Saint Paul Port Authority PACE Program

May 01, 2015

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 PACENow for more information about PACE financing and a comprehensive list of all PACE programs across the country.

The Saint Paul Authority PACE program is available to businesses in any city or county in Minnesota. Interested counties and cities can work with the Saint Paul Port Authority to set up a program in their jurisdiction. The program provides Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy projects anywhere in Minnesota for Businesses, housing and non-profits, including places of worship. the Interest rate is usually under 5% for a term of less than 10 years with a maximum term of up to 15 years. The amount is limited to 20% of assessed property value and is primarily for multi-tenant buildings and renewable energy projects. The Host City and County have to institute a requested special assessment and the Port Authority issues the debt and administers the program.

In November 2011, Edina City Council voted to adopt the first PACE program in Minnesota called the Edina Emerald Energy Program. In 2014 the City ceded administration of the program to the St. Paul Power Authority.

Completed projects:
·         Otten Bros. Garden Center and Landscaping in Long Lake
·         Cozy Corners Campground, Richmond
·         Crankshaft Supply, Minneapolis
·         Excelen Center for Bone & Joint Research and Education, Minneapolis
·         Longfellow Market, Minneapolis
More information:
·         Visit the SPPA website
·         Download a brochure
·         View presentation slides
Sample Joint Powers Agreements:
·         Cities
·         Counties

Program Overview

Implementing Sector:	State
Category:	Financial Incentive
State:	Minnesota
Incentive Type:	PACE Financing
Web Site:	http://sppa.com/financing-businesses/
Administrator:
Start Date:
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:	Solar Water Heat Geothermal Electric Solar Photovoltaics Wind (All) Geothermal Heat Pumps Lighting Furnaces Boilers Heat pumps Air conditioners Energy Mgmt. Systems/Building Controls Caulking/Weather-stripping Duct/Air sealing Building Insulation Windows Custom/Others pending approval Geothermal Direct-Use Pool Pumps LED Lighting
Terms:	Usually under a 5% interest rate with a term of up to 15 years. and100% financing. The minimum amount for an Assessment is $2,500 and can be for a term of 5 or 10 years.

Contact

Name:	Peter Klein
Organization:	Saint Paul Port Authority
Address:
Phone:	(651) 204-6211
Email:	pmk@sppa.com

This information is sourced from DSIRE; the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.