Senate Bill S2021

                                BILL NUMBER:S2021

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
2010 - S.4395/A.623 Referred to Energy & Telecommunications

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Unknown.

EFFECTIVE DATE:


This act shall take effect immediately.