NEW YORK—The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has announced a new partnership that will expand innovative clean-energy project financing to all of New York State for commercial, industrial and multifamily buildings to help them become more competitive and cost-effective by decreasing their energy costs.
Through the partnership, NYSERDA is providing approximately $1 million to the Energy Improvement Corporation (EIC) to jumpstart its Energize NY Finance program in the State over the next two years. The Energize NY Finance program uses Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Finance (PACE) and property tax laws to provide long-term, market-rate financing for clean energy commercial and multifamily building improvements. Combining this innovative financing mechanism with community outreach helps to overcome the two most significant barriers to expansion of clean energy projects—lack of market knowledge and lack of financing capital.
“New York State businesses now have access to another innovative financing option, as the State transforms markets and removes barriers to clean-energy project development,” said John B. Rhodes, President and CEO, NYSERDA. “This program dovetails with other financing programs such as the NY Green Bank, and will make energy-saving projects more affordable for business owners and drive increased investment in clean energy.”
Financing Secured by Property Tax Lien
Energize NY financings provide up to 100 percent of the cost of a clean-energy upgrade and offer fixed rates and long-terms to qualified properties. Financings are repaid over time through the improved property’s local property tax bill. Similar to a sidewalk improvement or façade improvement district, capital provided under the Energize NY financing is secured by a property tax lien on the property, so capital can be raised from the private sector with no government subsidy.
Energize NY Finance is available statewide. Currently, Orange County and 12 towns and cities in Westchester County have passed the required local law with 20 more counties and cities in Western New York, Central New York, Capital Region, Long Island and Mid-Hudson working towards passage.
Funding will be used over the next two years to promote the program, build a pipeline of projects and spur participation by other municipalities and counties. After that, EIC is expected to use future revenue generated from Energize NY Finance to support its programs. Municipalities interested in becoming an EIC member or property owners interested in participating can call (914) 302-7300. Find out more at Commercial.EnergizeNY.org.
EIC is a not-for-profit local development corporation that works in partnership with municipalities and other stakeholders to transform the market for comprehensive clean-energy upgrades. EIC is partnered with Bank of America Merrill Lynch and First Niagara to provide capital and the NY Green Bank has issued a letter of credit to support EIC’s bonding activities.
