Bill Summary: A05819

• Establishes a new State Energy Office in the Executive Department with a Governor-appointed Commissioner (subject to Senate confirmation) to replace functions previously held by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

• Grants the State Energy Office broad powers including advising on state energy policy, promulgating rules and regulations, conducting energy research and conservation programs, and overseeing energy-related activities of individuals and entities in New York.

• Creates a 13-member Energy Advisory Council chaired by the State Energy Office Commissioner to coordinate development and implementation of comprehensive state energy policy, including representatives from multiple state agencies.

• Establishes energy efficiency standards for residential and commercial appliances including hot water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers, gas appliances, air conditioners, and fluorescent lamp ballasts, with enforcement authority granted to the Attorney General and local officials.

• Transfers all records, appropriations, contracts, and pending legal actions from the Energy Research and Development Authority to the State Energy Office, with provisions for periodic audits and continuation of existing rules and regulations until modified or repealed.