1. Compliance with any mandatory standards for residential construction pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes and any other applicable building code;

2. Insulation to a minimum of R-38 value in the attic, cavity walls insulated to capacity unless exempt because of a building characteristic, insulated heat and hot water pipes and double- glazed windows;

3. Energy Star ratings on all new appliances if available;

4. A high-efficiency oil burner if oil heat is used; and

5. An assessment of existing financing mechanisms for low- income landlords.

The standards must include a penalty of 1% of market value or twice the amount of monthly rent for each year or part thereof that a building is out of compliance after the date that the energy efficiency standards apply. The standards must specify the agency responsible for enforcement and must make the penalty payable to the General Fund.

The commission shall consider and may suggest optional standards for basement insulation, storm windows with low- emissivity glass and wastewater heat recovery.

SUMMARY

This resolve requires the Public Utilities Commission to study energy standards for existing and new construction of residential rental properties and report to the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy by January 1, 2006 regarding the study and recommendations. The report must include proposed