County adopts water, energy efficiency financing tools

Hays County Commissioner Lon Shell and Lone Star PACE announced the expansion of the Hays County PACE program naming Lone Star PACE as a second program administrator serving the County’s expanded program. This will provide additional options for Hays County property owners wishing to implement energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water efficiency upgrades. “Hays County continues to be one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States,” said

Commissioner Lon Shell. “PACE offers a new approach towards encouraging our community to invest in energy and water efficiency upgrades that will help to preserve and protect our natural resources and ensure that generations will continue to enjoy local landmarks such as Blue Hole, Jacob’s Well, and the Blanco River. County leadership is committed to encouraging conservation while supporting local businesses and the people they serve.”

Hays County’s PACE program is a voluntary financing program that allows owners of commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential properties (with five or more dwelling units) to obtain low-cost, long-term financing for water conservation, energy-efficiency improvements, and distributed generation upgrades. The costs of PACE financed projects are typically offset by the project’s utility savings over the life of the energy improvements; in many cases generating positive cash flow starting in the first year with little or no up-front costs to the property owner.

Lone Star PACE is the only Registered Municipal Advisory firm offering PACE administration in Texas. Lone Star PACE principles have fifteen years of experience administering government financing programs, and over $15 billion in economic development, public benefit and environmental projects financed nationwide. For information on how Lone Star PACE can assist local businesses and governments with implementing PACE, visit http://www.lonestarpace.com.