New Senate legislation targets energy bills, energy waste and pollution

Several senators introduced into the Senate last week legislation that proposes to lower monthly energy bills, cut energy waste and reduce carbon pollution through low-interest financing.

The Community Energy Savings Program Act of 2019 (CESP) was introduced by U.S. Sens. Tina Smith (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT). It proposes low-interest financing for those consumers seeking energy efficient upgrades for homes. Sponsors of the bill hope that, in addition to being good for the environment, the legislation will help bolster and encourage the infrastructure upgrades that would spur new jobs throughout the country.

“Lots of families in my blue collar neighborhood would love to reduce their energy bills, but don’t have the cash flow to make the up-front investments in better insulation, tighter windows, or a more efficient boiler,” Merkley said. “If we give them low-cost loans that can be repaid from their savings on their utility bills, it’s not just good for them, it’s good for all of us. With this bill, we can put more money in working families’ pockets, create good jobs, and help cut the pollution that is driving droughts, wildfires, and vicious storms.”

The legislation would essentially build on previous efforts made under the Rural Energy Savings Program. It would be administered by the U.S. Department of Energy and provide grants to states, territories, and tribes through the existing State Energy Program, and potentially either issue loans to consumers or money to public utilities or local governments with their own respective programs. Unlike its predecessor, which is only available to communities served by the Rural Utilities Service, CESP would be available to any state, public utility or local government interested in participating.

“Our country can lead or we can follow when it comes to the clean energy transition,” Smith said. “I want us to lead, and one way we can do that is by making it easier for families in Minnesota and across the country to make home improvements that save energy. The cheapest and cleanest energy is the energy that you don’t ever need to buy through saving on utility bills, and I hope more of our colleagues join us in this effort.”