2020 -- H 7866

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LC005002

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2020

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- APPLIANCE AND EQUIPMENT

ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENCY STANDARDS OF 2020

     Introduced By: Representatives Handy, Bennett, McKiernan, and Ruggiero

     Date Introduced: February 26, 2020

     Referred To: House Environment and Natural Resources

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Title 39 of the General Laws entitled "PUBLIC UTILITIES AND

CARRIERS" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 27.1

APPLIANCE AND EQUIPMENT ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENCY STANDARDS OF

2020

     39-27.1-1. Short title.

     This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Appliance and Equipment Energy

and Water Efficiency Standards of 2020."

     39-27.1-2. General purpose.

     This chapter establishes minimum efficiency standards for certain products sold or installed

in the state. This chapter shall, upon enactment, be construed to supersede the provisions of chapter

39 of title 27, "The Energy and Consumer Savings Act of 2005", but only to the extent that any

products sold or installed in compliance with the provisions of chapter 39 of title 27 be replaced on

or after July 1, 2021, with products that are in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

     39-27.1-3. Findings.

     The general assembly finds that:

     (1) Efficiency standards for certain products sold or installed in the state assure consumers

and businesses that such products meet minimum efficiency performance levels, thus reducing

energy and water waste and saving consumers and businesses money on utility bills.

     (2) Efficiency standards contribute to the economy of this state by helping to better balance

supply and demand for both energy and water, thus reducing pressure that creates higher natural

gas, electricity, and water prices. By saving consumers and businesses money on utility bills,

efficiency standards help the state and local economy, since utility bill savings can be spent on local

goods and services.

     (3) The efficiency standards save energy and thus reduce pollution and other environmental

impacts associated with the production, distribution, and use of electricity, natural gas, and other

fuels.

     (4) The water efficiency standards save water and thus reduce the strain on the water

supply. Furthermore, improved water efficiency can reduce or delay the need for water and sewer

infrastructure improvements.

     (5) The efficiency standards can make electricity and natural gas systems more reliable by

reducing the strain on systems during peak demand periods. Furthermore, improved efficiency can

reduce or delay the need for new power plants, power transmission lines, and power distribution

system upgrades as well as new and expanded gas pipelines.

     39-27.1-4. Definitions.

     As used in this chapter:

     (1) "Air compressor" means a compressor designed to compress air that has an inlet open

to the atmosphere or other source of air, and is made up of a compression element (bare

compressor), driver(s), mechanical equipment to drive the compressor element, and any ancillary

equipment. This definition is subject to preemption in the event the federal Department of Energy

publishes federal standards defining "air compressor."

     (2) "Air purifier" also known as "room air cleaner" means an electric, cord-connected,

portable appliance with the primary function of removing particulate matter from the air and which

can be moved from room to room.

     (3) "Cold temperature fluorescent lamp" means a fluorescent lamp that is not a compact

fluorescent lamp that:

     (i) Is specifically designed to start at -20°F when used with a ballast conforming to the

requirements of ANSI C78.81 and ANSI C78.901; and

     (ii) Is expressly designated as a cold temperature lamp both in markings on the lamp and

in marketing materials, including catalogs, sales literature, and promotional material.

     (4) "Commercial dishwasher" means a machine designed to clean and sanitize plates, pots,

pans, glasses, cups, bowls, utensils, and trays by applying sprays of detergent solution (with or

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without blasting media granules) and a sanitizing rinse.

     (5) "Commercial oven" means a chamber designed for heating, roasting, or baking food by

conduction, convection, radiation, and/or electromagnetic energy.

     (6) "Commercial steam cooker" also known as "compartment steamer" means a device

with one or more food-steaming compartments in which the energy in the steam is transferred to

the food by direct contact. Models may include countertop models, wall-mounted models, and floor

models mounted on a stand, pedestal, or cabinet-style base.

     (7) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the Rhode Island office of energy

resources.

