County’s Energy and Sustainability Division Manager Honored with 2020 PACESetter Award

PACENation, the non-profit organization that advocates for expanded access to Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing, has honored Jane Elias, the County of Sonoma’s Energy and Sustainability Division Manager, as a recipient of a 2020 PACESetter Award for excellence in program design and implementation. Jane is one of six recipients across the nation to receive the prestigious award.

“Jane is a passionate and proven energy and sustainability expert”, said Erick Roeser the County’s Auditor, Controller, Treasurer, Tax Collector and SCEIP Program Administrator. “Recently, she led the charge to expand the County’s PACE program to include wildfire safety and seismic improvements, and her leadership has helped to make SCEIP a gold standard in the industry. I am honored to work with Jane and the County of Sonoma is fortunate to have her as program manager.”

PACESetters were honored in several categories, including policy innovation, program design, excellence in achieving economic and environmental benefits, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the PACE marketplace.

 “As climate change continues to impact our communities, we need innovative leaders such as Jane championing creative solutions that strengthen our ability to face the future,” said Caroline Judy, the Director of the General Services Department. 

PACE programs allow a property owner to finance the up-front cost of energy or other eligible improvements on a property and then pay the costs back over time through a voluntary assessment. The County’s PACE program known as the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program has been in operation since 2009 and has financed over 84 million dollars in improvements. The Program finances energy, water, generation, seismic and wildfire safety improvements for residential and commercial buildings, with a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and making buildings more comfortable, durable and resilient. In addition, the Program provides consumer protections and assurances for its applicants.

About PACENation: PACENation is the nonprofit membership organization that advocates for expanded access to PACE financing. PACENation provides resources and support to local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that are committed to allowing property owners to improve the efficiency and resiliency of their homes and businesses with PACE.

About the County of Sonoma Energy and Sustainability Division: The Energy and Sustainability Division promotes and delivers solutions necessary to mitigate environmental impacts and prepare for climate change.