HERO program savings continue

The HERO Program is saving the city millions and is boosting the economy one renovation at a time.

According to HERO Program Northern California marketing and development manager Robert Bendorf, the HERO Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program, provided by Renovate America in partnership with the city, helps local homeowners make energy and efficiency upgrades that could reduce utility bills and greenhouse gas emissions while creating local jobs.

To date, approximately 157 home renovations have been completed, making a total of 311 improvements, Bendorf said. Funding for the program is $3.15 million and at least 30 news jobs have been created, he said. The program has also given the city a $6.08 million economic stimulus and homeowners have set in place utility bill savings of $6.3 million.

According to Bendorf, every100 homes in Lodi that complete HERO-financed efficiency upgrades saves on average carbon emissions equivalent to taking 850 cars off the road for one year, energy equivalent to powering 1,380 homes for one year and water equivalent to 271,750 showers.

According to Bendorf, the program helps municipalities meet mandates and lower energy usage while allowing local contractors to expand their business and hire more people.

Bendorf said what’s different about this particular program is that the homeowners pay through their property bill. Upon completion of improvements, notices are sent that the property tax will be increased from using the program.

“We just really want to make sure that we are providing as much closure to the home owners as possible so they fully understand the upgrade and the benefit they are going to be receiving,” Bendorf said.

He said Renovate American is heavily focussed on helping both California and the nation move to a green economy and help offer solutions to homeowners looking to make energy efficient upgrades.

For more information, visit heroprogram.com.