Texas House Bill HB599

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to energy savings performance contracts entered into by public institutions of higher education.

Impact

The legislation establishes stricter guidelines for the approval and review of energy savings performance contracts. The State Energy Conservation Office will play a crucial role in the oversight of these contracts, including approving their terms before they are executed. As a result, public universities and colleges will have to navigate new review procedures, which may impact how quickly they can implement energy-saving measures. This could potentially lead to delayed projects but is also aimed at ensuring that savings are indeed realized and measurable.

Summary

House Bill 599 aims to streamline the process for entering into energy savings performance contracts by public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill amends existing regulations to ensure that any projected cost savings from such contracts are evaluated by a licensed professional engineer. This requirement is intended to enhance the reliability of cost-saving projections and ensure that the improvements proposed under the contracts are feasible and effective.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be supportive, particularly among those focused on infrastructure improvements and energy efficiency. Proponents argue that the increased oversight and professional review will lead to more effective use of state funds and deliver accurate cost-saving results. However, there may also be concerns about the additional administrative burden this could impose on higher education institutions, leading to a mixed reception dependent on institutional priorities.

Contention

One notable point of contention may revolve around the balance between regulation and operational flexibility for educational institutions. While some stakeholders advocate for the heightened scrutiny to safeguard public funds, others may view this as an unnecessary hurdle that complicates the process of pursuing energy efficiency. The debate will likely center on the need for accountability in energy savings performance contracts versus the operational needs of public institutions to implement these projects swiftly.