CA SB476

Prohibits PACE program administrators from executing assessment contracts unless the property has undergone an energy audit performed by certified auditors, raters, or energy assessors before contract execution.

Requires energy audits to include a written report with an evaluation of measure suitability, determination of energy consumption reduction, and estimated cost savings provided to the property owner as a printed paper copy.

Expands permitted energy audit providers to include Building Performance Institute certified auditors, mortgage industry-accredited raters, Department of Energy-eligible assessors, and comparable state or local certified consultants.

Establishes that energy auditors cannot be agents or affiliates of program administrators, PACE solicitors, or solicitor agents to ensure independence.

Creates new requirements for fund disbursement to solicitors, requiring program administrators to obtain permits, inspections, utility approvals, or certified inspection reports (for contracts over $25,000) or geo-tagged photographs (for contracts under $25,000) verifying proper installation of measures.

Allows waivers of energy audit requirements for emergency or immediately necessary heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or temperature regulation repairs limited to $15,000 if property owner provides handwritten acknowledgment.