Local Option – Commercial PACE Financing

Program Overview

Implementing Sector State
Category Financial Incentive
State Connecticut
Incentive Type PACE Financing
Web Site https://www.ctgreenbank.com/c-pace/
Administrator Connecticut Green Bank
Start Date 10/2012
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Geothermal Electric, Solar Thermal Electric, Solar Photovoltaics, Wind (All), Biomass, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Municipal Solid Waste, Combined Heat & Power, Fuel Cells using Non-Renewable Fuels, Landfill Gas, Wind (Small), Hydroelectric (Small), Geothermal Direct-Use, Fuel Cells using Renewable Fuels, Other Distributed Generation Technologies
Eligible Efficiency Technologies Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors, Chillers, Furnaces, Boilers, Heat pumps, Air conditioners, Programmable Thermostats, Energy Mgmt. Systems/Building Controls, Caulking/Weather-stripping, Duct/Air sealing, Building Insulation, Windows, Siding, Roofs, Motor VFDs, Processing and Manufacturing Equipment, Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building, Custom/Others pending approval, Other EE, Yes; specific technologies not identified, Data Center Equipment, Reflective Roofs, LED Lighting
Applicable Sectors Commercial, Industrial, Multifamily Residential
Terms Locally determined; 20-year payback term

Summary

Note:  In 2010, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which has authority over mortgage underwriters Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, directed these enterprises against purchasing mortgages of homes with a PACE lien due to its senior status above a mortgage. Most residential PACE activity subsided following this directive; however, some residential PACE programs are now operating with loan loss reserve funds, appropriate disclosures, or other protections meant to address FHFA’s concerns. Commercial PACE programs were not directly affected by FHFA’s actions, as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not underwrite commercial mortgages. Visit PACENation for more information about PACE financing and a comprehensive list of all PACE programs across the country.

On June 2012, Connecticut passed legislation enabling Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy financing (C-PACE), targeting commercial, industrial and multifamily property owners.  C-PACE is a financial policy tool that allows property owners to finance qualifying energy efficiency and clean energy improvements on their properties through a special assessment on the property tax bill, which is repaid over a period of years (up to 20 years).  Connecticut’s C-PACE program is “owner-arranged,” meaning the property owner contracts directly with a private capital provider to obtain financing.  The special assessment (also called a lien) on the property shall take precedence over all other liens except a lien for taxes of the municipality on real property. The lien automatically transfers to the next owner in the event of a sale or transfer of ownership.  The lien is senior to a mortgage, although it is non-accelerated, meaning in the event of default, only the payments in arrears would come due.

To participate in C-PACE financing, interested property owners must:

  • Be located in a participating municipality. C-PACE maintains a list of participating municipalities.  Interested property owners should contact CEFIA if their municipality is not on the list of participating municipalities.
  • Work with an approved energy professional (such as an auditor or contractor) to identify eligible projects.  CT Green Bank will maintain a list of approved contractors.  In general, improvements must be permanently affixed to the property and should either lower the building’s energy consumption or produce clean energy.
  • Apply for financing via CT Green Bank’s C-PACE web site.  If approved, CT Green Bank will place a lien on the property and financing will become available. Property owners repay the financing via the local property tax bills over the course of 20 years.
  • Obtain written consent of existing mortgage holders.

While there is no financing minimum, PACE financing is best suited for capital improvements above $150,000, due to transaction costs. Please see C-PACE Program Guidebook for more information about the program.

 

Authorities

Name Conn. Gen. Stat. § 7-121n
Date Enacted 07/01/2011
Effective Date 07/01/2011
Name S.B. 501
Date Enacted 06/15/2012
Effective Date 06/15/2012
Name Conn. Gen. Stat. § 16a-40g
Name H.B. 6472
Date Enacted 06/06/2013
Name S.B. 366
Date Enacted 06/28/2016
Effective Date 06/10/2016