US Department of Energy (DOE) 2009 Federal Stimulus Act
This act was singed into legislation on February 17, 2009. It provides tax credits for highly energy efficient new home construction and energy efficiency improvements to existing homes. The equipment is purchased and installed and then the tax credits are returned on your Fed taxes. Measures must be purchased and installed by Dec 31, 2009.
ENERGY STAR™ Homes
www.energystar.gov
ENERGY STAR® New Homes
1-800-STAR-YES
The Energy Star™ Homes Program is a high performance rating and third-party verification program administered by the EPA. All Energy Star™ qualified homes receive the Energy Star™ label, indicating to consumers that these energy-efficient homes are more comfortable, more durable, cost less to own, and are good for the environment. Access to preferred financing is available. The local third-party certifier in our region is Earth Advantage.
Oregon Department of Energy
Residential Energy Tax Credits (RETC)
1-800-221-8035
Residential Energy Tax Credits are available for residential energy-efficiency improvements including the purchase of premium-efficiency appliances, equipment and alternative fuel cars (including hybrids), as well as the installation of premium-efficiency ducts, geothermal and solar space heating, electricity, and water heating systems. The equipment is purchased and then the tax credits are returned on your OR taxes.
State Energy Loan Program (SELP)
Low-cost loans are available from the OR Dept of Energy for energy-efficiency upgrades.
PDC Neighborhood Housing Program
http://www.pdc.us/
503-823-3400
The Portland Development Commission (PDC) has loans and programs available city-wide to serve a wide variety of incomes in support of homeownership:
- PDC Purchase and Renovation loans – For prospective buyers that want to purchase a home and make some improvements to the property at the same time;
- PDC Refinance and Renovation loans - For existing homeowners that want to refinance their existing mortgage(s) and make major improvements at the same time;
- PDC Home Repair loans - For residents of the Interstate Corridor and the Lents Town Center Urban Renewal Areas to address critical repair needs in their homes; and
- Portland Regional Lead Hazard Control Program - For families residing in homes built before 1978, with at least one child under the age of six, to address lead-based paint hazards in the home.
Some loans and programs have income and asset criteria. Funds are primarily available for properties in the SE Lents Urban Renewal Area (URA).
Earth Advantage
http://www.earthadvantage.com/
1-888-327-8433
Participating lenders offer the "Home Performance Power" mortgages for homes built under the Earth Advantage program, which promotes the construction of resource-efficient housing. Home Performance Power mortgages have low or no down payment requirements and require borrowers to contribute only 3% for closing costs, which may come from a variety of sources. Eligible borrowers can also add the dollar value of projected energy savings to their income, thus qualifying for a larger mortgage. Earth Advantage is the non-profit third-party certifier for LEED-Homes, Earth Advantage and Energy Star Programs.
State Home Oil Weatherization Program (SHOW)
800-452-8660
Your home must be heated by oil, kerosene, propane, or wood. Call to schedule a free home energy audit to receive a customized report that lists weatherization options. Incentives available include cash rebates and low-cost loans. The cash rebate and loan are available on the energy-efficiency measures recommended in the audit. SHOW is offering cash incentives on replacement windows, replacement oil furnaces, and above-ground oil tanks when installed with a new furnace.
Energy Trust of Oregon
www.energytrust.org
1-866-ENTRUST
The Energy Trust of OR has new and existing home programs serving people who live in single-family homes, apartment complexes and manufactured homes. It offers up-front cash incentives for energy-saving home improvements for residential customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas. Also available are referrals to contractors (Trade Allies) who can offer special financing, and assistance with Oregon state tax credit applications.
Solar Now!
1-877-546-8769
This program is a one-stop shop for residential and commercial solar incentives, technical assistance and expert guidance. Solar Now! can assist you with your next solar thermal (hot water) or PV (photo voltaic) project. The collaborating partners are the City of Portland's Solar Now! Program, the OR Dept of Energy, the non-profit Solar Oregon and the Energy Trust of OR.
City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services
Ecoroof Grant Program
Up to $5/sq. foot grant for new or retrofit ecoroof installations.
Clean River Rewards
Stormwater discount program on your quarterly water bill with an easy on-line application.
Multnomah County
Weatherization Program
Choose one free measure of installed wall or ceiling insulation for income-eligible households.
