Dollar and Energy Savings Loans

August 07, 2020

Summary

The Nebraska Dollar and Energy Savings Loan program was created in 1990 using oil overcharge funds. The program, administered by the Nebraska Energy Office, makes available low-interest loans for residential and commercial energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy projects.

Renewable energy projects may be eligible for a loan under one of two circumstances. First, a project may be eligible if it is included in a list of prequalified improvements. This list includes a variety of renewable energy projects, including wind, photovoltaics, solar hot water heating, and fuel cells. Second, projects not listed as prequalified improvements may be eligible with the submission of an energy audit that verifies that the project will have a reasonable payback period (varies by improvement type).

Process

The program works by leveraging of State Energy Office funds through collaboration with individual Nebraska banks, savings institutions, and credit unions. An individual seeking a loan under this program first approaches his or her financial institution, which approves the project on financial terms. The financial institution then gains approval from the Energy Office, who can purchase 50%, 65%, or 75% of the loan at 0% to deliver a low interest rate to the borrower.

Terms and Conditions

Under the program the simple interest rates are 5%, 3.5%, or less for the borrower, depending on the project. Prequalified projects are financed with a low-interest loan for up to 15 years for home and building improvements, 5 years for appliances, and 3 to 10 years for other prequalified projects.

Most loan applications are reviewed and processed within 10 working days. All qualifying work should be completed within 5 months of Energy Office's commitment of funds to invest in lender's fund.

Program Overview

Implementing Sector:	State
Category:	Financial Incentive
State:	Nebraska
Incentive Type:	Loan Program
Web Site:	http://www.neo.ne.gov/loan/
Administrator:	Nebraska Energy Office
Start Date:
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:	Solar Water Heat Solar Space Heat Geothermal Electric Solar Photovoltaics Wind (All) Biomass Hydroelectric Geothermal Heat Pumps Municipal Solid Waste Fuel Cells using Non-Renewable Fuels Landfill Gas Clothes Washers Dishwasher Refrigerators/Freezers Dehumidifiers Ceiling Fan Equipment Insulation Water Heaters Lighting Lighting Controls/Sensors Furnaces Boilers Heat pumps Air conditioners Heat recovery Programmable Thermostats Caulking/Weather-stripping Duct/Air sealing Building Insulation Windows Roofs Custom/Others pending approval Other EE Wind (Small) Personal Computing Equipment Tankless Water Heater
Maximum Loan:	Traditional Dollar and Energy Savings Loans: Residential: $125,000; Multifamily dwellings with 3 or more units: $250,000 Non-Residential: $500,000; Home Electronics: $25,000; Office Electronics: $50,000 Alternative Fuel Projects: $500,000 Telecommunications Projects: $250,000
Loan Term:	3 -15 years. Minimum monthly payments: $25 (appliances and electronics) and $50 (all others)
Interest Rate:	Simple interest rates are 5%, 3.5%, or less depending on the project.

Contact

Name:	Jack Osterman
Organization:	Nebraska Energy Office
Address:	P.O. Box 95085 Lincoln NE 68509-5085
Phone:	(402) 471-2867
Email:	John.Osterman@nebraska.gov

This information is sourced from DSIRE; the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.