In This Issue:

Law and Policy Updates: Overview of Energy Savings Performance Contracts; Texas Oil Companies Seek Repeal of California Global Warming Law; More Obstacles to AB 32 Implementation; Fannie Mae Regulators Shut Down Clean Energy Funding Program; Partisan Gridlock Complicates Already Difficult Energy Debate; In the Spotlight — U.S. Regenerative Network; Recent News; and Questions or Comments?

Law and Policy Updates

Overview of Energy Savings Performance Contracts

BY DAREN GRAHAM

Energy savings performance contracts (ESPCs) are partnerships between energy services companies (ESCOs) and their customers for the purpose of financing and implementing cost-saving energy efficiency improvements. An ESCO’s principal service under an ESPC is the development, design, engineering, and installation of projects that reduce the energy and operations and maintenance (O&M) costs of customers’ facilities. These projects typically include a variety of measures customized for the facility and designed to improve the efficiency of major building systems, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and lighting systems.