ENERGY CONSERVATION – REQUIREMENTS FOR AFFECTED CITIES
In 2001, the legislature enacted S.B. 5. The bill required reductions in energy use to help the state comply with federal Clean Air Act standards. It also required certain cities to establish a goal of reducing electric consumption by five percent each year for five years and to report their efforts and progress annually to the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO).
In 2007, S.B. 12 and H.B. 3683 extended the timeline for reductions. Effective September 1, 2007, the bills require all “affected political subdivisions” to: (1) implement all cost-effective energy-efficiency measures; (2) establish a goal to reduce electricity consumption by five percent each year for six years; and (3) report efforts and progress annually to SECO.
SECO is available to assist cities with energy conservation measures and has created a simple reporting form that may be submitted electronically. For detailed information on the above requirements, including whether a city is within the 41 affected counties that are subject to the law, please go to:
www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us/sb5compliance.htm
City officials may also contact Stephen Ross with the SECO at 512-463-1770 or Stephen.Ross@cpa.state.tx.us. As always, please contact the TML Legal Department with questions.