     (8) "Compensation" means money or any other valuable thing, regardless of form, received

or to be received by a person for services rendered.

     (9) "Compressor" means a machine or apparatus that converts different types of energy

into the potential energy of gas pressure for displacement and compression of gaseous media to any

higher-pressure values above atmospheric pressure and has a pressure ratio at full-load operating

pressure greater than 1.3.

     (10) "Dual-duct portable air conditioner" means a portable air conditioner that draws some

or all of the condenser inlet air from outside the conditioned space through a duct attached to an

adjustable window bracket, may draw additional condenser inlet air from the conditioned space,

and discharges the condenser outlet air outside the conditioned space by means of a separate duct

attached to an adjustable window bracket. This definition is subject to preemption in the event the

federal Department of Energy publishes federal standards defining "dual-duct portable air

conditioner".

     (11) "Dual-flush effective flush volume" means the average flush volume of two (2)

reduced flushes and one full flush.

     (12) "Dual-flush water closet" means a water closet incorporating a feature that allows the

user to flush the water closet with either a reduced or a full volume of water.

     (13) "Faucet" means a lavatory faucet, kitchen faucet, metering faucet, public lavatory

faucet, or replacement aerator for a lavatory, public lavatory or kitchen faucet.

     (14) "General service lamp" has the same meaning as set forth in the action published at

82 Fed. Reg. 7276, 7321-22 (January 19, 2017) and modified by the action published at 82 Fed.

Reg. 7322, 7333 (January 19, 2017).

     (15) "Hand-held shower" means a showerhead that can be held or fixed in place for the

purpose of spraying water onto a bather and that is connected to a flexible hose.

     (16) "High color rendering index (CRI) fluorescent lamp" means a fluorescent lamp with

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a color rendering index of eighty-seven (87) or greater that is not a compact fluorescent lamp.

     (17) "Impact-resistant fluorescent lamp" means a fluorescent lamp that is not a compact

fluorescent lamp that:

     (i) Has a coating or equivalent technology that is compliant with NSF/ANSI 51 and is

designed to contain the glass if the glass envelope of the lamp is broken; and

     (ii) Is designated and marketed for the intended application, with:

     (A) The designation on the lamp packaging; and

     (B) Marketing materials that identify the lamp as being impact-resistant, shatter-resistant,

shatter-proof, or shatter-protected.

     (18) "Metering faucet" means a fitting that, when turned on, will gradually shut itself off

over a period of several seconds.

     (19) "On demand" means the water cooler heats water as it is requested, which typically

takes a few minutes to deliver.

     (20) "Plumbing fixture" means an exchangeable device, which connects to a plumbing

system to deliver and drain away water and waste.

     (21) "Portable air conditioner" means a portable encased assembly, other than a packaged

terminal air conditioner, room air conditioner, or dehumidifier, that delivers cooled, conditioned

air to an enclosed space, and is powered by single-phase electric current. It includes a source of

refrigeration and may include additional means for air circulation and heating and may be a single-

duct or a dual-duct portable air conditioner.

     (22) "Portable electric spa" means a factory-built electric spa or hot tub which may or may

not include any combination of integral controls, water heating or water circulating equipment.

     (23) "Pressure regulator" means a device that maintains constant operating pressure

immediately downstream from the device, given higher pressure upstream. This definition is

subject to preemption in the event the federal Department of Energy publishes federal standards

defining "pressure regulator".

     (24) "Public lavatory faucet" means a fitting intended to be installed in nonresidential

bathrooms that are exposed to walk-in traffic.

     (25) "Replacement aerator" means an aerator sold as a replacement, separate from the

faucet to which it is intended to be attached.

     (26) "Residential ventilating fan" means a ceiling, wall-mounted, or remotely mounted in-

line fan designed to be used in a bathroom or utility room, whose purpose is to move air from inside

the building to the outdoors.

