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 and town, SCEIP covers all areas in the geographic County of Sonoma. Since program launch, SCEIP has financed over $55 million in projects, representing over 1600 residential properties, 50 non-residential properties and 2600 individual improvements. Because a majority of the improvements have been performed by local contractors, most of the $55 million in funding provided by the County has remained within the local community generating over 70 job-years of local labor.
SCEIP allows more than 90 eligible measures for energy efficiency, water conservation and renewable generation. Since program launch, SCEIP has financed over 7.5MW of photovoltaic solar generation, equating to a GHG reduction of 4, 700 tons annually. An effort to quantify the energy savings and GHG reduction for financed energy efficiency and water conservation projects is currently underway.
In March, 2011, this program became a partner 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
Program Documents:
SCEIP Bond Authorization Summary Report
Approval of SCEIP bond documents for the Sonoma Mountain Village Photovoltaic Project
County Board Resolution on PACE Interest Rate
