PON-17-401 - Financing for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Generation Projects

The California Energy Commission’s Energy Conservation Assistance Act (ECAA) loan program provides low‑interest (1 %) financing to eligible public entities for new energy‑efficiency and renewable‑energy generation projects. Up to $3 million per application may be funded, subject to project‑cost and energy‑savings caps, with loan terms of up to 20 years. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis (minimum 90‑day posting) and are processed in order of receipt; oversubscription is prioritized by shorter payback periods. Funds are reimbursed after expenditures are verified, and the final 10 % of the loan is retained until a final project report is submitted. • Eligible applicants: cities, counties, special districts, public colleges/universities, public hospitals/care institutions (non‑profits, private, residential, commercial are excluded). • Eligible projects: new lighting, HVAC, controls, mechanical, building‑envelope upgrades, renewable generation (solar, wind, CHP), water/waste‑water treatment, load‑shifting storage, etc., all requiring a recent feasibility study (≤ 2 years old). • Financial terms: Fixed 1 % interest, up to $3 M per loan, repayment sourced from energy‑cost savings, semi‑annual billing (June & December), and a 10 % retention until final reporting. • Application package: Completed loan application, summary of energy measures, governing‑body resolution, CEQA documentation, 12‑month utility data, feasibility study, and authority documentation.