Public Leadership Solutions for Energy (PULSE) Loan

The California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority (the Power Authority or CPA) has created the Public Leadership Solutions for Energy (PULSE) fund to provide loans to help finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in public buildings.

The program is available to cities, counties, special districts, schools and community colleges across California, as well as State and other local agencies. This loan pool overcomes limitations of other State energy loan programs by supporting larger transactions, a broader range of eligible technologies, and longer loan terms. Loan amounts of $2 million or more with no maximum are available for up to the expected life of the project. Tax-exempt market rates: for short-term or variable rate loans are currently as low as 3%; low longer-term rates range from 4.5-5% up to projects’ useful life. Fixed or variable rate debt options are available and bonds issued under the program will be insured. Agencies still can claim rebates, buydowns, and grants from other sources. Eligible projects include Energy efficiency. Advanced building metering and controls. Thermal storage. On-site renewable energy (solar PV, small scale wind, biogas and landfill gas recovery). On-site distributed generation (fuel cells, micro-turbines, combined heat & power). Incremental costs of exceeding Title 24 building energy standards in new construction and major renovations (for green or sustainable buildings). Financeable costs include feasibility and engineering design, performance guarantees, equipment warranties, project management (managing bidding, equipment procurement, construction management, and commissioning the final outcome).