Introduction

The concept of energy management reflects a combination of actions. It involves avoiding the use of energy when possible (without curtailing essential services) and using less energy to achieve the same or greater output.

The state's energy management efforts are complicated by the multiple goals government is asked to achieve. Unlike a typical consumer focused on attaining the greatest return at the lowest cost, the state also may find itself in the role of nurturer of new ideas (including occasional test subject) and supporter of those who need assistance to pay for essentials such as electricity. These conflicting roles make it difficult for the state to pursue a single, consistent energy plan.

At the same time, the state currently lacks a visible agency or person to guide the various energy-related efforts underway. Although many of the same coordinating staff and facility managers have been implementing state energy programs for years, the level of attention and priority given to energy issues within state government has declined since the late 1970s.

In 2001, the Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee undertook two reviews of energy-related issues. Early in the year, the committee authorized a study of energy management by state government. Of particular interest were the state's efforts to manage demand for energy, use alternative and renewable sources of fuel, and procure energy supplies efficiently.

In August 2001, the committee voted to temporarily set aside the management study to look at the broader question of energy supply and demand in Connecticut, focusing on the factors that affect the availability of energy for all energy consumers. Upon completion of that study in February 2002, the program review committee resumed study of state government's own energy-related activities.

One of the key recommendations in the energy availability study called for state government to serve as a model energy consumer. Building on that idea, in the current study the program review committee's recommendations seek to:

• clarify statutory language regarding agency responsibilities;
• monitor more closely the energy-related activities of individual state agencies;
• examine further the role of the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) concerning state energy policy; and
• encourage a pilot program involving an approach not previously used by the state.

In this period of fiscal constraint, the program review committee believes it is important the state continue its energy efficiency efforts. While large amounts of new money may not be available for state energy projects, taking steps to reduce energy consumption and operating expenditures represents an investment that will produce future savings for the state.

Such efforts also enhance quality of life for current and future generations in Connecticut who benefit when energy resources are depleted more slowly and emissions released during the production and consumption of fuel are reduced. In addition, because state government operates a diverse range of residential and commercial facilities, its energy-related actions can provide valuable information that may encourage others to change their behavior.

Report Format

The report contains four chapters. The first presents an energy consumption profile of state government from the mid-1990s through state FY 02. The second chapter summarizes major energy conservation efforts in the 1990s and the estimated savings. Chapter Three describes in more detail the state's energy-related policies and programs, including the extent to which implementation has occurred. Chapter Four discusses the roles of various governmental entities with respect to coordination and control of the state's energy management activities.

Appendices A, B, and C describe state efforts to establish an energy consumption monitoring database, an interval metering system, and group purchasing pools for utility services. Appendix D assesses state agency compliance with legislatively mandated energy functions, and Appendix E summarizes the major energy-related duties of various state agencies.

Agency Response

It is the policy of the Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee to provide agencies subject to a study with an opportunity to review and comment on the recommendations prior to publication of the final report. Appendix F contains the responses from the commissioner of public works, and the Connecticut Energy Advisory Board (CEAB).