San Rafael, CA – Rising energy costs and water scarcity have prompted Marin County residents to consider upgrading their homes with energy efficiency, water conservation and renewable-energy systems measures. That just got easier for those living in the unincorporated areas of the county with a decision made July 21 by the Marin County Board of Supervisors.
The Board voted unanimously to approve four new choices associated with the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, which allows property owners to secure upfront funding for home-efficiency projects repaid through a special line item on their property taxes instead of traditional consumer credit.
The Board approved one financing choice in August 2014 called CaliforniaFIRST, resulting in 183 project applications and 58 funded projects. The newly approved choices are the California Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) program, Figtree, Ygrene, and the Alliance NRG program. All the programs allow for open marketplaces and participation results in no cost to the County of Marin, which is partnering with Marin Clean Energy (MCE) on promoting the PACE programs.
“Lots of our residents will have a better chance to shop around to finance the costs of making their homes energy efficient and conveniently have it paid through their property taxes,” said the County’s Sustainability Planner, Dana Armanino. “The advantage of PACE is that the financing is not attached to the homeowner but rather to the property, so if you were to sell your house the next homeowner can take over the assets and the payments. Some people also like PACE because it’s not attached to a personal credit rating.”
Marin County Community Development Director Brian Crawford said the PACE program aligns well with the County’s goal of expanding consumer choice for financing renewable and energy efficiency projects. “Homeowners living outside town and city limits are better positioned to find an option that best fits their needs,” he said.
The County’s Sustainability Team supports healthy, safe and sustainable communities while preserving Marin’s environmental heritage. The team has developed programs to promote renewable energy, address climate change, encourage green building, recognize green businesses and implement energy efficiency projects in schools, special districts, businesses, private homes, cities and towns.