Bill Summary: A03762

• Establishes a new State Energy Office in the Executive Department with a Commissioner appointed by the Governor with Senate consent to serve as the chief executive officer and oversee energy-related matters in New York State.

• Transfers functions, powers, and duties previously held by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to the new State Energy Office, including advisory roles on energy policy, conservation programs, and coordination with other state agencies.

• Creates a 13-member Energy Advisory Council within the Office, including the Commissioner as chair, representatives from various state departments, and five gubernatorial appointees, to assist in developing and implementing comprehensive state energy policy.

• Establishes energy efficiency standards for residential and commercial appliances including hot water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers, gas appliances, air conditioners, and fluorescent lamp ballasts, effective January 1, 2017.

• Requires a periodic audit and commission review of the State Energy Office every four years beginning in 2017, with recommendations on whether the office should continue, be modified, or be dissolved, and what functions should be transferred to other agencies if dissolved.