Rezachek & Associates'
Energy & Environmental Resources

Energy Incentive Programs/Financing Alternatives

Loan Programs

Alaska Economic Development Resource Guide EDRG Online Over 100 Financial and Technical Assistance Resources for Alaskan Communities and Businesses .

Community Energy Loan Program(CELP) The General Assembly of Maryland authorized the Community Energy Loan Program (CELP) for implementation as of July 1, 1989. Originally funded with $3.2 million in seed money, CELP provides local governments and nonprofit organizations in the State a unique opportunity to reduce their operating expenses by identifying and installing energy conservation improvements. CELP not only fills a gap in resources for schools and hospitals caused by diminishing federal funds, but also allows borrowers to use the cost savings generated by the improvements as the primary source of revenue for repaying the loans. This planned neutral budget impact makes CELP an attractive financing opportunity for interested organizations.

Conservation Power Financing Program (PFP) SMUD's Conservation Power Financing Program (PFP), started in 1990, provides loans and rebates for a range of electrical efficiency measures to the utility's residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural customers. A separate program applies to public schools, local governments, and other public agencies. Under state law the boards of these public agencies cannot take on debts that will encumber future boards. To get around this roadblock to energy efficiency, SMUD sets up long term lease-purchase arrangements for these customers.

Energy Efficient Financing Information Center If you are in the process of purchasing a home you owe it to yourself and family to look into Energy Efficient Financing and Home Energy Rating Systems.

Energy Efficient Mortgage Home Owner Guide When you are buying, selling, refinancing, or remodeling your home, you can increase your comfort and actually save money by using the Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM). It is easy to use, federally recognized, and can be applied to most home mortgages. EEMs provide the borrower with special benefits when purchasing a home that is energy efficient, or can be made efficient through the installation of energy-saving improvements.

Energy Efficient Mortgage Lender Database Contacts for the 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Washington, DC.

Energy Efficient Mortgages These home loans pay for themselves with savings on electricity. Millions of homeowners across the country could lower their electric bills dramatically by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. But many can't afford the short-term investment required to reap the long-term benefits. Until now. In October 1996, the nation's largest independent mortgage lender, Countrywide Home Loans, launched a program that allows homeowners to pay-as-they-save for energy-efficiency improvements.

Energy Office Energy Loan Program The SC Energy Conservation Efficiency Act of 1992 authorized the South Carolina Energy Office (SCEO) to develop a comprehensive energy loan strategy for both public and private energy efficiency projects. In response to that legislation, SCEO has developed a four pronged energy loan program. This program includes: (1) Energy Financing Assistance; (2) Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) Guidance and Consultation; (3) ConserFund Revolving Loan Fund; and (4) EnerFund Revolving Loan Fund.

Financial Services The Environment & Energy Resource Center originates Home Energy Loans at an interest rate of 8.0%. Also, we make available Home Improvement Loans varying from 2.0% - 8.0% depending on household income and size.

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Clearinghouse Since 1988, the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) has operated the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Clearinghouse through a training and technical assistance contract from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services, Division of Energy Assistance.

New Solar Finance Loan Program: SEIA Beginning in May, homeowners who want to “Go Solar” will find it easier to obtain financing for equipment and installation of residential solar water and pool heating and photovoltaic systems. The new financing program, Solar Finance, is being made available by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) directly to its national or state chapter members for a US$500 annual fee. In addition, SEIA is working with the Utility PhotoVoltaic Group so that UPVG members will be able to participate in the program as well.

Oregon Small Scale Energy Loan Program The Small Scale Energy Loan Program (SELP), administered by the Oregon Department of Energy, finances energy conservation and renewable energy projects in Oregon, through the issuance of general obligation bonds.

Performance Contracting Performance contracting is frequently employed in the financing of energy efficiency projects. It has been widely used in the United States and Europe (where it is called third-party financing), but is relatively new in developing countries and emerging market economies. In performance contracting, an end-user (such as an industry, institution, or utility), seeking to improve its energy efficiency, contracts with an energy service company (ESCO) for energy efficiency services and financing. Several contract and financing structures can be used and are described in this chapter.

SBA Loan Programs for Energy-Related Businesses The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) operates a loan fund to assist small businesses engaged in energy technology and efficiency. The SBA rarely makes a direct loan to applicants. Instead they will work with a designated financial institution to guarantee such loans if certain requirements are met. Generally, loan guarantees cannot exceed $750,000 or 75% of the loan amount, whichever is less. For loans up to $100,000, the guaranteed amount cannot exceed 80% of the project.