AN ACT CONCERNING ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND TRANSMISSION PLANNING.

HB 5248 updates Connecticut's appliance efficiency standards to promote energy conservation. It requires the Energy Commissioner to periodically review and raise efficiency standards for products like appliances and plumbing fixtures, ensuring they are cost-effective for consumers (with a 5-year payback period max) and may incorporate standards from other states or third parties. The bill also clarifies that these efficiency standards take precedence over conflicting building codes and allows for adopting standards from states like California without new state-specific testing. It directly affects appliance manufacturers, retailers, and consumers purchasing new energy-efficient products.