Oklahoma’s C-PACE program powers innovation and growth

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Oklahoma’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Financing Program is rapidly emerging as a state-wide driver of clean energy investment, with nearly $100 million in funded projects and growing momentum across the state. In Oklahoma City alone, C-PACE has helped provide over $42 million for energy efficiency building projects to eight different local developments, providing features like high-efficiency HVAC systems, building exteriors that drive down cooling and heating costs, water systems that prevent waste, and electricity-saving measures.

C-PACE improves energy and water conservation and building performance by offering long-term, low-interest financing for private property owners without the burden of upfront capital. The program continues to provide smarter infrastructure and more resilient properties appropriate for long-term investment. The program’s success was recently spotlighted at the 2025 PACENation Summit, where Oklahoma County’s new adjustable-rate C-PACE was named one of the Innovative Deals of the Year for its role in the planned Alley North development.

Alley North recently broke ground at NW 13th and Broadway, and it is a fantastic example of how C-PACE can aid energy-efficient development for homes and businesses. The mixed-use development exemplifies the economic and environmental benefits of modern, clean-energy financing tools. With support from C-PACE and the city’s Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district, this once-vacant site will soon host new housing, retail, hospitality, and office space. The smart usage of water and energy efficiency for a development primed to become a small neighborhood will no doubt have a significant impact.

The various efficiency features C-PACE has supported are diverse, but among the most commonly installed are features that aid better temperature control in buildings. Building shell improvements and insulation to keep temperatures consistent, as well as higher efficiency HVAC systems, are certainly features our city can appreciate as temperatures tick upward this summer.

The C-PACE program provides a standardized framework across Oklahoma counties, simplifying access for property owners, developers, lenders, and contractors. This consistency is key to scaling investments and accelerating private-sector participation in water and energy conservation.

By offering clean-energy financing with strong public-private alignment, Oklahoma’s C-PACE program is not just updating buildings; it is building for the future. Every energy and water conservation project strengthens Oklahoma’s economy, creates jobs, conserves resources, and positions the city as a forward-thinking leader in energy-efficient development.

Kenton Tsoodle is the president of The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City.