New Energy Improvement Program Changes

The commercial property assessed clean energy program (C-PACE) is part of the new energy improvement program. C-PACE allows owners of eligible real property to apply to the Colorado new energy improvement district (district) to finance certain energy efficiency improvements. The bill allows owners to also apply to the district to finance resiliency improvements and water efficiency improvements.

Additionally, when the district approves a C-PACE application, an owner consents to the district levying a special assessment on an owner's eligible real property. Current law requires the district to notify district members and existing lienholders about the special assessment and the availability of a hearing to resolve any complaints or objections. After a hearing, current law further requires the district to pass a resolution resolving any complaints or objections. The bill eliminates the requirements for the district to give notice about a hearing, conduct a hearing, and pass a resolution resolving complaints or objections. Instead of notifying district members and existing lienholders about the availability of a hearing, the bill requires the district to send a notice of assessment, which specifies the amount of the special assessment to be levied on the eligible real property, explains that the special assessment constitutes a lien against the eligible real property, and explains that the district is not a party to any private financing agreements.

(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)