(a) The commission shall administer the State Energy Conservation Assistance Account to provide grants and loans to local governments and public institutions to maximize energy use savings, expand installation of energy storage systems, and expand the availability of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, including, but not limited to, technical assistance, demonstrations, and identification and implementation of cost-effective energy efficiency, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure measures and programs in existing and planned buildings or facilities. An eligible institution may propose a group of multiple projects where the determination of whether the projects are cost effective shall be determined by the cost-effectiveness of those multiple projects bundled together.

(b) It is further the intent of the Legislature that the commission seek the assistance of utility companies in providing energy audits for local governments and public institutions and in publicizing the availability of State Energy Conservation Assistance Account funds to qualified entities.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 226, Sec. 1. (AB 33) Effective January 1, 2022. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 25421.)