A. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law to the contrary, any performance-based energy efficiency contract shall be for a period equal to the lesser of twenty years or the average life of the equipment installed by the performance contractor and shall contain a guarantee of energy savings, for at least the term of the bonds sold or financing arrangement of the political subdivision to support the terms of the energy performance contract.
B. When calculating "annual energy cost savings attributable to the services or equipment" installed pursuant to a performance-based energy efficiency contract as defined in R.S. 39:1484(14), maintenance savings shall be included. "Maintenance savings" means operating expenses eliminated and future capital replacement expenditures avoided as a result of new equipment installed or services performed by the performance contractor.