MEEA Policy Insider - January 2023

​​The MEEA Policy Insider summarizes the latest state policy activity and provides new resources to aid members in their outreach, education and advocacy initiatives.

In this issue:

MEEA Policy Webinar Recordings

MEEA Midwest Election Recap 

On December 7, MEEA policy staff hosted a webinar highlighting the impact of the midterm elections across the Midwest and possible ramifications for energy efficiency policy in the region. Recording>> 

IL section header

Municipal

The City of Chicago released the Chicago Building Decarbonization Strategy Report in October. The document includes 26 recommendations on how to equitably decarbonize the building sector. The report was informed by the Chicago Building Decarbonization Working Group, which included MEEA’s Executive Director, Stacey Paradis. For more information on the report and its recommendations, see MEEA’s recent blog.

Though advocates pushed for the reinstatement of the Department of Environment that was disbanded under Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Mayor Lori Lightfoot instead announced the formation of a new office, the Office of Climate and Environmental Equity. The new 10-person office will be tasked with overseeing the decarbonization of the city’s building stock and implementing the city’s climate action plan.

Legislative

The 103rd Illinois General Assembly began on January 11. With Democrats outnumbering Republicans 78-40 in the House and 40-19 in the Senate, Democrats maintain their supermajorities in both chambers of the legislature. Two days before the inauguration ceremonies for the 103rd Illinois General Assembly, Governor JB Pritzker was sworn in for his second four-year term as Governor of Illinois. Committee assignments for the 103rd Illinois General Assembly remain pending.

Before concluding its 2022 lame duck session, the Illinois legislature passed an omnibus energy-related bill, HB 4412, which creates statewide siting standards for commercial wind energy and solar energy projects. HB 4412 passed on a 33-17 vote in the Senate and a 73-36 vote in the House.

A new energy bill of note that has been introduced this session includes House Bill 1190 which amends the Illinois Underground Natural Gas Safety Act to enhance notifications of and report gas leaks from verified natural gas facilities. HB 1190 defines “verified facility release” as an unintentional gas release that originates within a quarter mile of an underground natural gas storage facility. In the case of a verified facility release, the owner and operator of the gas storage facility is responsible for specific actions, including the collection and testing of gas releases, subsequent facility maintenance, inspections and the providing of lodging accommodations under certain circumstances.

Regulatory

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) Equitable Energy Upgrade Program (EEUP) workshops will continue to meet monthly in 2023. The EEUP works to establish guidelines for a new Pay As You Save(R) (PAYS(R)) energy efficiency financing tool to be considered by the ICC. As a result of the most recent workshop, held January 12, 2023, the EEUP workgroup has begun finalizing its rulemaking process and will soon submit a proposal to the ICC for approval. EEUP workshop information and meeting dates can be found on the ICC’s EEUP website.

How to Get Involved

If you have any questions about Illinois, SAG meetings, or want to get more involved, contact Christian Koch.  

IN header image

Legislative

The Indiana legislature opened its 2023 session on January 9. Some of the energy bills that have been introduced this session include:

House Bill 1007, authored by Representatives Soliday, Jeter and Negele provides that it is the continuing policy of the state that decisions concerning Indiana's electric generation resource mix, energy infrastructure and electric service ratemaking constructs must take into account the following attributes of electric utility service: reliability, affordability, resiliency, stability and environmental sustainability. The bill would require the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to take each of these attributes into account when: reviewing an integrated resource plan submitted by an electric utility, acting upon a petition for the construction, purchase or lease of an electric generation facility and reviewing whether the public convenience and necessity continues to require the completion of an electric generation facility under construction. This is a legislative priority for House Republicans and has been referred to House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications.

House Bill 335, authored by Representatives Yoder, Alting and Ford would establish the Climate Solutions Task Force to review issues related to sustainable and clean energy solutions. The bill sets forth membership and would require the task force to issue a report to the general assembly and the governor not later than November 1, 2024. This bill has been referred to Senate Environmental Affairs.

