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Bill

SB 4

relative to commercial property assessed clean energy and resiliency (C-PACER).

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dan Innis and 1 co-sponsor

New Hampshire authorizes C-PACER financing program allowing commercial property owners to fund energy efficiency and resilience upgrades repaid through property tax assessments starting January 2026.

Signed by the Governor on 02/27/2025; Chapter 0001; Effective 01/01/2026
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Bill Summary · SB 4

Legislative bill overview

SB 4 establishes a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resiliency (C-PACER) program in New Hampshire, allowing commercial property owners to finance energy efficiency, renewable energy, and resilience improvements through property tax assessments. The law creates a financing mechanism where improvements are repaid via assessments attached to the property rather than traditional loans, becoming effective January 1, 2026.

Why is this important

C-PACER programs reduce upfront capital barriers for businesses to adopt clean energy and climate resilience measures by spreading costs over extended repayment periods (typically 10-20 years). This can stimulate private investment in energy infrastructure while generating tax revenue and supporting New Hampshire's clean energy goals without direct government spending.

Potential points of contention

  • Assessment lien priority: Property assessments attached to real estate create senior liens ahead of mortgage holders, potentially increasing lender risk and affecting property financing—some financial institutions have opposed C-PACER programs nationally for this reason
  • Default and foreclosure risk: If property owners default on PACER assessments, the state/municipality may foreclose, raising questions about who bears losses and whether this primarily benefits larger commercial properties
  • Program oversight and consumer protections: The bill's specifics on eligibility verification, contractor standards, and dispute resolution mechanisms will determine whether property owners are protected from predatory financing or poor-quality installations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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