FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 17, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clean PACE, Inc. (Clean PACE), created to independently review and assess Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) providers for consumer protections and process controls, announced today that it has awarded the organization’s first Clean PACE Certified Partner designation to Ygrene Energy Fund, Inc ., the leading provider of PACE financing in Florida.
PACE is a financing program that provides homeowners and business owners with an affordable option for funding critical storm protection, safety, and energy efficiency improvements. Property owners can use PACE financing for improvements such as heating and cooling systems, storm resistant windows and doors, roofing repair or replacement, and installation of solar panels.
Clean PACE was founded to ensure that consumers are adequately protected throughout the PACE financing process and that PACE providers comply with established industry standards and statutory requirements. Clean PACE certification is earned by meeting or exceeding criteria in six audit categories: consumer finance protections, contractor audit controls, underwriting, marketing and advertising, governance, and program capital.
On July 12, 2018, the Clean PACE Board of Directors unanimously approved its audit report of Ygrene and voted to designate the company as a Clean PACE Certified Partner. This designation is valid for one year and provides consumers with confidence that they will be treated fairly and with respect before, during, and after renovations. Clean PACE Certified Partner designations are renewed annually through a follow-up audit.
“We are pleased to award the first Clean PACE Certified Partner designation to Ygrene,” said Jeff Jones, Chairman of the Clean PACE Board of Directors and President- Elect of the Naples Area Board of Realtors. “In addition to meeting audit requirements, we found a culture of customer service and attention to detail that exceeded our expectations. Ygrene provides Floridians with an extremely valuable and reliable option for funding critical home improvements.”
Jones said Ygrene provides a consumer protection feature unique to the typical PACE financing process. Applicants receive a telephonic welcome call from Ygrene confirming financing terms, reinforcing key disclosures and explaining the payment and tax implications before work begins. During the call, property owners are provided with an opportunity to cancel financing if their expectations are not met.
To learn more information on the Clean PACE Certified Partner Program, visit cleanpace.org .
About Clean PACE, Inc. Clean PACE, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed as a consumer watchdog group to independently review and assess Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs. The Clean PACE mission is to provide PACE consumers and policy makers confidence that a Clean PACE certified partner has met high standards for customer friendly processes, high quality standards, and consumer satisfaction.
About Ygrene Energy Fund, Inc. Ygrene is a national leader in residential and commercial energy efficiency and resiliency project financing. Founded in 2010, Ygrene’s award-winning, privately funded Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program is revolutionizing the home improvement industry, making it easier for property owners to invest in their futures and a healthier environment. Ygrene is delivering greater choice for home and business owners by providing accessible and affordable financing for energy efficiency, renewables, water conservation, storm protection and seismic upgrades. Recognized as one of the fastest growing asset classes in the country, PACE has proven to be a successful tool for supporting public policy initiatives, all without the use of public tax dollars or credits. To date, Ygrene has provided over $1 billion of private capital to more than 69,000 property owners in over 500 communities, creating thousands of jobs and investing millions into local economies across the U.S. While PACE programs are enabled by state legislation and must be approved by local governments, Ygrene is not a government program. Learn more at ygrene.com .
Media Contacts Clean PACE Cindy Campbell, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Stakeholder Relations ccampbell@FAIRFound.org 754-200-4623
Ygrene Joaquin McPeek, joaquin.mcpeek@ygrene.com 916-599-4166
