Development helps small businesses, manufacturers, nonprofits, and local governments implement energy efficiency improvements to lower energy use and costs. Through the Energy Loan Fund eligible applicants receive low-interest financing to install efficiency measures that reduce energy by at least 15%. Technical assistance is also available to facilitate the required energy audit for potential applicants. 

Access complete Program Guidelines

Eligible Applicants

Small businesses, local governments, manufacturers, school districts, colleges and universities, and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.

Eligible Efficiency Measures

Eligible efficiency measures include insulation, LED lighting, energy efficiency lighting technologies, energy management control systems, HVAC upgrades, weather sealing, door and window replacements, combined heat and power systems, and cogeneration systems.

In order for energy distribution technologies and renewable energy technologies to be eligible, they must be a part of a larger energy efficiency project. All projects must achieve at least a 15% reduction in energy usage, demonstrate economic and environmental impacts and be included within a long-term energy strategy.

Financing

Low-interest loans are available through the fund. Loan amounts vary depending on the project and can be from $250,000 up to $2.5 million. Technical assistance is also available to help eligible applicants identify energy efficiency measures for their facility.

How to apply

All organizations interested in applying for an Energy Loan must first register and submit a Pre-Application. The Pre-Application must include:

• An overview of the proposed project;
• Projected energy use savings;
• Projected energy cost savings;
• Simple payback with incentives, if applicable;
• Loan amount requested and cost share; and
• A description of the anticipated expenses for which the loan and cost share will be used.

Submitting a Pre-Application does not obligate a prospective applicant to submit a Loan Application, nor does it confirm a loan will be issued.

Submit your Pre-Application Under the Grant Application header, select "Energy Loan Fund".

Qualified applicants who have submitted a Pre-Application will receive written instructions from Development on how to access the online Loan Application.

Documentation needed for application

Documentation needed to apply for funding includes but is not limited to an overview of the project, projected energy and cost savings, and an ASHRAE Level II energy audit or equivalent.

Potential applicants may contact the Office of Community Assistance for assistance with an energy audit.