I support the proposed “Property Assessed Clean Energy” (PACE) ordinance for Kennebunk.

The ordinance will give residents an innovative way to finance home energy improvements such as replacing ancient, inefficient furnaces, adding insulation to attics where heat loss causes ice dams, insulating cold walls and possibly adding solar panels to reduce water heating costs.

Mainers spent close to $2 billion on heating oil for our old homes during the 2008-2009 season. Much of that $2 billion leaves the state. Oil prices have come down from that $4.75 per gallon high, but making our homes more energy efficient is a longterm solution to unpredictable prices.

A PACE ordinance would allow residents to borrow up to $15,000 for specific home energy improvements and pay the funds back through a line item on their property tax bills. Should the resident decide to sell the home, the payment obligation (along with the increased insulation or other improvements) could be transferred to the next owner of the property.

In theory, energy savings from the improvements would exceed the payments. Prospective buyers could be enticed by the idea of purchasing an energy efficient home with low fuel bills.

The state has received a $20 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy for this program, and Kennebunk would be eligible to apply for that funding if it passes the ordinance. The program will not affect Kennebunk taxes.

The board of selectmen will decide at an Aug. 10 public hearing whether to allow residents to vote on the proposed ordinance in November. I hope interested residents will attend the public hearing and express their opinions on the issue.

Jennifer Niese

Kennebunk