Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP)

Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP) launched commercial and residential PACE benefits on March 25,2009

On March 25, 2009, Sonoma County’s Board of Supervisors authorized and launched its PACE program, called the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP). SCEIP was the first countywide municipal program of its kind in the State of California to provide PACE financing, and currently remains the largest program in the nation providing both residential and commercial PACE financing.

Some background: Sonoma County and each of its incorporated cities and towns (collectively the “Cities”) have established a goal to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2015. The County, the Cities, the Sonoma County Water Agency, the Sonoma County Transportation Authority and the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District are members of the Regional Climate Protection Coordination Plan (“RCPCP”) with the goal of coordinating efforts to reduce countywide GHG emissions.  In 2008, these collaborating agencies viewed the opportunity provided by California state-enabling legislation to form a PACE assessment program as a significant tool in helping Sonoma County and its cities reach their aggressive GHG emissions reduction targets.

Joined by every incorporated city, SCEIP covers all geographic areas in Sonoma County.  Since program launch, SCEIP has financed over $50 million projects, representing 1600 residential properties, 45 non-residential properties, 2500 individual improvements and approximately 67 job-years. Because a majority of the improvements have been performed by local contractors, most of the $50 million in funding provided by the County has remained within the local community.

SCEIP finances more than 90 eligible measures for energy efficiency, water conservation and renewable generation.  Since program launch, SCEIP has resulted in over 7.5 MW of photovoltaic solar generation installed, equating to a GHG reduction of 4,500 tons annually. An effort to quantify the energy savings and GHG reduction for financed energy efficiency and water conservation projects is currently underway.

This program is also part of Energy Upgrade California, a state-wide initiative to reduce energy consumption in existing buildings.

Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP) website

 

SCEIP Resource Page for Municipalities  

 

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Congresswoman Nan Hayworth (R-NY)

“PACE programs allow homeowners to make energy-saving modifications on their houses through a voluntary assessment on their property, at no cost to local taxpayers. Our bill facilitates participation by homeowners in states with PACE programs, which will promote conservation, energy savings and job creation.”

Congressman Dan Lungren (R-CA)

“My colleagues and I are fighting for a common sense program that would both increase the value of homes involved and help create jobs in our region. The time is now, more than ever to pass legislation that will accomplish this goal.”

Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA)

“PACE promotes energy efficiency in ways that are good for our country, economy, and environment, saving property owners money by lowering energy costs and more importantly, creating jobs without taxes or government subsidies. Congresswoman Hayworth, Congressman Lungren, and I are committed to protecting PACE for the future.”

Mayor Jerry Sanders (R-San Diego)

“I am honored to be one of our nation’s first Mayors to support PACE. San Diego plans to derive strong long term advantages through PACE programs and we urge the rest of our nation, on a bipartisan basis, to join us.”

Gov Bill Ritter (D-CO)

“PACE is already creating economic opportunity, energy savings, and environmental benefits through the retrofit of residential and commercial building stock.”

Mayor Michael Bloomberg (I-NYC)

“A New York City PACE program providing property owners with the upfront capital to make energy efficiency retrofits will create jobs and reduce energy costs for residents and businesses.”

Gov Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA)

“With PACE, we are providing homeowners and business owners with powerful tools to take control of their energy use and create jobs at the same time”

Adam Hasner (R-FL)

“PACE provides a no-cost to taxpayers, no-mandate, consumer opt-in approach to bringing clean energy technology to homeowners and businesses. PACE will help create jobs for Floridians at a critical time when we are working to get Florida’s economy back on track.” Adam Hasner led passage of Florida's PACE legislation as Majority Leader of the State House of Representatives