Are there any grants, rebates or loans for energy efficiency improvements to lower my fuel bills?

There are a number of sources of financial assistance to help Vermonters make energy efficiency improvements to lower their heating fuel use. Some have limited eligibility and others are broadly available.

• Vermont's Weatherization Program is designed to help low-income residents, particularly older Vermonters, people with disabilities, and families with children to save fuel and money by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. If you are eligible, you may be able to receive an energy analysis and installation of a range of home energy efficiency upgrades at no cost.
  
  
• If you are a customer of Vermont Gas and have relatively high gas usage, you may be eligible for a free energy analysis, incentives toward cost-effective upgrades and reduced-interest rate financing. Find out more about eligibility and services at 1-802-863-4511 ext 321.
  
  
• If you are served by the Washington Electric Co-operative, you should contact the Co-op to find out about additional rebates and other financial incentives through the Co-op's Pledge or call for more information toll free 1-877-852-0297.
  
  
• If you have electric space heat, you may be eligible for free analysis, incentives toward cost-effective upgrades and/or reduced-interest rate financing from Efficiency Vermont. Find out more about eligibility and services, call us toll-free 1-888-921-5990.
  
  
• If you have high heating bills and aren't sure what to do, it will very likely be worthwhile to have expert help. Efficiency Vermont's Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program connects Vermont homeowners with trained and certified "home performance" contractors who can provide home energy assessments and follow-through to get recommended improvements installed  for recommended improvements.
  
  
• Efficiency Vermont offers a choice of two incentives to help Vermont homeowners pay for comprehensive energy efficiency improvements completed by a certified Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor:
  

Interest Rate Reduction Incentive - Efficiency Vermont partners with several lenders across the state to offer a 3.5% interest rate reduction on loans of $15,000 or less for terms of 5 years or less.

10% Cash Incentive (Limited time offer) -For energy efficiency improvements pre-approved and installed between October 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, Efficiency Vermont will pay 10% of the installation costs up to $500. This incentive is paid to the contractor upon receipt of required project completion documents. This cash incentive offer may not be combined with Efficiency Vermont's Interest Rate Reduction Incentive.

• In order to qualify for either of these Efficiency Vermont incentives, Efficiency Vermont must pre-approve your proposal for energy efficiency improvements. Customers who receive incentives from Vermont Gas Systems are not eligible to receive these Efficiency Vermont incentives.
  

If you need a loan for energy improvements

• The Vermont Energy Saver Program helps Vermont homeowners meeting income limits to reduce heat and electricity bills by offering 0-5% financing for energy improvements completed by one of the five Weatherization Agencies or a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor. This program is being offered by six regional NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Centers in partnership with the State of Vermont and Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA). For more information, visit: www.vthomeownership.org.
  
  
• The Warm and Weatherized Loan Program - offered through TD Banknorth makes loans ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 available to help Vermonters reduce heat and electricity bills by offering 2.75% financing for eligible energy improvements. Homeowners may apply for the loans through any of TD Banknorth's 35 Vermont locations.
  
  
• Through Home Performance with ENERGY STAR financing, Efficiency Vermont is partnering with several lenders across the state to offer loans with reduced interest rates for qualifying home energy improvements completed by a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor.
  
  
• A number of other Vermont banks and credit unions are offering home energy loans with varying eligibility, terms and interest rates. Call your lending institution to inquire.