CONGRESS: ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROMOTION ACT INTRODUCED IN THE SENATE

Tuesday, May 15, 2007 issue

Last month, a bipartisan bill (S.1115) was introduced that would require "state utility regulatory commissions and non-regulated utilities to consider federal standards to promote energy efficiency," as well as promote other energy efficiency initiatives. The bill is targeted primarily towards energy efficiency by consumers, particularly in using appliances and cars; but there are provisions for utilities, such as funding for battery storage research and advanced lighting technologies. Specifically, the bill authorizes $500 million over 10 years for basic research for batteries, and $800 million to transition the basic research to first-of-a-kind batteries that the automobile and electric utility industries can use to improve energy storage. Additionally, the bill authorizes $1 billion over ten years for four centers to work with the private sector to develop advanced manufacturing technologies to make sure the batteries will be competitive globally. With regard to advanced lighting, the bill would authorize a $10 million Bright Tomorrow Lighting program to replace the 60 watt incandescent light bulb, and a $5 million award for replacing flood lights. Finally, the bill also would authorize "a program to provide workforce training to meet the demand for skilled workers in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries." For more information on the bill, contact the UPLC Legal/Regulatory Department.