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California

Incentives/Policies for Energy Efficiency

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Energy Efficiency Financing Program

Last DSIRE Review: 12/02/2009
Program Overview:
State: California
Incentive Type: State Loan Program
Eligible Efficiency Technologies: Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors, Chillers , Furnaces , Boilers, Heat pumps, Air conditioners, Energy Mgmt. Systems/Building Controls, Building Insulation, Motors, Custom/Others pending approval
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: CHP/Cogeneration, Other Distributed Generation Technologies
Applicable Sectors: Schools, Local Government, Public Hospitals
Amount:Up to 100% of energy efficiency project costs
Maximum Incentive:$3 million
Terms:1.00% or 3.00% fixed APR, depending on the project's ability to meet certain federal guidelines;
Maximum loan term of 15 years.
Program Budget:$45 million total;
$25 million for 1% loans, $20 million for 3% loans
Web Site: http://www.energy.ca.gov/efficiency/financing/index.html
Summary:
The California Energy Commission (CEC) provides loans to Cities, Counties, public schools, public hospitals, and special districts to finance energy-saving projects. Originally established with $20 million in funding, California more than doubled the loan fund using money made available through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Public projects funded with money from ARRA must meet certain requirements which may be difficult for certain projects to meet. To add flexibility, the CEC developed two separate loan funds. $25 million in ARRA funds support a loan program with a 1.00% interest rate. Projects unable to meet the ARRA requirements can use the original $20 million in state funds, which support a separate loan program with a 3.00% interest rate.  
 
Interest rates are fixed for the term of the loan. The maximum loan amount is $3 million and there is no minimum loan. Loans must be paid back within 15 years from energy costs savings, or in 2 years for energy audits. Common projects include lighting and equipment upgrades and heating systems, but can also include other energy-saving measures and renewable energy systems.  
 
Application packets are available on the program website above.


 
Contact:
  Public Programs Office
California Energy Commission
1516 Ninth Street, MS #42
Sacramento, CA 95814-5512
Phone: (916) 654-4104
E-Mail: pubprog@energy.state.ca.us
Web Site: http://www.energy.ca.gov/
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Please note: The information on the DSIRE web site provides an overview of incentives and other policies, but it should not be used as the only source of information when making purchasing decisions, investment decisions, tax decisions or other binding agreements. Please refer to the individual contact provided in each record to verify that a specific incentive or other policy is applicable to your specific project.

© 2009 N.C. Solar Center / N.C. State University / College of Engineering