Utility Energy Service Contracts Improvement Act of 2013
Key claim: Federal agencies would be allowed to sign utility energy-efficiency contracts lasting up to 25 years instead of 10, provided the contracts measure, verify, and guarantee the energy savings.
Abstract
(S1652 · 113th Congress) Utility Energy Service Contracts Improvement Act of 2013 - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act, with respect to promotion of the conservation and efficient use of energy and water, and the use of renewable resources, by the federal government, to authorize each agency to use measures provided by law to meet energy efficiency and conservation mandates and laws, including through utility energy service contracts. Authorizes the term of such a contract to have a contract period that extends beyond 10 years, but prohibits such term from exceeding 25 years. Requires the contract conditions to include requirements for measurement, verification, and performance assurances or guarantees of the savings. Latest action (2013-11-05): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (text of measure as introduced: CR S7830-7831)
Why this matters
Federal buildings are among the largest single energy consumers in the country, and UESC term length directly affects which efficiency retrofits pencil out — longer terms let utilities amortize deeper capital projects (envelope, HVAC, controls) whose payback exceeds 10 years. The 2013 bill did not advance, but the underlying policy debate over UESC term limits remains a recurring lever for federal energy conservation.