%0 Generic %A Kelly Parmenter %A Greg Leventis %A Jeff Deason %D 2024 %T Designing and Executing Measurement and Verification Standards for C-PACE Programs: Lessons Learned from Leading C-PACE Programs %8 02/2024 %X

This brief, Designing and Executing Measurement and Verification Standards for C-PACE Programs: Lessons Learned from Leading C-PACE Programs, examines and explains practices to demonstrate energy savings in existing Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy programs. The brief is designed to inform C-PACE program administrators on the design and execution of measurement and verification (M&V) standards through the experience of C-PACE programs in Michigan, Texas, and Wisconsin.

In addition, the brief includes case studies of C-PACE programs: Texas PACE, Lean & Green Michigan, and PACE Wisconsin. Each case study details that program’s technical standards related to measurement and verification (M&V), examines the program’s motivation for implementing those technical standards, and reports on the program administrator’s experience with those standards. Key findings include:

Look to other states and jurisdictions for lessons learned on designing and executing M&V standards for C-PACE programs. The case studies presented illustrate some of these lessons.
Consider what each standard will require in terms of compliance for the property owner and enforcement for the program administrators. Successful standards strike a balance between ensuring project performance and avoiding burden on participants.
Put a mechanism in place to enforce each standard, or at least to effectively encourage property owners to comply. Enforcement of ongoing reporting requirements is especially difficult once the C-PACE loan has been fully funded.
Consider methods to simplify annual performance reporting processes. For example, after the property owners approve releasing their consumption data, program administrators can work with utilities and/or property owners to automate the process of transferring that data from utility feeds or building management systems for ongoing reporting.
Standardize M&V practices across programs to the extent possible to encourage participation by building owners, contractors, capital providers, and third-party program administrators.
Communicate the value proposition of M&V to property owners by framing M&V as a mechanism that ensures projects deliver the intended outcomes and benefits, rather than as a technical obligation.