Clean PACE, created to independently review and assess Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) providers for consumer protections and process controls, announced that it has awarded the organization’s first Clean PACE Certified Partner designation to Ygrene Energy Fund, 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.
News item from Clean PACE
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