Senate Bill 9, authored by Senators Leising and Glick would require a public utility to provide the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) with at least six months advance notice of the public utility's intention to retire, sell or transfer an electric generation facility with a capacity of at least 80 megawatts if such intention is not set forth in the public utility's preferred portfolio in the public utility's most recent integrated resource plan (IRP). This bill has been referred to Senate Utilities.

Senate Bill 221, authored by Senator Zay, would require the Indiana Department of Administration to issue a request for proposals and award a contract to conduct an energy audit on the Indiana State Capitol building and Indiana Government Center North and South buildings. This bill was amended to delete provisions related to studying the feasibility of creating a strategic coal reserve, and passed out of committee unanimously on January 19 2023 and was reassigned to Appropriations.

Regulatory

2023 integrated resource planning is expected from: 

  • Hoosier Energy

  • Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA)

  • Wabash Valley

  • CenterPoint (Vectren) - 2022 IRP extended to Nov. 2023

Updates from the Commission on IRPs in Indiana will be posted to the IURC’s IRP page.

How to Get Involved

For questions about Indiana, contact Greg Ehrendreich. 

IA header image

    Legislative

    Iowa's legislative session began on January 9. Both chambers set their priorities and members began filing bills, with 76 bills landing in the House in the first week of session and 117 in the Senate. Iowa's legislative session is slated for 110 days.

    A bill to keep an eye on is SF 43, introduced by Senator Scott Webster, which states that government cannot prohibit or limit the use or installation of building products or materials in construction, renovation, maintenance or other alteration of a residential building or structure if the product or material is approved by the national model code. The bill has been referred to the Local Government committee and recommended for passage.

    Regulatory

    Iowa investor-owned utilities’ Energy Efficiency Portfolio (EEP) planning process is currently underway. IOUs will file their new five-year plans (2024-2028) in the next several months. Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL), a subsidiary of Alliant Energy, held its third stakeholder meeting in September 2022 and filed its plan on November 1, 2022 with the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) in docket EEP-2022-0150. Iowa’s Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) has no objection to the proposed procedural schedule issued by the IUB; however, the OCA noted that the proposed schedule allows only two weeks to respond to intervenor testimony. If any issues arise from intervenor testimony that require additional review, the OCA stated that it may need to request additional time to respond.

    Both MidAmerican Energy and Black Hills Energy held their first stakeholder collaboration meetings in 2022. MidAmerican Energy held its second stakeholder collaboration meeting on January 25, 2023. Black Hills Energy has scheduled its second virtual stakeholder collaboration meeting for the 2024-2028 EEP planning process on February 15, 2023, at 10:00 am. After these meetings are completed, these IOUs will also file their plans.

    Please reach out to Ashley Taylor from Iowa’s OCA, ashley.taylor@oca.iowa.gov, to be added to the EEP stakeholder list and receive updates and meeting information.

    How to Get Involved

    For more information about Iowa or to get more involved, contact Arlinda Bajrami.

    Legislative

    The Kansas legislature opened its 2023 legislative session on January 9. Republicans maintain a supermajority in both chambers of the state legislature. Governor Laura Kelly delivered her State of the State address during a joint session of the Kansas legislature on January 24, outlining her priorities for the next four years.

    A notable bill filed so far includes SB 68, which provides incumbent electric transmission owners a right of first refusal for the construction of certain electric transmission lines.

    Regulatory

    Commissioner Susan K. Duffy was elected Chair of the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) on January 17.

    In December of 2021, Evergy filed its application for an energy efficiency proposal in Kansas under the Kansas Energy Efficiency Investment Act (KEEIA). The proposal originally included nine programs—four residential, four business and a pilot research program. Following settlement negotiations in July 2022, Evergy and advocates in the docket filed two non-unanimous agreements on Evergy’s proposed programs and financial recovery. However, KCC staff opposed Evergy’s proposal throughput disincentive and earnings opportunity, resulting in Evergy filing a motion to stay this docket to allow for continued negotiations with KCC staff.

