Energy Savings Performance Contracts: Additional Actions Needed to Improve Federal Oversight
Abstract
Constrained budgets and increasing energy efficiency goals have led federal agencies to explore innovative ways to fund energy improvements, including ESPCs. An expected increase in the use of ESPCs has raised questions about agencies ability to ensure that the governments interests are protected. ESPCs can span up to 25 years and be valued at millions of dollars each. GAO was asked to review federal use of ESPCs since 2005. This report examines the extent to which (1) agencies have used ESPCs and plan to use them; (2) projects have achieved their expected cost and energy savings; and (3) agencies have overseen and evaluated such projects. GAO compiled data on awarded ESPCs; reviewed agency guidance and files for a nongeneralizable sample of 20 ESPC projects that reflected a range of contract award dates, contract values, and other characteristics; and interviewed officials from the seven agencies with the highest energy usage and greatest facility square footagethe Air Force, Army, and Navy within the Department of Defense; the Departments of Energy, Justice, and Veterans Affairs; and the General Services Administration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1105987
Entities
People
- Frank W. Rusco
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office