HB 6650 Summary

• Creates the Oil Heat and Propane Energy Efficiency Fund to receive proceeds from a new excise tax on heating oil and propane sold for residential use, with funds supporting energy conservation programs.

• Imposes a graduated excise tax on heating oil and propane: 1.5 cents per gallon (July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014), 2.5 cents per gallon (July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015), and 3.5 cents per gallon (July 1, 2015 onward), exempting fuel used by vessels, railroads, utilities, farmers, and the military.

• Establishes quarterly reporting requirements to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection regarding fund deposits and expenditures, with enforcement by the Commissioner of Revenue Services.

• Modifies the Energy Conservation Management Board to include the Fuel Oil Conservation Board in reviewing energy efficiency programs, particularly those serving heating oil and propane consumers, and requires coordination of multi-fuel conservation initiatives.

• Requires any furnaces and boilers in the residential heating equipment financing program to meet or exceed federal Energy Star standards, effective July 1, 2013.