     (27) "Showerhead" means a device through which water is discharged for a shower bath

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and includes a hand-held showerhead but does not include a safety shower showerhead.

     (28) "Single-duct portable air conditioner" means a portable air conditioner that draws all

of the condenser inlet air from the conditioned space without the means of a duct and discharges

the condenser outlet air outside the conditioned space through a single duct attached to an adjustable

window bracket. This definition is subject to preemption in the event the federal Department of

Energy publishes federal standards defining "single-duct portable air conditioner".

     (29) "Spray sprinkler body" means the exterior case or shell of a sprinkler incorporating a

means of connection to the piping system designed to convey water to a nozzle or orifice.

     (30) "Storage-type" means thermally conditioned water is stored in a tank in the water

cooler and is available instantaneously. Point-of-use, dry storage compartment, and bottled water

coolers are included in this category.

     (31) "Trough-type urinal" means a urinal designed for simultaneous use by two (2) or more

persons.

     (32) "Uninterruptible power supply" means a battery charger consisting of a combination

of convertors, switches and energy storage devices (such as batteries), constituting a power system

for maintaining continuity of load power in case of input power failure. This definition is subject

to preemption in the event the federal Department of Energy publishes federal standards defining

"uninterruptible power supply".

     (33) "Urinal" means a plumbing fixture that receives only liquid body waste and conveys

the waste through a trap into a drainage system.

     (34) "Water closet" means a plumbing fixture having a water-containing receptor that

receives liquid and solid body waste through an exposed integral trap into a drainage system.

     (35) "Water cooler" means a freestanding device that consumes energy to cool or heat

potable water as follows:

     (i) "Cold only units" dispensing cold water only;

     (ii) "Hot and cold units" dispensing both hot and cold water. Some units also offer room-

temperature water; and

     (iii) "Cook and cold units" dispensing both cold and room-temperature water.

     39-27.1-5. Scope.

     (a) The provisions of this chapter apply to:

     (1) Air compressors (unless preempted by federal standards);

     (2) Air purifiers;

     (3) Commercial dishwashers;

     (4) Commercial fryers;

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     (5) Commercial ovens;

     (6) Commercial steam cookers;

     (7) Computers and computer monitors;

     (8) Electric vehicle supply equipment;

     (9) Faucets;

     (10) General service lamps;

     (11) High CRI, cold temperature, impact resistant fluorescent lamps;

     (12) Portable air conditioners (unless preempted by federal standards);

     (13) Portable electric spas;

     (14) Residential ventilating fans;

     (15) Showerheads;

     (16) Spray sprinkler bodies;

     (17) Uninterruptible power supplies (unless preempted by federal standards);

     (18) Urinals;

     (19) Water closets;

     (20) Water coolers; and

     (21) Any other products as may be designated by the commissioner.

     (b) The provisions of this chapter do not apply to:

     (1) New products manufactured in the state and sold outside the state;

     (2) New products manufactured outside the state and sold at wholesale inside the state for

final retail sale and installation outside the state;

     (3) Products installed in mobile manufactured homes at the time of construction; or

     (4) Products designed expressly for installation and use in recreational vehicles.

     39-27.1-6. Standards.

     (a) Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this chapter, the commissioner, in

consultation with the Rhode Island office of energy resources and the energy efficiency resource

management council, shall adopt rules and regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter

35 of title 42, establishing minimum efficiency standards for the types of new products set forth in

§ 42-27.1-4.

     (b) The regulations shall provide for the following minimum efficiency standards:

     (1) Air compressors that meet the twelve (12) criteria listed on page 350 to 351 of the

"Energy Conservation Standards for Air Compressors" final rule issued by the U.S. Department of

Energy on December 5, 2016 shall meet the requirements in Table 1 on page 352 following the

instructions on page 353 and as measured in accordance with Appendix A to Subpart T of Part 431

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of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations "Uniform Test Method for Certain Air Compressors"

as in effect on July 3, 2017. This standard is subject to preemption in the event the federal

Department of Energy publishes updated federal standards defining "air compressors".

