TITLE AND INTRODUCTION

This Regulation shall be known as the "Energy Savings Performance Contracting Program Amended Regulation." The Puerto Rico State Office of Energy Policy (SOEP) is the lead agency in charge of implementing the public policy set forth in Act No. 19 of January 17, 2012, known as the Energy Savings Performance Contracts Act (Act 19-2012), and Act No. 57 of May 27, 2014, as amended, known as the Energy Transformation and Relief Act (Act 57-2014), which, amongst others, promote the concept of Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPC) as a cost-effective measure for reducing energy and water consumption and promoting efficiency in government owned buildings and installations. Through Act 19-2012, the Government of Puerto Rico adopted ESPCs as an indispensable tool for promoting efficient energy use. Given that ESPCs provide a fiscally sound and efficient way of reducing energy and water consumption, all components of the Government of Puerto Rico are mandated by Act 19-2102 and Act 57-2014 to promote, implement and execute effective strategies to achieve energy and water efficiency and conservation in their operations. All Government Units must promote the use of ESPCs as a contractual mechanism for achieving energy and water efficiency and conservation and promoting the integration of renewable energy generation alternatives. Act 57-2014 grants SOEP specific powers to coordinate and oversee the implementation of ESPCs by Government Units and ensure meaningful reductions in their energy and water consumption. SOEP is responsible for certifying eligible Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) and maintaining a registry of Qualified ESCOs. SOEP is also responsible for providing assistance to Government Units in relation to the development of energy and water efficiency and consumption reduction plans and strategies and providing guidance in the selection and contracting of ESCOs.