§ 135-h. Installation. 1. A utility shall afford each participant in its home conservation plan the option of installing energy conservation measures either (a) by performing the work on a "do-it-yourself" basis, where deemed safe and feasible by the commission, under guidelines set by the commission for assuring quality and conformance with applicable criteria; (b) through the use of services provided by the utility itself, if the utility decides to offer such services provided, however, that in offering such services, the utility shall contract, through the use of prevailing competitive bidding processes, with persons, firms and corporations not owned or operated by such utility for the installation of energy conservation measures; or, (c) through the use of the services of a contractor and/or supplier of the customer's choice, whose name appears on a list of qualified contractors and/or suppliers maintained and periodically updated by the utility.

Terms Used In N.Y. Public Service Law 135-H

  • Commission: means the public service commission of the state of New York. See N.Y. Public Service Law 135-B
  • Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
  • Energy conservation measures: means :

    (a) caulking and weatherstripping of all exterior doors and windows;

    (b) furnace efficiency modifications including but not limited to:

    (i) replacement burners designed to reduce the firing rate or to achieve a reduction in the amount of fuel consumed as a result of increased combustion efficiency;

    (ii) devices for modifying flue openings which will increase the efficiency of the heating system, and

    (iii) electrical or mechanical furnace ignition systems which replace standing gas pilot lights;

    (c) furnace and boiler retrofits, including but not limited to burner and system derating;

    (d) furnace and boiler replacements regardless of the fuel used, provided that such replacement furnaces or boilers shall meet minimum efficiency standards established by the commission;

    (e) heat pumps provided that such heat pumps shall meet such minimum efficiency standards for heating and cooling purposes established by the commission in the absence of any provision establishing such standards in the energy law;

    (f) clock thermostats;

    (g) ceiling, attic, wall, foundation, air duct, heating pipe and floor insulation;

    (h) hot water heater insulation;

    (i) storm and thermal windows and doors;

    (j) solar and wind systems; and

    (k) load management devices and energy use meters, together with associated wiring; and

    (l) such other measures that the commission shall specify. See N.Y. Public Service Law 135-B
  • Home conservation plan: means the general program administered and established by each utility pursuant to this article, which sets forth the framework for individual home energy conservation programs for eligible customers. See N.Y. Public Service Law 135-B
  • Utility: means an investor-owned gas or electrical corporation regulated by the commission whose gross revenues for the preceding calendar year exceeded three hundred fifty million dollars. See N.Y. Public Service Law 135-B

2. In implementing paragraph (a) of subdivision one of this section, the utilities, in consultation with the commission, shall prepare a "do-it-yourself" manual for the customers it serves, detailing the materials capable of being used, their manner of effective installation, and the criteria used in inspection to determine the degree of effectiveness. With reference to all installations to be made pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (c) of subdivision one of this section, the utility shall prepare and maintain a list of qualified and participating suppliers and contractors in a non-discriminatory manner. The decision as to which option, supplier, or contractor to use is the choice of the customer.

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