Kalispell City Council getting up to speed on loan program for energy improvements

Kalispell City Council will hold a work session Monday focused on the state’s new C-PACE program.

C-PACE, or Commercial Property Assessed Capital Enhancement, was instituted by a law passed in 2021, and this year the first loans have been issued. The program is designed to help businesses and other stakeholders with the upfront costs of boosting their energy infrastructure.

The meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. in the City Hall, 201 First Ave. E., can be attended in person or virtually via Zoom.

Eligible investments under C-PACE include HVAC systems, solar panels, and a large variety of heating and cooling upgrades, including efficient boilers, chillers and furnaces.

Properties that can apply for loans through the program include commercial, industrial and multifamily housing. The loans are then repaid over a timeframe that theoretically allows the businesses to pay for the upgrades through energy savings.

Speaking at Monday’s meeting will be Adam Gill, executive director of the Montana Facility Finance Authority, also known as MFFA, the agency tasked with administering the new financing program.

In order for Kalispell businesses to take part, Council must pass a resolution establishing a local C-PACE district, following a public consultation period.

Since the program started at the beginning of the year, the MFFA has reported 30 potential improvement projects in 14 Montana counties.

Following Monday’s gathering, Council meets next on Dec. 19.

Reporter Adrian Knowler can be reached at 758-4407 or aknowler@dailyinterlake.com.