Substitute Bill No. 7091 seeks to enhance the oversight and effectiveness of energy conservation programs overseen by the Energy Conservation Management Board by implementing several key changes to existing law, particularly in section 16-245m. The bill mandates annual audits of program cost-effectiveness by the Auditors of Public Accounts, replacing the previous requirement for review by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection. It also requires a detailed budget within the Conservation and Load Management Plan, which must outline steps to achieve specific energy efficiency goals, such as weatherizing 80% of residential units by 2030 and reducing energy consumption by 1.6 million MMBtu annually. Additionally, a joint committee will be established between the Energy Conservation Management Board and the Connecticut Green Bank to coordinate funding and program activities in alignment with the Clean Energy Fund.

The bill further stipulates that evaluations of energy conservation programs must utilize statistically valid monitoring techniques and include a detailed description of any issues encountered, along with recommendations for improvements. It introduces the role of an evaluation administrator responsible for overseeing the evaluation process and ensuring independence. The scope of programs included in the conservation plan is expanded to encompass various energy efficiency initiatives, and a new auditing requirement is established for the Auditors of Public Accounts to assess program effectiveness and cost-efficiency. The bill emphasizes transparency and accountability by requiring the Energy Conservation Management Board and related entities to provide necessary information for audits. The changes are set to take effect on October 1, 2025.