(a) There is established an account to be known as the “state-wide energy efficiency and outreach account”, which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account of the General Fund. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account. Any balance remaining in said account at the end of any fiscal year shall be carried forward in said account for the fiscal year next succeeding.

(b) The moneys in said account shall be expended by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority for the purpose of carrying out the requirements of sections 16a-47a, 16a-47b and 16a-47d.