Last DSIRE Review: 03/13/2013
Program Overview:
| State: |
Montana |
| Incentive Type: |
State Loan Program |
| Eligible Efficiency Technologies: |
Building Insulation, Windows, Doors, Appliances, when installed as part of the alternative energy project |
| Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: |
Solar Water Heat, Photovoltaics, Landfill Gas, Wind, Biomass, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Small Hydroelectric, Fuel Cells using Renewable Fuels, Geothermal Direct-Use |
| Applicable Sectors: |
Commercial, Residential, Nonprofit, Schools, Local Government |
| Amount: | Varies |
| Maximum Incentive: | $40,000 |
| Terms: | Up to 10 years; 3.75% interest rate for 2013 |
| Funding Source: | Montana Department of Environmental Quality, ARRA |
| Start Date: | 7/1/2001 |
| Web Site: |
http://www.deq.mt.gov/Energy/Renewable/altenergyloan.mcpx
|
Authority 1:
Date Enacted:
Date Effective:
|
MCA ยง 75-25-101 et seq.
5/5/2001, amended 2005
7/1/2001
|
Summary:
The Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program (AERLP) provides loans to individuals, small businesses, local government agencies, units of the university system, and nonprofit organizations to install alternative energy systems that generate energy for their own use. The program has historically been funded by air quality penalties collected by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and also used funding from The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The program is administered by the Department of Environmental Quality, which is responsible for developing the rules.
Alternative energy systems are defined by the Montana Code as "the generation system or equipment used to convert energy sources into usable sources." Technologies included in this definition are fuel cells using non-fossil fuels, geothermal, low emissions wood or biomass, wind, photovoltaics and small hydropower (under 1 megawatt). DEQ provides a technical review and approval of systems proposed for the loan program.
In 2005, SB 50 added local government agencies, units of the university system, and nonprofit organizations to the list of eligible sectors, and allowed energy conservation measures to be financed when installed with an eligible renewable energy project. Energy conservation measures financed by the loan are limited to 20% of the total loan amount. Interest rates are set annually and are fixed for the term of the loan. The rate for 2013 is 3.75%. Some funding from ARRA temporarily boosted the loan amount in April 2010, but loan amounts have returned to previous levels; the maximum loan amount is $40,000, with a maximum loan term of 10 years.
DEQ will accept and process loan applications throughout the year. Approved projects will be ranked according to criteria published in the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) Title 17, Chapter 85. This criteria includes items such as system reliability, return on investment and avoided fossil fuel consumption. Once a loan is approved, the applicant will be informed as to whether funds are currently available and when new funds are anticipated if funds are not currently available. |