    On November 15 2022, Evergy, in conjunction with KCC staff, filed a revision to its plan and financial recovery mechanisms, with the other stipulating parties not signing on to the agreement. The new plan removes some of the original proposed programs, shrinking total proposed spending from about $135 million to about $45 million. The revised procedural schedule can be found here, and deadline-based amendments to that schedule here. An order is now anticipated in early March 2023.

    KCC Staff and Evergy hosted a workshop to discuss Evergy's Capital Investment plan on December 13, the recording of which can be found here. Evergy fielded questions from the KCC commissioners and staff, as well as the Citizens' Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB), and shared additional details regarding their upcoming investments. The Commission is currently fielding testimony in support and opposition to the Alternative Settlement Agreement.

    How to Get Involved

    For more information about Kansas or to get more involved, contact Natalie Newman. 

    Legislative

    The 2023 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly began on January 3. It will last 30 legislative days, with a final adjournment currently scheduled for March 30.

    One energy-related bill has been introduced thus far, HB 66, by Representatives Willner and Bridges. This bill concerns utility disconnection requirements. It creates winter and summer temperature standards for disconnection of service by retail electric and gas utilities, allowing for resumption of disconnection only after a 72-hour period during which the temperature standard is exceeded. The bill also establishes a certificate of need for those at risk if utility service is disconnected and allows for reconnection of service with partial payment under a payment plan. It requires utilities to make a reasonable effort towards reestablishing service for a customer terminated after having a certificate of need but no more than 24 hours after repayment is commenced.

    Regulatory

    The PSC issued its Final Staff Report on LG&E and KU’s 2021 IRP, Case No. 2021-00393. The Commission reported that “LG&E and KU did not establish that the 2021 IRP produced a least cost plan to reliably serve its projected load.” The utilities were placed on notice that they need to meet a higher standard in their planning process. The report points out that LG&E and KU failed to evaluate all reasonable resource options and overlooked many cost-effective strategies. Further, the IRP failed to examine continuation of expansion of the utilities’ Demand-Side Management (DSM) and energy efficiency programs despite their past success and proven track record helping customers save energy and lower their bills. The full list of recommendations is viewable in the report.

    LG&E and KU are currently hosting a series of DSM Advisory Group meetings. These are intended to provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss EE and DSM initiatives for existing and new program offerings. Additional details, previous meeting notes and contact information for participating in the group can be found here.

    Executive

    On December 6, the KY Energy and Environmental Cabinet Office of Energy Policy hosted an Energy Efficiency Housing Funding Stakeholder Meeting. The meeting served as a convening of interested parties to discuss how funding coming to the Commonwealth for residential energy efficiency, namely through the Revolving Loan Fund in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, can be best utilized to provide impactful benefits to the citizens of Kentucky. The meeting recording can be viewed here. The second meeting is scheduled for February 16 at 2:00 p.m. ET. Register here.

    How to Get Involved

    For more information about Kentucky or to get more involved, contact Amanda Caloras.

    Legislative

    The Michigan legislature opened its 2023 legislative session on January 11. With Democrats assuming control of the Senate, the chamber has new leadership.

    Prior to the close of the last legislative biennium, Governor Whitmer signed HB727 into law. The law extends the sunset for the Weatherization Assistance Program through 2027. WAP is funded in part through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and the appropriation from LIHEAP for WAP was set to expire at the end of 2022.

    Additionally, HB 6551-52 and SB 1238-39 were introduced on December 7. The bills seek to invest $1.65 billion in the state’s housing stock to make homes more affordable and healthier. The bills allocate funds from the American Rescue Plan and the state’s coronavirus recovery fund for low-income whole-home retrofits, health and safety (pre-weatherization) measures, weatherization, efficient and/or electric appliances, workforce attraction and retention and more. These bills may be reintroduced in 2023 and will likely serve as a negotiating point.

    Regulatory

    In response to an order in Case No. U-21227, the state’s regulated utilities submitted their first reports in late December addressing the funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for which they intend to apply.

    The Michigan Public Service Commission announced a reorganization, reflecting learnings from the MI Power Grid Initiative. The PSC now has several new units: a Distribution Planning Section, an Interconnection and Distributed Energy Resources Section, a Resource Adequacy and Forecasting Section and a Data Access, Privacy and Information Technology Section. Additionally, the Commission will adjust the scope of several other divisions by consolidating some and separating others. More information on these changes can be found in the press release.

