Honorable Jim Keffer, Chair, House Committee on Energy Resources
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3045 by Farias (Relating to the development of a solar energy visualization platform by the State Energy Conservation Office.), As Introduced
Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB3045, As Introduced: a negative impact of ($7,738,000) through the biennium ending August 31, 2011.
The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.
Fiscal Year
Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2010
($7,338,000)
2011
($400,000)
2012
($400,000)
2013
($400,000)
2014
($400,000)
Fiscal Year
Probable Savings/(Cost) from General Revenue Fund 1
2010
($7,338,000)
2011
($400,000)
2012
($400,000)
2013
($400,000)
2014
($400,000)
Fiscal Analysis
The bill would amend the Government Code and require the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) within the Comptroller of Public Accounts to develop and implement an Internet-accessible application that would allow users to visualize solar energy utilization.
Methodology
The bill would require SECO to use a virtual mapping program that would provide solar energy information for a particular address. This information would include the estimated number of photovoltaic panels that could be installed, the estimated amount of energy produced, the estimated electricity cost reductions, the estimated carbon dioxide emission reductions, and installation information. The Comptroller of Public Accounts indicates that it would require a one-time technology cost of $7,338,000 in fiscal 2010 for software development, programming, and project management. In addition, the Comptroller’s office indicates that it would require $400,000 each remaining fiscal year for software license maintenance and hardware/software maintenance costs.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.