     (2) Air purifiers, except industrial air purifiers, shall meet the following requirements as

measured in accordance with the ENERGY STAR Program Requirements Product Specification

for Room Air Cleaners, Version 2.0:

     (i) Clean air delivery rate (CADR) for smoke shall be thirty (30) or greater;

     (ii) For models with a CADR for smoke less than one hundred (100), CADR/Watt for

smoke shall be greater than or equal to 1.7;

     (iii) For models with a CADR for smoke greater than or equal to one hundred (100) and

less than one hundred fifty (150), CADR/Watt for smoke shall be greater than or equal to 1.9;

     (iv) For models with a CADR for smoke greater than or equal to one hundred fifty (150),

CADR/Watt for smoke shall be greater than or equal to 2.0;

     (v) For ozone-emitting models, measured ozone shall be less than or equal to fifty (50)

parts per billion (ppb);

     (vi) For models with a Wi-Fi network connection enabled by default when shipped, partial

on mode power shall not exceed two (2) watts; and

     (vii) For models without a Wi-Fi network connection enabled by default when shipped,

partial on mode power shall not exceed one watt.

     (3) Commercial dishwashers included in the scope of the ENERGY STAR Program

Requirements Product Specification for Commercial Dishwashers, Version 2.0, shall meet the

qualification criteria of that specification.

     (4) Commercial fryers included in the scope of the ENERGY STAR Program

Requirements Product Specification for Commercial Fryers, Version 2.0, shall meet the

qualification criteria of that specification.

     (5) Commercial ovens included in the scope of the ENERGY STAR Program

Requirements Product Specification for Commercial Ovens, Version 2.2, shall meet the

qualification criteria of that specification.

     (6) Commercial steam cookers shall meet the requirements of the ENERGY STAR

Program Requirements Product Specification for Commercial Steam Cookers, Version 1.2.

     (7) Computers and computer monitors shall meet the requirements of § 1605.3(v) of Title

20 of the California Code of Regulations (C.C.R.) and compliance with those requirements shall

be as measured in accordance with test methods prescribed in § 1604(v) of those regulations.

     (i) The rules shall define "computer" and "computer monitor" to have the same meaning as

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set forth in 20 C.C.R. § 1602(v).

     (ii) The referenced portions of the C.C.R. shall be those adopted on or before the effective

date of this chapter. However, the commissioner shall have authority to amend the rules so that the

definitions of "computer" and "computer monitor" and the minimum efficiency standards for

computers and computer monitors conform to subsequently adopted modifications to the

referenced sections of the C.C.R.

     (8) Electric vehicle supply equipment included in the scope of the ENERGY STAR

Program Requirements Product Specification for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, Version 1.0

(Rev. Apr-2017), shall meet the qualification criteria of that specification.

     (9) Faucets, except for metering faucets, shall meet the standards shown in this subsection

when tested in accordance with 10 C.F.R. 430, Subpart B, Appendix S, and compliance with those

requirements shall be the "Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Water Consumption of Faucets

and Showerheads" as in effect on January 1, 2020.

     (i) Lavatory faucets and replacement aerators shall not exceed a maximum flow rate of one

and one-half gallons per minute (1.5 gpm) at sixty pounds per square inch (60 psi).

     (ii) Residential kitchen faucets and replacement aerators shall not exceed a maximum flow

rate of one and eight-tenths gallons per minute (1.8 gpm) at sixty pounds per square inch (60 psi),

with optional temporary flow of two and two-tenths gallons per minute (2.2 gpm), provided they

default to a maximum flow rate of one and eight-tenths gallons per minute (1.8 gpm) at sixty pounds

per square inch (60 psi) after each use.

