To the extent funds are available, the trust shall develop a program to provide technical and financial support to help kindergarten to grade 12 schools, including charter schools and private schools, to become carbon neutral. Under this program, the trust may: [2021, c. 152, §1(AMD).]
1.Professional services. Facilitate access to professional services, including but not limited to energy audits, technical support, financing and legal services, to assist in the planning, design or procurement of construction projects, solar power purchases or equipment that will help a school facility to become carbon neutral. The trust may provide financial incentives for these services; [2021, c. 152, §1(AMD).]
2.Energy measures. Provide financial assistance for cost-effective energy measures identified in an energy audit or the plans, designs or procurements of a school facility. Eligibility for energy measures qualifying for financial assistance under this section must be determined by the trust; and [2021, c. 152, §1(AMD).]
3.School payments. Accept payments from schools, including, but not limited to, payments equal to or less than the value on monthly energy bills of the energy savings as a result of the energy measures. These payments may include costs to develop and oversee the project, administer the program and service loans. [2013, c. 366, §1(NEW).]
The trust, in collaboration with the Department of Education, shall identify and provide incentives for cost-effective electric and natural gas conservation projects in school construction projects designated by the State Board of Education for funding pursuant to rules adopted under Title 20-A, section 15905. [2019, c. 347, §2(NEW).]
Amended by 2021SP1, c. 152,§ 1, eff. 10/18/2021.Amended by 2019, c. 347,§ 2, eff. 9/19/2019.Added by 2013, c. 366,§ 1, eff. 10/9/2013.