State Treasurer John Chiang has announced suspension of administrative fees that had been charged those who sought to finance energy- and water-efficiency projects through extended property assessment payments.

That method of funding such improvements as solar arrays on houses is the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Loss Reserve program, available to many California homeowners.

“This popular program enables homeowners to finance energy-efficient windows, heating and air-conditioning systems, solar power and water conservation measures,” Chiang said.

“I hope that by cutting fees we will make it more affordable for more Californians to make green investments in their own homes.”

The California PACE program has provided $350 million in financing as part of the state’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, limit air and water pollution and promote California-based jobs.

Chiang said the fees were cut with the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authorities, of which he is chairperson, which adopted emergency regulations Tuesday in Sacramento. Previously, participants had to pay an administrative fee of one quarter of 1 percent of the principal value of financing, or about $50 for each $20,000.

Suspending those fees could save enrolled PACE programs and homeowners about $750,000 annually, Chiang said.

CaliforniaFIRST and Home Energy Renovation Opportunity programs are available to Benicia homeowners.

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