Scope of Study

ENERGY MANAGEMENT BY STATE GOVERNMENT

Based on 1997 data, Connecticut ranked 47^th in the nation in energy consumption per capita (243.3 million BTUs) and 20^th in per capita expenditures ($2,218). Within Connecticut, state government with its large motor fleet and extensive facilities is a major purchaser and consumer of energy. Although the actual amount is not available, state agencies collectively spend millions of dollars annually on energy. In response to this and environmental concerns, several pieces of legislation enacted over the past 25 years have directed state officials to take steps to conserve energy, seek alternative and renewable sources of energy, and use efficient procedures to purchase energy.

Area of Focus

The purpose of the study is to determine if the state government's energy policies and procedures have effectively and efficiently managed its demand for energy, increased the state's use of alternative and renewable sources of energy, and caused supplies to be procured in the most efficient manner.

Areas of Analysis

I. Demand For Energy

• Determine if the energy conservation policies and procedures followed by the state government result in a reduction in the demand for energy.
  • What are the state's energy conservation policies and procedures?
  • Are the energy conservation policies and procedures followed by the state consistent with the statutes?
  • During the past five years, what non-financial procedures has the state used to conserve energy in the aggregate and by specific energy source?
  • During the past five years, what type of capital investments has the state made to conserve energy in the aggregate and by specific energy source?
  • During the past five years, how much capital has the state invested to conserve energy in the aggregate and by specific energy source?
  • During the past five years, how has the amount of energy consumed by state agencies changed in the aggregate and by specific energy source?
  • In terms of energy conservation what is the state's return on investment?
  • What statutory, policy, and procedural changes could be made to increase energy conservation in the aggregate and by specific source?
• Determine if the energy policies and procedures followed by the state government have increased reliance on alternative and renewable energy sources.
  • What are the state's policies and procedures with respect to alternative and renewable energy sources?
  • During the past five years, what type of capital investments has the state made to increase its use of alternative and renewable energy sources?
  • During the past five years, how much capital has the state invested to increase its use of alternative and renewable energy sources?
  • During the past five years, how has the amount of alternative and renewable energy consumed by state agencies changed?
  • What has been the state's return on investment in alternative and renewable energy sources?
  • What statutory, policy, and procedural changes could be made to increase the use of alternative and renewable energy by state agencies?

II. Supply of Energy

• Determine if the energy procurement policies and procedures followed by the state government result in the state obtaining energy supplies in the most efficient and cost effective manner.
  • What are the state's energy procurement policies and procedures?
  • Are the energy procurement policies and procedures followed by the state consistent with the statutes?
  • How do the state's procurement policies and procedures compare to those of large private sector businesses in Connecticut?
  • What statutory, policy, and procedural changes could be made to decrease the price per energy unit paid by the state?

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