    DTE Electric filed its IRP on November 3. DTE outlined plans to spend $9 billion on renewable energy and to end coal usage by 2035. On the efficiency side, the utility has proposed energy savings of 2% in 2023, an average of 1.5% annual energy savings in 2024-2028 and 1.2% annual savings in 2028-2032. A public hearing on the plan was held on December 12.

    How to Get Involved

    For more information about Michigan or to get more involved, contact Maddie Wazowicz.

    Legislative

    The Minnesota legislature opened its 2023 legislative session on January 3. With Democrats assuming control of the Senate, the chamber has new leadership. Several bills that touch on energy policy have already been introduced.

    HF7/SF4 would modify the state’s current renewable energy standard, as established by the 2007 Next Generation Energy Act. This bill would institute a carbon-free standard that mandates the state’s electric utilities generate or procure carbon-free resources at 80% of their portfolio by 2030, 90% by 2035 and 100% by 2040. Other provisions in the bill include guidance for the PUC to maximize local benefits, a mandate for the PUC to consider the costs of greenhouse gas emissions in decisions and some tweaks to the PUC’s permitting process. HF7 passed out of the House Climate and Energy Committee on January 18 and is set to head to the House floor.

    HF49/SF315 would mandate that Minnesota’s utilities file an annual report on workforce diversity, procurement goals and actual spend to diverse businesses.

    SF42 would establish a climate action tax credit. Eligible recipients would be able to claim tax credits after purchasing and installing a variety of energy efficiency technologies. Eligible technologies include air-source heat pumps, ductless mini-split heat pumps, induction ranges, heat pump water heaters and other efficient appliances and upgrades.

    SF41 would institute a carbon assessment on utilities. Minnesota utilities would have to pay into a carbon assessment dividend fund based on the amount of carbon they emit from power generation and procurement. The funds would be managed by the Pollution Control Agency and would, in part, be used to establish a revolving loan fund to make loans to businesses for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

    Regulatory

    On December 8, the PUC voted to require the state’s gas investor-owned utilities (Xcel Gas, CenterPoint and Minnesota Energy Resources) to file integrated resource plans. Previously, only the state’s regulated electric utilities were required to file IRPs. The Commission plans to open a docket to gather input on what these IRPs will include and what procedural requirements must be met.

    Docket 21-566, which was opened in response to the passage of the Natural Gas Innovation Act (NGIA), remains active. Natural gas utilities will have the opportunity to present the Commission with plans to study and use alternative and innovative energy resources, like renewable natural gas, biogas and hydrogen. The Commission issued an order on September 12 clarifying and approving eligibility criteria for energy efficiency and strategic electrification investments under the NGIA. Additionally, a technical conference was held on September 19 to discuss the changes to natural gas utility regulatory and policy structures. The most recent workshop was held on December 2, with a third yet to be scheduled.

    The Department of Commerce’s Conservation Improvement Program (CIP) Cost-Effectiveness Advisory Group continued to meet throughout the summer and fall. The group has provided comments on a straw proposal on which utility and non-utility impacts should be included in Minnesota’s primary cost-effectiveness test. Upcoming work includes reviewing the final report of that phase of the process and beginning discussion on quantification of priority impacts.

    Additionally, the Department of Commerce and Minnesota’s Energy Efficiency for All (EEFA) coalition hosted a virtual CIP Planning for Low Income Kick-Off meeting on January 26. Energy and housing advocates, energy efficiency implementers, utilities and other interested parties learned about CIP, the ongoing triennial utility planning process and ways to get involved and provide recommendations to utilities on their low-income programs ahead of their draft plans, which are due on June 1, 2023. For more information or to participate in future meetings, please contact Anjali Bains at bains@fresh-energy.org.

    How to Get Involved

    For more information about Minnesota or to get more involved, contact Maddie Wazowicz.

