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PACE in Texas: PACE can increase energy savings

SAN ANGELO, Texas — A program recently approved by Texas Gov. Rick Perry could increase San Angelo’s commercial energy, water and financial savings.

In mid-June, Perry signed legislation that will allow local government entities across Texas to enact Property Assessed Clean Energy programs.

“It’s long-term water and energy savings. It’s recurring savings,” said Charlene Heydinger, executive director of Keeping PACE in Texas.

Through the PACE commercial program, local business owners can finance a permanent conservation improvement to an existing building — from installing solar panels to xeriscaping — through a low-interest, voluntarily assumed assessment that it pays through a local governmental entity. The PACE program would help offset initial capital costs for the property owner, and the energy savings in most cases could cancel out the expense. Read full story.