Petition to bring Ygrene to Miami District 5

Ygrene Energy Fund and the Clean Energy Green Corridor is a joint effort between seven Miami-Dade municipalities and Ygrene Energy Fund that allows building owners to finance clean energy and hurricane protection upgrades over the long term. The cost of the improvements is paid back over periods of up to 20 years as part of the homeowner’s property tax bill.

The issue is that our Commissioner, Keon Hardemon has blocked the program from being offered to homeowners in District 5.  When asked about the program, Commissioner Hardemon responded that "a few of the commissioners decided that we would not allow this program to expand within our districts because of the concern for seniors who are not (as) savvy (as you) being taken advantage of." 

It would not take much research to figure out that there are comparative few senior homeowners in the new District 5, and even fewer chances of them "being taken advantage of" because of Ygrene's contractor verification process.  This program should be left as an option for individual homeowners who wish to improve their homes' energy efficiency and value.  

Please sign this petition asking Miami City Commissioner Keon Hardemon to allow the Ygreen program to be offered to homeowners in District 5.  

How does Ygrene’s clean energy financing differ from other options?

Ygrene offers a revolutionary way to finance clean energy projects. Key advantages to the program include:

• Your personal credit score has no impact on funding eligibility or interest rate
• Eligibility is determined quickly and easily through an online search with Ygrene’s funding management system Funding is paid back over a long period of time and does not carry a ballon payment
• The project debt does not have to be paid off upon property sale or transfer

Who can participate?

Ygrene offers funding for properties within the Clean Energy Green Corridor District and any owner whose property lies within the district can apply for financing. Single-family homes located within the seven participating cities and towns (excluding Miami and Coral Gables) and commercial buildings of all sizes are eligible.

What are Clean Energy Green Corridor’s underwriting criteria?

To qualify, total property debt (including Ygrene financing and existing liens) must not exceed the building value, the owner must be current on property taxes and mortgages for 3 years and must not be in bankruptcy. Utility cost savings must exceed the cost of the improvements and the financing can not exceed 20% of the building value.

Will I save money on my energy costs?

This is the program’s primary goal. Achieved savings depend on several factors that may include:
Building age and condition Remodel history Improvements undertaken
Installation of renewable energy systems Occupant energy behavior
Number of occupants
A building energy assessment can predict the savings you’re likely to realize.

Where is my local Ygrene Energy Center, and what resources are available?

The Green Corridor Ygrene Energy Center is located at 3390 Mary Street in Miami. Ygrene representatives staff the center to help local property owners and contractors identify and manage their clean energy projects. The Center also contains a contractor training and community meeting room, as well as a small showroom used to exhibit new and upcoming clean energy technologies from our local partners.

What happens if the property is sold?

If the property is sold or transferred, the tax payment obligation may be transferred with the property to the new owner.

Will the value of the energy improvements be reflected in the appraised value of my property?

Property appraisers recognize energy cost savings in conducting their evaluations. While it is possible that the full cost of energy improvements may not be recognized in every case, improvements in energy performance and sustainability directly increase both appraisals and market values of the property.

Troy Howard, Shorecrest HOA President    Contact the author of the petition