    Missouri Header

    Legislative

    The Missouri legislature opened its 2023 legislative session on January 4. Governor Mike Parson delivered his 2023 State of the State address to the Missouri General Assembly on Wednesday, January 18, in which he outlined his priorities. Legislators have already introduced a few bills related to energy and utility policies.

    HB 325, sponsored by Representative LaDonna Applebaum, would modify the definition of “renewable energy resources” for the purposes of the Renewable Energy Standard and increases the required percentages of each electric utility’s sales that must come from renewable energy resources. The required percentage would begin with no less than 15% by December 31, 2023, and increase to 100% by December 31, 2058. The bill has been read for the second time, but is not currently scheduled for a committee hearing. This bill is the same as last session’s HB 1975.

    HB 580, sponsored by Representative Dan Houx, would establish a limit on the regulation of construction standards for insulation in new dwellings that political subdivisions may adopt and enforce. The bill was referred to the Government Efficiency and Downsizing committee and a hearing has now been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at 8:00 AM CT, and written comments can be submitted here. This bill, in effect, would limit all jurisdictions from going beyond the 2009 IECC. It would also prohibit jurisdictions from enforcing those currently adopted codes beyond the bill provisions, effectively rolling back energy codes in many Missouri jurisdictions.

    Regulatory

    Through Evergy’s Missouri Energy Efficiency Investment Act (MEEIA) Cycle 2 2023 extension year, Evergy has agreed to host four working group sessions to identify relevant information, potential partners, outside funding streams and other considerations for a feasibility study and vulnerability study regarding an Urban Heat Island (UHI) Mitigation program for Evergy’s next MEEIA application, MEEIA Cycle 4. Evergy has hosted three working group meetings thus far and plans to host at least one additional meeting before June 30, 2023. The working group has created a draft UHI Mitigation Action Plan and is determining available priority funding sources. For more information or to join the working group, please contact Natalie Gray, Manager of Energy Efficiency Programs and Services with Evergy, at natalie.gray@evergy.com.

    Ameren Missouri held stakeholder collaborative meetings in late 2022 on behalf of the Missouri Energy Efficiency Investment Act (MEEIA), which allows utilities to submit energy efficiency program filings. MEEIA does not set forth targets for energy efficiency, and program filings under MEEIA are entirely voluntary by the utilities. Ameren Missouri is preparing to file their MEEIA 4 portfolio, which will be a 6-year plan.

    The MO Public Service Commission, at the motion of the Office of the Public Counsel, opened a Working Case (AW-2023-0156) to investigate how MO’s Investor-Owned Utilities plan to take advantage of federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The PSC has scheduled an initial in-person workshop meeting for April 21 in Jefferson City, Missouri, and a proposed agenda must be submitted by interested stakeholders by April 7.

    How to Get Involved

    For more information about Missouri or to get more involved, contact Natalie Newman.

    Legislative

    The legislative session in Nebraska began on January 9 and within ten days, over 800 bills were introduced in the legislature. January 18 was the final day for state senators to introduce bills.

    LB 164, sponsored by Senator Terrell McKinney, proposes to update the state building and energy codes with reference to certain sections of the 2021 International Building and Residential Codes. This bill would also update minimum standards for municipal building codes. The bill has been referred to the Urban Affairs Committee and a notice of hearing was scheduled for January 24.

    LB 255, cosponsored by Senators Tom Brewer and Steve Ardman, would change eminent domain and renewable energy generation provisions relating to certain power suppliers impacting Nebraska’s largest electric utilities. The bill has been referred to the Natural Resources Committee.

    LB 560 would require that the legislature seek all funds made available to the state through the IRA for the purposes of increasing energy efficiency in homes and businesses, supporting EV infrastructure, upgrading utility infrastructure and assisting in transition to clean energy. Additional purposes included are those supporting agricultural practices that are more drought resistant and decrease the use of water and fertilizer. Lastly, the bill incorporates funds that create jobs and stimulate the economy. The bill has been referred to the Appropriations Committee as of January 19.

    How to Get Involved

    For more information about Nebraska or to get more involved, contact Arlinda Bajrami.

