BILL NUMBER:  S4395

 TITLE OF BILL :
An act to amend the energy law, in relation to making standards for
energy efficient appliances applicable to any city with a population
of one million or more


 PURPOSE :
To require New York City to purchase new or replacement appliances
that meet minimum energy efficiency standards promulgated by the
president of the New York State Energy and Research Development
Authority.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :
This legislation amends Chapter 451 of the Laws of 2000 which amends
Section 5-108 of the energy law.

 EXISTING LAW :
Current law requires state agencies to purchase new or replacement
appliances that meet minimum energy efficiency standards promulgated
by the president of the NYSERDA.

 JUSTIFICATION :
The City of New York, which purchases its power from the New York
Power Authority (NYPA) is a major energy consumer. In order to reduce
              

energy use, it is critical that minimum efficiency standards be set
for New York City appliance purchases. In addition, New York City,
through its purchasing power, will influence appliance manufacturers'
efficiency standards, and will set a positive example for private
industry and consumers.

Between 1975 and 2001, a new generation of energy-efficient
refrigerators has reduced their electricity consumption by 75 percent,
saving 60,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity and reducing power plant
emissions. Constructing power plants to produce this 60,000 MW would
have cost $50 billion and would increase already high levels of power
plant emissions in the New York City area. The costs of constructing
new power plants is astronomical in comparison to the refrigerator
industry's investment of less than $1 million to produce these more
efficient refrigerators.

Similar advances have been achieved with clothes washers, windows,
fluorescent lighting, and heating and air conditioning systems. These
advances in technology provide the basis for New York State's and New
York City's future in energy efficiency programs.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :
2005 - Referred to Energy & Telecommunications
2006 - Referred to Energy & Telecommunications

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :
Unknown.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect immediately.