     (iii) Public lavatory faucets and replacement aerators shall not exceed a maximum flow

rate of five-tenths gallons per minute (0.5 gpm) at sixty pounds per square inch (60 psi).

     (10) General service lamps shall meet or exceed a lamp efficacy of forty-five (45) lumens

per watt, when tested in accordance with the applicable federal test procedures for general service

lamps, prescribed in 10 C.F.R. § 430.23(gg) as in effect on January 1, 2020.

     (11) High CRI fluorescent lamps shall meet the minimum efficacy requirements contained

in 10 C.F.R. § 430.32(n)(4) as in effect on January 1, 2020, as measured in accordance with 10

C.F.R. § 430, Subpart B, Appendix R "Uniform Test Method for Measuring Average Lamp

Efficacy (LE), Color Rendering Index (CRI), and Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) of Electric

Lamps as in effect on January 1, 2020.

     (12) Portable air conditioners shall have a Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio (CEER), as

measured in accordance with 10 C.F.R. § 430, Subpart B, Appendix CC "Uniform Test Method for

Measuring the Energy Consumption of Portable Air Conditioners as in effect on January 1, 2020,

that is greater than or equal to: 1.04 x SACC/(3.7117 x SACC0.6384) where SACC is Seasonally

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Adjusted Cooling Capacity in Btu/h. This standard is subject to preemption in the event the federal

Department of Energy publishes federal standards defining "portable air conditioners".

     (13) Portable electric spas shall meet the requirements of the "American National Standard

for Portable Electric Spa Energy Efficiency" (ANSI/APSP/ICC-14).

     (14) Residential ventilating fans shall meet the qualification criteria of the ENERGY STAR

Program Requirements Product Specification for Residential Ventilating Fans, Version 4.1.

     (15) Showerheads shall not exceed a maximum flow rate of two gallons per minute (2.0

gpm) at eighty pounds per square inch (80 psi) when tested in accordance with 10 C.F.R. § 430,

Subpart B, Appendix S and compliance with those requirements shall be the "Uniform Test Method

for Measuring the Water Consumption of Faucets and Showerheads" as in effect on January 1,

2020.

     (16) Spray sprinkler bodies that are not specifically excluded from the scope of the

WaterSense Specification for Spray Sprinkler Bodies, Version 1.0, shall include an integral

pressure regulator and shall meet the water efficiency and performance criteria and other

requirements of that specification.

     (17) Uninterruptible power supplies that utilize a NEMA 1-15P or 5-15P input plug and

have an AC output shall have an average load adjusted efficiency that meets or exceed the values

shown on page 193 of the pre-publication final rule "Energy Conservation Program: Energy

Conservation Standards for Uninterruptible Power Supplies" issued by the U.S. Department of

Energy on December 28, 2016, as measured in accordance with test procedures prescribed in 10

C.F.R. § 430, Subpart B, Appendix Y "Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Energy

Consumption of Battery Chargers" as in effect on January 11, 2017. This standard is subject to

preemption in the event the federal Department of Energy publishes federal standards defining

"uninterruptible power supplies".

     (18) Urinals and water closets, other than those designed and marketed exclusively for use

at prisons or mental health facilities, shall meet the standards shown in this chapter when tested in

accordance with 10 C.F.R. § 430, Subpart B, Appendix T "Uniform Test Method for Measuring

the Water Consumption of Water Closets and Urinals" as in effect on January 1, 2020 and water

closets shall pass the waste extraction test for water closets (Section 7.9) of the American Society

of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) A112.19.2/CSA B45.1-2018.

     (i) Wall-mounted urinals, except for trough-type urinals, shall have a maximum flush

volume of one-half (0.5) gallons per flush.

     (ii) Floor-mounted urinals, except for trough-type urinals, shall have a maximum flush

volume of one-half (0.5) gallons per flush.

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     (iii) Water closets, except for dual-flush tank-type water closets, shall have a maximum

flush volume of 1.28 gallons per flush.