    Legislative

    The Ohio legislature opened its 2023 session on January 2. No energy legislation has been introduced in the Ohio legislature yet this session, though it is likely that we’ll see a return of voluntary EE legislation that did not pass last session.

    Regulatory

    On January 5, Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) Commissioner M. Beth Trombold announced her resignation, effective February 10. The PUCO Nominating Council will do interviews this week to finalize the short list of recommendations for her replacement to send to the Governor. Governor DeWine must appoint either a Democrat or an independent, as Republicans already hold three of the five commission seats (the maximum any one party can control.) The following six people will interview with the Council on 1/26: Michael Skindell (D-Lakewood), an attorney and longtime lawmaker who currently represents a northeast Ohio House District; Jeffrey Crossman, a former Parma legislator who ran an unsuccessful campaign for attorney general (D); Christopher Healey, attorney and Enervee Corp. Director of Utility Regulatory Affairs (D); Stephen Serraino, general counsel and chief compliance and ethics officer for Michigan-based Upper Peninsula Power Company (Independent); June Taylor, chief performance and strategy officer for Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging (D); and John Williams, director of the PUCO's Transportation Department (Independent). Learn more about the state’s Commission appointment process here.

    Ohio’s Office of Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) Bruce Weston intends to retire in the coming months, although he is yet to pick a departure date. The agency’s nine-member board, appointed by the attorney general, will hire his successor. Read the full announcement from the OCC here.

    Columbia Gas of Ohio has agreed in settlement with the OCC and other parties to cut all except its low-income energy efficiency programs and to not support EE politically going forward. The Columbia Gas of Ohio rate case is ongoing in Case 21-0637. Read MEEA’s blog.

    AEP Ohio has filed an energy efficiency plan as part of its Standard Service Offer approval in 23-0023-EL-SSO. The energy efficiency plan is part of the utility’s fifth Electric Security Plan (“ESP V”) proposal and would allocate $43M annually for voluntary efficiency, including $800k for R&D and $1.45M for education and training.  The company is proposing using a customized cost-effectiveness test that includes some quantified non-energy impacts (NEIs).

    How to Get Involved

    For more information about Ohio or to get more involved, contact Greg Ehrendreich.

    wisconsin header

    Legislative

    The Wisconsin legislature opened its 2023 legislative session on January 3. No energy-related bills have been introduced yet.

    Regulatory

    In Docket 5-FE-104, the PSC released its order on the Focus on Energy Quadrennial Planning Process IV. The document compiles the 36 decisions the Commission made in each of the three phase of the Quad Plan and can be found here.

    In 2022 the Commission held several workshops on performance-based regulation, as set out in the roadmap-to-zero-carbon docket, Docket 5-EI-158. WPSC staff will now work to compile materials from the workshops and stakeholder comments into a report for the Commission in early 2023.

    How to Get Involved

    For more information about Wisconsin or to get more involved, contact Maddie Wazowicz.

    federal section header

    Recent Reports

    The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Alliance to Save Energy and Business Council for Sustainable Energy recently released their Energy Efficiency Impact Report. Using 59 indicators, the report tracks progress and illuminates key findings in a variety of sectors, including utilities, buildings, industry and transportation, examining how policy and other tools are used to incentivize energy efficiency.

    Regulatory

    Earlier this month, President Biden named Commissioner Willie Phillips as Acting Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Commissioner Phillips replaces Richard Glick, whose tenure as Chair ended after Senator Joe Manchin declined to hold a nomination hearing for Glick’s second term. Senator Manchin has been critical of FERC policies for reviewing natural gas pipelines.

    With the appointment of Commissioner Phillips as Acting Chairman, FERC, a five-member agency, now has four sitting commissioners. Potential 2-2 splits could make it more difficult for FERC to tackle challenging issues, such as decisions pertaining to natural gas pipeline infrastructure and how the agency should consider greenhouse gas emissions related to gas projects under review.

