(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that the commission shall administer the State Energy Conservation Assistance Account to provide grants and loans to local governments and public institutions to maximize energy use savings, including, but not limited to, technical assistance, demonstrations, and identification and implementation of cost-effective energy efficiency measures and programs in existing and planned buildings or facilities.
(b) It is further the intent of the Legislature that the commission seek the assistance of utility companies in providing energy audits for local governments and public institutions and in publicizing the availability of State Energy Conservation Assistance Account funds to qualified entities.