Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Financing Districts – for Local Governments

This Guide provides an introduction to the principles of “Energy Financing Districts (EFD).” It was designed for local governments, decision-makers, state policymakers, and civil society groups seeking to establish an energy financing program in their community.

Those interested in understanding what EFD is and its advantages and disadvantages relative to other residential energy financing schemes should focus on the Introduction and Section 3 (Financing Elements). Section 2 (Getting Started) and Sections 5-10 detail the process of setting up an EFD program, including administrative, legal, and financial issues. Section 6 (Legal Authority) provides information on statewide enabling legislation, which is often needed to facilitate the establishment of EFD programs locally. Section 4 (Case Studies) looks at programs implemented by four early adopters.

Case studies include:

• Berkeley, CA
• Palm Desert, CA
• Boulder County, CO
• Babylon, NY