EPUD: Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Programs

Emerald People's Utility District (EPUD) has three different loan programs to help residential customers improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Through the Weatherization Loan Program residents can borrow up to $4,000 with zero interest, and receive an added incentive of up to $500, to install insulation in the attic, floor, and walls, add appropriate ventilation, install a moisture barrier, wrap hot water pipes and duct work, and weatherstrip windows and doors. The first step to obtaining a weatherization loan is to call Emerald Energy Services (EES) and schedule an energy analysis. An energy analyst will visit the home to determine what energy saving measures are needed.

EPUD also makes zero-interest loans, along with a $500 rebate, available to home owners through the Duct Sealing Loan Program. Qualified customers can use this loan to finance repairs to ventilation systems. Only electrically heated stick-built homes and mobile homes qualify for these two loan programs.

Finally, the Heat Pump Loan Program provides EPUD's residential customers with zero-interest loans of up to $7,500. To qualify for this loan, heat pumps must be a qualifying model. State and Federal tax credits are also available for the installation of qualifying heat pumps. For more information, customers can contact Energy Services at 746-1583.

EES is working with the Housing Authority and Community Services agency of Lane County to weatherize low-income customers. Qualifying households can have the costs of weatherization covered up to 100%.