    Executive

    The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently seeking applications for Fiscal Year 2023 funding. Agricultural producers and rural small businesses are eligible applicants for loan guarantees and grants to develop renewable energy systems and to make energy efficiency improvements. Two significant changes to this additional funding include an increase in the maximum Federal grant share from 25% to 40% of total project costs and an increase of maximum grant amounts from $250,000 to $500,000 for energy efficiency projects and an increase from $500,000 to $1,000,000 for renewable energy systems. The application deadline is March 31, 2023. More information is available from the USDA’s Rural Development Office here.

    On December 28, the Department of Energy (DOE) proposed new energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers, which lower the voltage of electrical power before delivery to the customer (and can often be seen on neighborhood utility poles). The standards were last changed in 2013, when slight improvements were made. The new standards, which would come into effect in 2027, aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, potentially saving consumers approximately $15 billion over 30 years. On Thursday, February 16, DOE will host a public meeting to solicit feedback on the proposed rulemaking from stakeholders. Register here and read the full notice from DOE here.

    On December 19, The Biden-Harris Administration announced $45 million from IIJA to support resilient and efficient building energy codes to generate up to $138 billion in savings for homes and businesses and improve health and safety. The money will come in the form of competitive grants to help states and partnering organizations implement updated building energy codes and lower energy bills for American families and businesses. Applications are now being accepted for this first wave of funding for the Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation Program. Applicants must include a state agency to be eligible, and they may apply in strategic partnership with other organizations, such as state or local building departments, builders, contractors, architects, engineers, other design and construction professionals, academia, research, trade organizations, consumer advocates, regional energy efficiency organizations and other stakeholder interests who play an important role supporting the successful implementation of building codes. Read the full announcement from DOE here. Additional application information is available from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy here, with FOA number 0002813. Concept paper submissions are due on January 31, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. ET and full applications are due on March 27, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. ET.

    On December 19, DOE announced proposed stronger efficiency standards for some of the most common bulbs. The new standards raise the minimum lightbulb efficiency level from 45 lumens/watt to 67 through 123 lumens/watt, depending on the type of bulb. A pre-publication Federal Register notice of proposed rulemaking by DOE and comments, data and information will be accepted until 75 days after publication in the Federal Register. Further, DOE is hosting a webinar on this matter on Wednesday, February 1, from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. CT. Registration is open here.

    Requests for information on three workforce programs funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act. DOE’s newly formed Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) is requesting comments on the $200 million contract training program, the $40 million energy auditor training grant program and the $10 million career skills training program. RFI responses must be submitted electronically as an attachment to eeworkforceprograms@hq.doe.gov with “Workforce RFI Response” in the subject line by January 26, 2023.

    On November 22, the Biden-Harris Administration released a Notice of Intent announcing $550 million to support community-based clean energy in state, Tribal and local governments through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. This funding is made available through IIJA. Pre-application information checklists for formula grant funding are open now and due on April 28. For more information, see this announcement from the DOE and learn more during these upcoming EECBG Program Webinars:

    On August 26, DOE released its guidance for implementation of IIJA’s State Energy Program funds. These funds will provide a $425 million injection to state energy offices and can be used for a variety of projects to increase energy efficiency, reduce energy costs, lower carbon emissions and increase energy resiliency. See the allocation by state here. An overview of all IIJA provisions is available at Building a Better America | The White House.

    In Fall 2022, The White House released a guidebook for funding under the Inflation Recovery Act, Inflation Reduction Act Guidebook | Clean Energy | The White House. Information on all of the Biden Administration’s energy priorities are available at Clean Energy for All | The White House.

    DOE is also still accepting comments on its proposed new energy efficiency standards for residential gas furnaces through January 30, 2023. If DOE’s tentative agenda is adhered to, this would go into effect in 2029 and require gas furnaces to be 95% fuel efficient. According to DOE, older, less efficient and non-condensing style furnaces can have efficiency rates as low as 56%. The phasing out of these older furnaces is expected to save consumers $30.3 billion over 30 years. DOE held a webinar in December on this matter, and updates from DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy are available here.

    How to Get Involved 

    For more information about federal issues, contact Jason Liechty or Stacey Paradis. 

    resources

    Recent Blogs:

    Recent Testimony and Comments:

     Recent Reports:

    ​