     (iv) Dual-flush tank-type water closets shall have a maximum dual flush effective flush

volume of 1.28 gallons per flush.

     (19) Water coolers included in the scope of the ENERGY STAR Program Requirements

Product Specification for Water Coolers, Version 2.0, shall have on mode with no water draw

energy consumption less than or equal the following values as measured in accordance with the

test requirements of that program:

     (i) Sixteen hundredths kilowatt-hours (0.16 kwh) per day for cold-only units and cook and

cold units;

     (ii) Eighty-seven hundredths kilowatt-hours (0.87 kwh) per day for storage type hot and

cold units; and

     (iii) Eighteen hundredths kilowatt-hours (0.18 kwh) per day for on demand hot and cold

units.

     39-27.1-7. Implementation.

     (a) On or after January 1, 2022, no new air purifier, cold-temperature fluorescent lamp,

commercial dishwasher, commercial fryer, commercial oven, commercial steam cooker, computer

or computer monitor, electric vehicle supply equipment, faucet, high CRI fluorescent lamp, impact

resistant fluorescent lamp, portable electric spa, residential ventilating fan, showerhead, spray

sprinkler body, uninterruptible power supply, urinal, water closet, or water cooler may be sold or

offered for sale, lease, or rent in the state unless the efficiency of the new product meets or exceeds

the efficiency standards provided in § 39-27.1-6 or preempted by the federal Department of Energy.

     (b) No later than six (6) months from the date of enactment of this chapter, and as necessary

thereafter, the commissioner shall determine which general service lamps are subject to federal

preemption. On or after January 1, 2021, no general service lamp that is not subject to federal

preemption may be sold or offered for sale in the state unless the efficiency of the new product

meets or exceeds the efficiency standards provided in § 39-27.1-6.

     (c) On or after January 1, 2022, no new air compressor may be sold or offered for sale,

lease, or rent in the state unless the efficiency of the new product meets or exceeds the efficiency

standards provided in § 39-27.1-6 or preempted by the federal Department of Energy.

     (d) On or after February 1, 2022, no new portable air conditioner may be sold or offered

for sale, lease, or rent in the state unless the efficiency of the new product meets or exceeds the

efficiency standards provided in § 39-27.1-6 or preempted by the federal Department of Energy.

     (e) One year after the date upon which the sale or offering for sale of certain products

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becomes subject to the requirements of subsections (a), (b), (c), or (d) of this section, no such

products may be installed for compensation in the state unless the efficiency of the new product

meets or exceeds the efficiency standards provided in § 39-27.1-6 or preempted by the federal

Department of Energy.

     39-27.1-8. New and revised standards.

     The commissioner may adopt rules and regulations, in accordance with the provisions of

chapter 35 of title 42, to establish increased efficiency standards for the products listed or

incorporated in § 39-27.1-5. The commissioner may also establish standards for products not

specifically listed in § 39-27.1-5. In considering such new or amended standards, the commissioner,

in consultation with the Rhode Island office of energy resources and energy efficiency and resource

management council, shall set efficiency standards upon a determination that increased efficiency

standards would serve to promote energy or water conservation in the state and would be cost

effective for consumers who purchase and use these new products, provided that no new or

increased efficiency standards shall become effective within one year following the adoption of

any amended regulations establishing such increased efficiency standards.

     39-27.1-9. Protection against repeal of federal standards.

     (a) If any of the energy or water conservation standards issued or approved for publication

by the Office of the United States Secretary of Energy as of January 1, 2018, pursuant to the Energy

Policy and Conservation Act 10 C.F.R., Parts 430-431, are withdrawn, repealed, or otherwise

voided, the minimum energy or water efficiency level permitted for products previously subject to

federal energy or water conservation standards shall be the previously applicable federal standards,

and no such new products may be sold or offered for sale, lease or rent in the state unless it meets

or exceeds such standards.

