It may soon be possible for Nevada County homeowners to make energy efficiency improvements to their homes by borrowing money that will be paid back through their property taxes. It’s called the Pace program for Property Assessed Clean Energy and Legislation to allow PACE programs in California was adopted in 2008.     Vernon says Nevada County was administratively too small to operate the program on it’s own. Then, earlier this year the county issued a request for proposals for an outside agency to administer the program and Placer County’s mPOWER program was selected as the best fit. Nevada County treasurer Tax Collector Tina Vernon says there are lots of projects homeowners can do if they have enough equity in their homes to secure the loan.
Click to listen to Tina Vernon

Improvements could be things like new windows or siding, a new energy efficient roof or solar, and it’s not just for homes.

click to listen to Tina Vernon

Vernon says the county will be entering into an agreement with Placer County’s mPOWER Program to administer the Pace program for Nevada County property owners. Nevada City, Grass Valley and Town of Truckee have also been approached to adopt the necessary resolutions to partner with mPOWER  Placer to ensure that all Nevada County property owners have access to the program. Vernon hopes to get it launched by the first of the year.