Cascade County commissioners voted unanimously to approve a Resolution of Intent to establish a countywide PACE Program, designed to incentivize local businesses to make energy-efficient upgrades, during their Tuesday morning meeting.

County Commissioner Joe Briggs explained during the work session that organizations can get loans for energy-efficiency projects and expansions that include energy efficiency. He said that the debt is paid through the Montana Facilities Finance Authority and that the county would collect it through property taxes.

Commerce Announces Montana’s First Commercial Property Assessed Capital Enhancement Districts (C-PACE)

“This is the first step for businesses to perform energy efficiency and water consumption upgrades to existing buildings or for new construction,” Commerce Director Scott Osterman said. “It’s a great step for Montana businesses, counties, and the state as a whole,” Osterman added.

C-Pace – What is the potential impact on Montana’s economy and energy usage if just 15% of commercial facilities participate?

Impact on Montana’s Economy if 15% of qualified commercial facilities in Montana utilized this program.

$2 Billion – Total Market Size

39,000 – Job Years Created

$5 Billion – Estimated Economic Output

4 Metric Tons – Carbon Reduction

9 Billion – kWh saved