Substitute Senate Bill No. 301 proposes significant updates to energy efficiency standards for various products and appliances, as well as the establishment of a fund for retrofitting projects. The bill amends Section 16a-48 of the general statutes, effective October 1, 2024, by redefining terms, adding new definitions such as "Commissioner," "State Building Code," "torchiere lighting fixture," and "high-intensity discharge lamp," and deleting outdated definitions like "luminaire" and "unit heater." It also updates the minimum energy efficiency standards for products sold, leased, or installed in Connecticut, with new requirements for items like torchiere lighting fixtures and the removal of standards for products such as "Pool heater" and "Residential pool pump." The bill exempts certain products from these provisions and mandates that new standards will apply from October 1, 2024, with the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection responsible for biennial reviews to potentially increase these standards.
Additionally, the bill outlines new energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emission standards for products like commercial ovens, steam cookers, and gas fireplaces, with references to Energy Star Program specifications and other standards. It grants the Commissioner the authority to adopt regulations for products with withdrawn federal standards, using the federal standards as of January 1, 2018, as a baseline. Manufacturers must certify compliance with energy efficiency standards through specified entities, and the bill enables anonymous reporting of violations and civil penalties for non-compliance. Furthermore, the bill establishes the Housing Environmental Improvement Revolving Loan and Grant Fund to support retrofitting projects in certain communities, with provisions for low-interest loans or grants, and extends deadlines for a pilot program and bond issuance for these purposes. The bill's provisions are effective from passage for certain sections and October 1, 2024, for others, with the Committee on Energy and Technology recommending its passage.
Statutes affected: Raised Bill:
ET Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 345: