Substitute Bill No. 7091 amends section 16-245m of the general statutes to improve the oversight and auditing of utility programs managed by the Energy Conservation Management Board (ECMB). The bill repeals the existing approval process for Conservation and Load Management Plans, replacing it with a requirement for annual audits conducted by the Auditors of Public Accounts, rather than reviews by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection. It mandates that these plans include a detailed budget for energy efficiency initiatives and sets specific goals, such as weatherizing 80% of the state's residential units by 2030 and reducing energy consumption by 1.6 million MMBtu annually. Additionally, a joint committee between the ECMB and the Connecticut Green Bank is established to coordinate funding and ensure program cost-effectiveness.

The bill further enhances the evaluation and oversight processes by requiring statistically valid monitoring and data collection techniques for program evaluations, particularly for under-studied programs. It introduces the role of an evaluation administrator to oversee the evaluation process and ensures that evaluation reports are filed with both the board and the Auditors of Public Accounts, allowing for public comments. The Auditors of Public Accounts are tasked with conducting annual audits focusing on program effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, while the bill emphasizes transparency and accountability by requiring necessary information for audits. These changes aim to improve the efficiency and accountability of energy conservation programs in Connecticut, with an effective date set for October 1, 2025.