§253. Development and coordination of policy

            A.(1) The division of administration shall develop and implement a standardized reporting method to obtain information from each agency on energy usage and costs for such energy used no later than January 1, 2002. The reports shall include information relative to state-owned or leased buildings and facilities concerning location, billing name and address, square footage, hours of operation, demand charges, energy suppliers, and energy costs. Such reports shall be made on a biannual basis.

            (2) The division of administration shall use this information to develop and maintain a database on all state buildings and facilities and their associated energy use, energy demand, and energy cost. The Department of Energy and Natural Resources shall provide energy management training upon request to certain state personnel, such as building managers, financial administrators, and others.

            B.(1) The division of administration shall develop an initial energy cost index no later than April 1, 2002. The energy cost index shall be developed using the information obtained pursuant to Subsection A of this Section. The energy cost index shall include but not be limited to the following:

            (a) British thermal units per square foot by building or facility class.

            (b) Energy costs per million British thermal units.

            (c) Kilowatt demand by square foot by class.

            (d) A target power factor.

            (2) The division of administration shall use the energy cost index to identify state buildings and facilities with elevated energy use or costs.

            C. The division of administration shall conduct, or cause to be conducted, detailed bill assessments and energy audits on state buildings and facilities with identified elevated energy use or costs. Such assessments and energy audits shall be conducted on a priority basis based on results of the energy cost index. Bill assessments shall include assessments of gas and electrical consumption, peak demand and demand charges, service charges, and tariff or rate schedule appropriateness. Energy audits shall include audits of occupancy and use patterns, electrical controls and control systems, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning efficiency and maintenance, lighting efficiency, building infiltration, and control of radiant gain through walls, roof, and windows. In order to minimize expenditures, the division of administration shall utilize performance contracting and service agreements to the maximum extent possible.

            D. The division of administration shall make, or cause to be made, recommendations for energy cost-saving measures, hereinafter referred to as "ECSMs" as a result of bill assessments or energy audits conducted as provided in Subsection C of this Section. Approved ECSMs shall include measures to reduce energy consumption, reduce demand charges, improve power factors, and lower per unit energy costs. Such measures shall be prioritized on life cycle costing.

            E. The division of administration shall aggregate buildings and facilities or agencies for the purpose of negotiating utility rates favorable to the state.

            F. The division of administration shall evaluate the economic feasibility of on-site electrical generation. The division of administration shall develop on-site electrical generation when the per unit energy costs or energy demand charges make on-site generation favorable on a life cycle cost analysis. On-site generation technologies may include fuel cells, fuel-fired turbines, and renewable energy sources such as photorolatics, solar thermal energy, and biomass energy.

            G. Success in achieving and maintaining savings in energy consumption and in implementing ECSMs, as well as accuracy and timeliness in completing and submitting the reports required under this Part, may be considered within the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget's review of agency performance under the Louisiana Government Performance and Accountability Act.

            Acts 1984, No. 662, §1, eff. July 1, 1984; Acts 1986, No. 255, §1, eff. July 1, 1986; Acts 2001, No. 1184, §1, eff. June 29, 2001; Acts 2023, No. 150, §13, eff. Jan. 10, 2024.