MS HB850

Extends the repeal date of Section 31-7-14, Mississippi Code of 1972, from July 1, 2019 to July 1, 2022, allowing entities to continue entering into energy efficiency service contracts.

Authorizes public school districts, junior colleges, institutions of higher learning, publicly owned hospitals, and state agencies to enter into energy services contracts, energy performance contracts, and shared-savings contracts for energy efficiency equipment and improvements.

Requires energy services providers to be prequalified by the Energy Division of the Mississippi Development Authority based on documented energy savings experience, technical capabilities, and financial stability.

Establishes that lease-purchase agreements for energy efficiency equipment cannot exceed 20 years or the useful life of the measures, with interest rates not exceeding the maximum rate for general obligation indebtedness.

Requires entities using energy performance or shared-savings contracts to report energy usage and consumption data to the division semiannually, with providers losing qualified status after two reporting violations.