The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection shall operate a purchasing pool for the purchase of electricity for state operations. Said department shall provide the opportunity to participate in such purchasing pool to each household that includes an individual who receives means-tested assistance administered by the state or federal government. Any such household shall receive through such purchasing pool the same benefits and rate discounts available for state facilities. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection shall use federal and state energy assistance funds to leverage the lowest practicable electric rates for households participating in such pool, provided such funds shall not be used for administrative purposes. The provisions of section 16-245 shall not apply to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for purposes of this section.