§ 16-128B — Qualified energy efficiency installers

(a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 99th General Assembly, the Commission shall adopt rules, including emergency rules, establishing a process for entities installing energy efficiency measures to certify compliance with the requirements of this Section. The process shall include an option to complete the certification electronically by completing forms on-line. An entity installing energy efficiency measures shall be permitted to complete the certification after the subject work has been completed. The Commission shall maintain on its website a list of entities installing energy efficiency measures that have successfully completed the certification process. (b) In addition to any authority granted to the Commission under this Act, the Commission may: (1) determine which entities are subject to certification under this Section; (2) impose reasonable certification fees and penalties; (3) adopt disciplinary procedures; (4) investigate any and all activities subject to this Section, including violations thereof; (5) adopt procedures to issue or renew, or to refuse to issue or renew, a certification or to revoke, suspend, place on probation, reprimand, or otherwise discipline a certified entity under this Act or take other enforcement action against an entity subject to this Section; and (6) prescribe forms to be issued for the administration and enforcement of this Section. (c) An electric utility may not provide a retail customer with a rebate or other energy efficiency incentive for a measure that exceeds a minimal amount determined by the Commission unless the customer provides the electric utility with (1) a certification that the person installing the energy efficiency measure was a self-installer; or (2) evidence that the energy efficiency measure was installed by an entity certified under this Section that is also in good standing with the Commission. (d) The Commission shall: (1) require entities installing energy efficiency measures to be certified to do business and to be bonded in this State; (2) ensure that entities installing energy efficiency measures have the requisite knowledge, skill, training, experience, and competence to perform functions in a safe and reliable manner as required under subsection (a) of Section 16-128 of this Act; (3) ensure that entities installing energy efficiency measures conform to applicable building and electrical codes; (4) ensure that all entities installing energy efficiency measures meet recognized industry standards as the Commission deems appropriate; (5) include any additional requirements that the Commission deems reasonable to ensure that entities installing energy efficiency measures meet adequate training, financial, and competency requirements; (6) ensure that all entities installing energy efficiency measures obtain certificates of insurance in sufficient amounts and coverages that the Commission so determines; and (7) identify and determine the training or other programs by which persons or entities may obtain the requisite training, skill, or experience necessary to achieve and maintain compliance with the requirements of this Section. (e) Fees and penalties collected under this Section shall be deposited into the Public Utility Fund and used to fund the Commission's compliance with the obligations imposed by this Section. (f) The rules adopted under this Section shall specify the initial dates for compliance with the rules. (g) For purposes of this Section, entities installing energy efficiency measures shall endeavor to support the diversity goals of this State by attracting, developing, retaining, and providing opportunities to employees of all backgrounds and by supporting female-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned, and small businesses.

Legislative History

(Source: P.A. 99-906, eff. 6-1-17 .)