BILL ANALYSIS Appropriations Committee Fiscal Summary AB 1663 (Wright) Hearing Date: 8/23/99 Amended: 8/17/99 Consultant: Bob Franzoia Policy Vote: E,U&C 10-0 ____________________________________________________________ BILL SUMMARY: AB 1663 would do the following relating to energy conservation assistance administered by the State Public Works Board (SPWB) and the California Energy Commission (CEC): 1)Provides that the total amount of funds authorized ($500 million), instead of the total annual amount authorized ($50 million) and available for use until 1992-93, be available for use by the SPWB until January 1, 2005. 2)Extends from January 1, 2000 to January 1, 2005, the policy of the state to encourage 3rd party financing of energy and water projects at state-owned sites and sets forth incentive benefits between the state and the entities siting the facilities. 3)Extend the authorization for the State Energy Conservation Assistance Account and the Local Jurisdiction Energy Assistance Account in the General Fund from January 1, 2001 and 2002, respectively, to January 1, 2011. Fiscal Impact (in thousands) Major Provisions 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 Fund Sunset extension Unknown moderate costs to issueGeneral/ for energy loan revenue debt; costs likely offset byVarious programs future energy savings Special STAFF COMMENTS: The SPWB is authorized to issue up to $50 million annually in revenue bonds for ten years or a maximum of $500 million to fund project that reduce energy costs at state facilities. To date, the program has financed over $200 million in projects at state agencies, community colleges, and California State University and University of California campuses. This bill would extend the program sunset until January 1, 2005 and allow for the maximum amount authorized to be issued. The CEC administers both the State Energy Conservation Assistance Account and the Local Jurisdiction Energy Assistance Account to finance energy efficiency projects by local governments. These accounts receive funding from the Petroleum Violation Escrow Account funds.