Cities of Albany and Concord Vote for HERO Residential Energy and Water Efficiency Program
Albany and Concord, California (PRWEB) July 29, 2014 -- The City Councils of Albany and Concord have voted to make the HERO Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program available to local residents. HERO makes energy- and water-saving renovations affordable for property owners by providing long-term, competitive financing through an additional property assessment. Payments are made through the property tax bill for up to 20 years and interest is tax-deductible.
In addition to helping homeowners save on energy and water bills, HERO spurs local job creation by increasing demand for contractor services. The HERO Program has helped to create more than 2,400 jobs in California since its launch in December 2011. The program has been adopted by 170 communities in California and has helped to fund 13,000 residential projects, totaling more than $240 million in financing.
A wide variety of energy-saving products are available to property owners through the HERO Program. Some of HERO’s most popular products include solar power panel installations, whole-home heating and cooling (HVAC) systems, energy-saving windows and doors, roofing and insulation. HERO also has more than 50 product lines to help homeowners save water, including high efficiency toilets, faucets, shower-heads; drip irrigation systems; rainwater catchment systems; gray water systems; artificial turf; and drought tolerant landscaping.
“HERO is making a big impact on job creation and economic stimulus throughout California,” said Liza Gray, HERO Community Development Manager. “The program has a strong track record where it is active and will make it easy for local residents to make home improvements that increase their comfort and save money. Based on our experience in other California communities, we expect to see a high level of interest from homeowners.”
Participation in HERO is 100 percent voluntary for both local government agencies and property owners, and is cost neutral for jurisdictions. A growing number of California cities and counties are partnering with multiple PACE providers to increase financing choices available to consumers.
The HERO program has received the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award in California, the Urban Land Institute Best of the Best, and the Southern California Association of Governments President’s Award for Excellence.
For more information, please visit http://www.heroprogram.com.
Severn Williams, Renovate America, https://www.heroprogram.com, +1 (510) 336-9566, [email protected]
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