Local governments, lenders, manufacturers, engineers, contractors, and commercial property owners are being asked for input on the final draft of policies, processes, and documents for use in launching the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program throughout Texas.
The PACE financing program, which was signed into law by Gov. Rick Perry last June, allows commercial, industrial, and multi-family property owners to obtain low-cost, long-term private sector financing for water conservation and energy-efficiency improvements to their properties.
The non-profit organization formed to promote PACE legislation is distributing the final draft of the "PACE in a Box" toolkits throughout Texas, at no cost to local governments, with a goal of providing everything needed to create a uniform, sustainable, and scalable program in Texas.
"We know that success hinges on making PACE financing as practical and user-friendly as possible," said Charlene Heydinger, Executive Director of Keeping PACE in Texas. "The feedback will ensure that PACE in Texas reflects the best thinking on energy efficiency, water conservation, and implementation of the program. We want Texas to serve as a model in maximizing the benefits of PACE throughout the United States."
In an effort to incorporate the experience of PACE administrators and users in other states, and to attract companies interested in administering the program in Texas, the group is seeking feedback from stakeholders nationwide as the final step in the design process.