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Bedford Select Board votes to join Massachusetts PACE program to help finance commercial clean-energy upgrades
Summary
The Select Board unanimously approved participation in the Massachusetts Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program after a presentation by the town’s energy manager; the board was told the town acts mainly as a pass-through and that roughly 139 properties could be eligible.
The Bedford Select Board voted 5–0 on July 8 to participate in the Massachusetts Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, a financing mechanism that allows commercial property owners to pay for energy-efficiency and renewable-energy measures via a betterment assessment on their property tax bills.
Andres, the town’s energy and sustainability manager, explained that PACE is administered through MassDevelopment and the Department of Energy Resources, and that eligible measures include energy-management systems, insulation and renewable installations. “PACE allows commercial property owners to finance energy improvements,” he said, summarizing the program’s purpose and structure. Andres estimated about 139 properties in Bedford might be eligible under the program rules.
Board members questioned whether the town would bear financial exposure. Emily asked: “Is there a cost to the town for participating? It seems we’re just a pass-through, right?” Andres replied that the town’s role is primarily administrative and pass-through; the main financial risk to the municipality would be if a property owner failed to pay the associated tax assessment. The presentation also addressed outreach: town economic development staff have begun talking with businesses about potential interest and next steps.
Paul moved the measure and the board voted unanimously to authorize the town manager to sign any required participation documents. The board directed staff to continue outreach to the business community and to develop an outreach plan in coordination with the town’s economic development director.
