Commissioner Diaz pushes clean energy for homes

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY – The Miami-Dade County Commission on April 19 adopted a resolution sponsored by Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz to implement the County’s new Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program. The resolution calls for Mayor Carlos Gimenez’s administration to develop agreements with PACE providers for Commission approval.

PACE is a voluntary program available in many cities across the United States that provides municipal government financing to participating homeowners for energy efficiency upgrades or renewable energy installations such as solar panels and improved insulation. Homeowners are then assessed annually through their property tax bills for the improvements made.

Last month, Commissioners adopted legislation, also sponsored by Commissioner Diaz, to make the PACE program available to property owners in unincorporated Miami-Dade County.

“This is a win-win for homeowners and for the environment, because we’re helping people save money by making it easier for them to invest in making their homes more energy efficient,” Commissioner Diaz said.

Incorporated areas also could take advantage of the PACE program through interlocal agreements with the County, Commissioner Diaz said.