NFCCA

Stories from the NFCCA Newsletter, the “Northwood News”

Northwood News ♦ December 2012

The Energy Guy

Low-Interest Financing for Energy Efficiency Upgrades

By Reuven Walder

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) has partnered with the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC), with support from the U.S. Department of Energy, to develop an innovative energy efficiency financing initiative for Maryland property owners.

As part of the Governor’s Smart, Green, and Growing Initiative, the Maryland Home Energy Loan Program (MHELP) will help Marylanders take control of their energy future and stimulate new “green collar” jobs.

There are two interest rates available for eligible consumers — 6.99 or 9.99 percent.  A 6.99 percent annual percentage rate (APR) is available for consumers completing a Home Performance Energy Audit and installing various energy-efficiency measures including insulation, duct sealing, weatherstripping, equipment replacement, chimney repairs, and more.  They’ve recently adding solar PV systems and geothermal systems to the list of eligible items! Details on what kind of work is eligible is available at www.mcecloans.com.

The first step toward securing a 6.99 percent loan is completing a Home Performance home energy audit.  The resulting audit report will recommend several ways a home can save energy.

With audit recommendations in hand, Marylanders can visit www.mcecloans.com to apply.  Loans are available for primary residences only and condos are not eligible.

A second rate of 9.99 percent APR is available for consumers completing equipment upgrades only, such as a furnace or HVAC unit that meet MCEC and ENERGY STAR standards.  A Home Performance energy audit is not required for the 9.99 percent program.  Loans are available up to $30,000.

Questions regarding the loan program can be directed the Maryland Clean Energy Center at 301.738.6280 or loans@mdcleanenergy.org.

[Reuven Walder is Founder/V.P. of Ecobeco LLC (301.802.7038 or reuven at ecobeco dot com).]   ■


   © 2012 NFCCA  [Source: https://nfcca.org/news/nn201212f.html]