     (b) This section shall not apply to any federal energy or water conservation standard set

aside by a court upon the petition of a person who will be adversely affected, as provided in 42

U.S.C. § 6306(b).

     39-27.1-10. Testing, certification, labeling, and enforcement.

     (a) The manufacturers of products covered by this chapter shall test samples of their

products in accordance with the test procedures adopted pursuant to this chapter. The commissioner

may adopt updated test methods when new versions of test procedures become available.

     (b) Manufacturers of new products covered by § 39-27.1-5 shall certify to the

commissioner that these products are in compliance with the provisions of this chapter. These

certifications shall be based on test results. The commissioner shall promulgate rules and

regulations governing the certification of these products and shall coordinate with the certification

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programs of other states and federal agencies with similar standards.

     (c) Manufacturers of new products covered by § 39-27.1-5 shall identify each product

offered for sale or installation in the state as in compliance with the provisions of this chapter by

means of a mark, label, or tag on the product and packaging at the time of sale or installation. The

commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations governing the identification of these products

and packaging, which shall be coordinated to the greatest practical extent with the labeling

programs of other states and federal agencies with equivalent efficiency standards. The

commissioner shall allow the use of existing marks, labels, or tags, which connote compliance with

the efficiency requirements of this chapter.

     (d) The commissioner may test products covered by § 39-27.1-5. If products so tested are

found not to be in compliance with the minimum efficiency standards established under § 39-27.1-

5, the commissioner shall:

     (1) Charge the manufacturer of such product for the cost of product purchase and testing;

and

     (2) Make information available to the attorney general and the public on products found

not to be in compliance with the standards.

     (e) With prior notice and at reasonable and convenient hours, the commissioner may cause

periodic inspections to be made of distributors or retailers of new products covered by § 39-27.1-5

in order to determine compliance with the provisions of this chapter. The commissioner shall also

coordinate with the state building commissioner regarding inspections prior to occupancy of newly

constructed buildings containing new products that are also covered by the 2012 IECC.

     (f) The commissioner shall investigate complaints received concerning violations of this

chapter and shall report the results of such investigations to the attorney general. The attorney

general may institute proceedings to enforce the provisions of this chapter. Any manufacturer,

distributor, or retailer, or any person who installs a product covered by this chapter for

compensation, who violates any provision of this chapter, shall be issued a warning by the

commissioner for any first violation and subject to a civil penalty of up to one hundred dollars

($100) for each offense. Repeat violations shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than five

hundred dollars ($500) for each offense. Each violation shall constitute a separate offense, and each

day that such violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. Penalties assessed under this

subsection are in addition to costs assessed under subsection (d) of this section.

     (g) The commissioner may adopt such further rules and regulations as necessary to ensure

the proper implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.

     39-27.1-11. Severability of provisions.

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     The provisions of this chapter shall be severable, and if the application of any clause,

sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section, or part of this chapter shall be adjudged by any court of

competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the

application of any other clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section, or part of this chapter.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage, and shall be construed to supersede

the provisions of chapter 39 of title 27, "The Energy and Consumer Savings Act of 2005", but only

to the extent that any products sold or installed in compliance with the provisions of chapter 39 of

title 27 be replaced on or after July 1, 2021, with products that are in accordance with the provisions

of this chapter.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- APPLIANCE AND EQUIPMENT

ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENCY STANDARDS OF 2020

***

     This act would establish minimum energy and water efficiency standards for appliances

and specified equipment purchased or installed after July 1, 2021.

     This act would take effect upon passage, and would be construed to supersede the

provisions of chapter 39 of title 27, "The Energy and Consumer Savings Act of 2005", but only to

the extent that any products sold or installed in compliance with the provisions of chapter 39 of

title 27 be replaced on or after July 1, 2021, with products that are in accordance with the provisions

of this chapter.

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LC005002

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LC005002 - Page 14 of 14