PACENation

PACENation is the national, nonprofit advocacy organization for Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing. Our mission is to promote PACE by providing leadership, support, guidance, tools, events and data for a growing universe of PACE market participants.

We envision a future in which PACE financing is used to fund energy efficiency, renewable energy, and resiliency upgrades to homes and commercial buildings in every municipality across the United States, and beyond. By making clean energy financing more affordable and more convenient, PACE will continue to improve America’s energy independence and energy security, avoid the costs of building power plants and transmission systems, save money, create jobs and protect the environment.

WHAT IS PACE?

PACE is a financing mechanism that enables low-cost, long-term funding for energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation projects. PACE financing is repaid as an assessment on the property’s regular tax bill, and is processed the same way as other local public benefit assessments (sidewalks, sewers) have been for decades. Depending on local legislation, PACE can be used for commercial, nonprofit and residential properties.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

PACE is a national initiative, but programs are established locally and tailored to meet regional market needs. State legislation is passed that authorizes municipalities to establish PACE programs, and local governments have developed a variety of program models that have been successfully implemented. Regardless of model, there are several keystones that hold true for every PACE program.

• PACE is voluntary for all parties involved.
• PACE can cover 100% of a project’s hard and soft costs.
• Long financing terms up to 20 years.
• Can be combined with utility, local and federal incentive programs.
• Energy projects are permanently affixed to a property.
• The PACE assessment is filed with the local municipality as a lien on the property.

WHY IS IT SO POPULAR?

Property owners love PACE because they can fund projects with no out-of-pocket costs. Since PACE financing terms extend to 20 years, it’s possible to undertake deep, comprehensive retrofits that have meaningful energy savings and a significant impact on the bottom line. The annual energy savings for a PACE project usually exceeds the annual assessment payment, so property owners are cash flow positive immediately. That means there are increased dollars that can be spent on other capital projects, budgetary expenses, or business expansion.

Local governments love PACE because it’s an Economic Development initiative that lowers the cost of doing business in their community. It encourages new business owners to invest in the area, and creates jobs using the local workforce. PACE projects also have a positive impact of air quality, creating healthier, more livable neighborhoods.