Section 14: Contracts for energy conservation projects costing one hundred thousands dollars or less; additions to monthly utility bills

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Section 14.

(a)A state agency, building authority, local governmental body or the judiciary may contract for energy conservation projects that have a total project cost of $300,000 or less, directly and without further solicitation, with electric and gas utilities, their subcontractors and other providers of such energy conservation projects authorized under sections 19 and 21 of chapter 25 and section 11G. For the purposes of this section, ''energy conservation projects'' shall mean projects to promote energy conservation including, but not limited to:

(i)energy conserving modification to windows and doors;

(ii)caulking and weatherstripping;

(iii)insulation;

(iv)automatic energy control systems;

(v)hot water systems;

(vi)equipment required to operate variable steam, hydraulic and ventilating systems;

(vii)plant and distribution system modifications;

(viii)devices for modifying fuel openings;

(ix)electrical or mechanical furnace ignition systems;

(x)utility plant system conversions;

(xi)replacement or modification of lighting fixtures;

(xii)energy recovery systems;

(xiii)on-site electrical generation equipment using new renewable energy generating sources as defined in section 11F;

(xiv)decarbonization activities; and

(xv)cogeneration systems.

(b)For purposes of this section, ''total project cost'' shall mean all construction costs of an energy conservation project, whether borne by the utility, agency, authority, body or the judiciary including, without limitation, the costs associated with equipment purchase and installation of such equipment. Ancillary services provided at no cost by utilities, such as auditing and design, shall not be considered part of project cost.

(c)A state agency, building authority, local governmental body or the judiciary may pay for such energy conservation projects through additions to their monthly utility bills.

(d)Sections 44A to 44M, inclusive, of chapter 149 and section 39M of chapter 30 shall not apply to contracts entered into under this section.

(e)Notwithstanding subsection (a), the division of capital asset management and maintenance may contract for energy conservation projects that have a total project cost of not more than $500,000, directly and without further solicitation, with electric and gas utilities, their subcontractors and other providers of such energy conservation projects authorized under section 11G and sections 19 and 21 of chapter 25.