Palmetto Clean Energy (PaCE) Program
| Program Type | Performance-based Incentive |
|---|---|
| Technologies |
Photovoltaics, Landfill Gas, Wind, Biomass, Geothermal Electric, Municipal Solid Waste, Anaerobic Digestion, Small Hydroelectric, Biodiesel |
| Amount | Varies by technology and customer demand for Palmetto Clean Energy |
| Required Documentation |
Certification by Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) or comparable entity endorsed by the South Carolina Energy Office |
| Official Web Site | http://www.palmettocleanenergy.org/ |
The Palmetto Clean Energy (PaCE) program was created to encourage renewable energy consumption by offering credits, and in the event of an excess of what renewable owners use, the ability to sell the energy back to the grid at a competitive rate. Also, the PaCE program allows for non-renewable owners to purchase the green energy at a slightly higher rate to support the non-profit program and the environmentally conscious effort.
Originally started in 2007—and launched in April 2008 through a collaborative effort among Duke Energy, Progress Energy, South Carolina Electric & Gas Company, the South Carolina Energy Office and the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff—the PaCE program is supported solely by volunteers who wish to contribute their renewable energy to North Caroline via grid-tied solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and small-scale hydropower systems..
Modeled after a similar program in neighboring North Carolina, NC GreenPower, PaCE is subject to approvals of renewable generator applications by means of premium payments and sufficient funding for power output. Compensation is based on a system that uses “blocks” of energy where one block is equivalent to $4, and supports approximately 100 kWh of renewable energy generation. Of this $4, $3 goes to the generators and $1 goes to PaCE for its services.
