KRS 152.712: Office of Energy Policy -- Duties -- Fees -- Funding -- Partnerships and

cooperative research initiatives.

(1) The Office of Energy Policy in the Energy and Environment Cabinet shall:

(a) Oversee the implementation of Kentucky's comprehensive energy strategy;

(b) Provide leadership to enhance the benefits of energy efficiency and alternative

energy through supporting awareness, technology development, energy

preparedness, partnerships, and resource development;

(c) Enhance the economic opportuni ties and benefits to Kentucky citizens and

industry through expansion of current markets and the development of market

opportunities for Kentucky coal, natural gas, petroleum, oil shale, tar sands,

liquid and gaseous fuels from coal, and chemicals from coal;

(d) To the extent funding is available, administer grant programs to support

energy-related research, development, and demonstration, including the

support of multistate cooperative regional partnerships and research

initiatives;

(e) Develop and impleme nt programs for the development, conservation, and

utilization of energy in a manner to meet essential human needs while

maintaining the Kentucky economy at the highest feasible level. The programs

shall include:

1. Central access for collection, maintenan ce, and analysis of data and

information on all forms of energy supply, demand, conservation, and

related subjects;

2. Formulation of a contingency plan to address any energy shortage which

may occur from time to time. The contingency plan shall relate to the

curtailment, allocation, planning, and management of all forms of

energy;

3. Development and implementation of major energy conservation

programs involving all sectors of the Kentucky economy, including

energy audits of educational facilities and state-owned buildings; and

4. Provision for the application of appropriate technologies with regard to

alternative energy development, including the development of solar and

other renewable resources and small -scale hydroelectric plants, and

promotion, when fea sible, of the production of energy from other

resources such as solid waste and biomass;

(f) Provide technical assistance to the Finance and Administration Cabinet in

implementing the Energy Efficiency in Government Buildings Program;

(g) Enter into agreements, administer grant programs, and serve as a liaison with

the federal government and other states in matters relating to energy; and

(h) Participate in the review of applications and, upon request of the authority,

assist the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority in monitoring

tax incentive agreements as provided in Subchapter 27 of KRS Chapter 154.

(2) The office may establish re asonable application fees to offset costs associated with

reviewing and processing applications, including costs associated with hiring

outside consultants.

(3) The office is encouraged to use state funding available to it as a match for federal or

private funding to increase the resources available to support energy research and

development.

(4) The office is encouraged to explore and develop regional partnerships and

cooperative research initiatives with other states and governmental entities to

enhance resources available for energy research and development.