill No. 1292 mandates the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, in collaboration with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority and the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, to conduct a study on energy efficiency performance standards specifically for artificial intelligence data centers. The study will explore various aspects, including best practices for energy efficiency, potential energy management systems, the integration of renewable energy resources to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, participation in demand response programs, and restrictions on the use of diesel backup generators to prevent peak shaving or load shedding. The findings of this study are to be reported to the relevant joint standing committee of the General Assembly by February 1, 2026.

The bill introduces new legal language, specifically the requirement for the study and the reporting provisions under section 11-4a of the general statutes. There are no deletions from current law noted in the text. Additionally, the fiscal impact of the bill is expected to be negligible, as the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is equipped with the necessary resources to carry out the study without incurring additional costs.