As of March 31, 2004: 21,658 loans for $168.1 million Questions and Answers... 5% Dollar and Energy Saving Loans

The Nebraska Energy Quarterly features questions asked about 5% Dollar and Energy Saving Loans. Loan forms may be obtained from participating lenders, the Nebraska Energy Office, or the agency's web site by clicking on the “Loan Forms” button above.
Q:
Are loans available for roof and foundation repairs?
A:
Roof repair or replacement can be part of an attic or ceiling insulation project, provided the borrower is adding an additional R-30 insulation value to the ceiling or attic and the roof needs to be repaired or replaced to protect the new insulation because the roof leaks.

New Roofing Roof repairs are eligible in some cases.

Form 2 loan/pdf/form2.pdf">loan/pdf/form2.pdf and Form 2 Roofing loan/pdf/2roofing.pdf">loan/pdf/2roofing.pdf are the application forms needed for these projects and should be completed and taken to a participating lender, along with a bid for the work. If a borrower is proposing to add an additional R-5 insulation value to the foundation or basement walls, the walls may be repaired or replaced as part of the project if needed to protect or install the new insulation. Form 2 loan/pdf/2siding.pdf">loan/pdf/2siding.pdf is used for this type of project. If exterior insulation is being added to the walls and needs to be covered to protect it, then Form 2 Siding loan/pdf/2siding.pdf">loan/pdf/2siding.pdf needs to be completed along with Form 2, and taken to the lender when applying for a loan, along with a bid or bids for all the work. It also is possible to repair basement and foundation walls as a "seal air leaks" project on Form 2 without adding additional insulation. Any necessary tuck pointing would also fit under this category.
Q:
Are there other funding sources for energy conservation projects besides Dollar and Energy Saving Loans?
A:
Depending on the type of applicant, there may be funding opportunities through local Community Development Block Grant Programs administered by cities, counties, and development districts. Other sources could be the USDA Rural Development or other agencies such as the Library Commission or the Historical Society. In addition, local utilities may have rebates available. More than 40 different financing options are listed in 40 Ways to Finance Your Improvements 40ways.htm">40ways.htm
Q:
Can drilling a new well be covered by a Dollar and Energy Saving Loan?
A:

drilling rigWell drilling rig.

In some cases, a new well which is to be part of an irrigation project could be eligible when the new well and equipment are replacing an existing well and equipment and will generate enough in energy dollar savings to recover the cost of the new well and equipment in 10 years or sooner. This could hold true for other types of new wells and equipment in businesses, homes or agricultural operations provided they met the same payback criteria. These types of projects must be supported by an energy audit. Forms 32 loan/pdf/form32.pdf">loan/pdf/form32.pdf and 33loan/pdf/form33.pdf"> loan/pdf/form33.pdf can be used for this audit. Drilling a new well can be funded also with an energy loan as part of a ground source heat pump system which is going to be installed to replace the existing system in a home or building. These wells would be part of a heating and cooling project which is found on Form 3 loan/pdf/form3.pdf">loan/pdf/form3.pdf
Q:
I am interested in building a wind farm in Nebraska. Can I get a Dollar and Energy Saving Loan for the project? 		Getting a loan for a wind farm in Nebraska would have to be done by an eligible borrower; be located in Nebraska; demonstrate through a technical audit that it would provide sufficient energy dollar savings in the operation to qualify the project; and be limited by the dollar amount for that loan sector. These requirements are the same for any type of renewable energy project. Residency requirements for borrowers, payback criteria and loan sector limits can be found on the Energy Office's web site or by requesting a loan brochure from the Energy Office. Typically borrowers need to be a Nebraska resident or entity. Loan limits range from $35,000 for a single family dwelling up to $175,000 for a political subdivision. The payback criteria are 10 years for system improvements and 15 years for building improvements. For renewable energy projects such as a wind farm, forms 32 loan/pdf/form32.pdf">loan/pdf/form32.pdf and 33 loan/pdf/form33.pdf">loan/pdf/form33.pdf should be used for submitting an energy audit for the Energy Office's review.
Q:
Are 5% Dollar and Energy Saving Loans available for the purchase of dual fuel vehicles that are now being manufactured?
A:
 E-85 ethanol fueled vehicle E-85 ethanol fueled vehicles save on fuel costs and improve air quality. Loans are available for the incremental cost of a dual fuel vehicle. This would be the difference in the cost of the vehicle versus the cost of the same vehicle without alternate fuel capability. These types of loans can be made for a term of three years. The full cost of a vehicle is eligible for a loan only if it is a dedicated — 100% ethanol, bio-diesel, propane, natural gas or electric — alternate fuel vehicle. These types of loans can be made for a term of 5 years if the vehicle is under 8,500 lbs. gross vehicle weight, and for a term of seven years if over that weight. The loans cannot retroactively fund the purchase of an eligible vehicle. Form 7 is the application form used for alternate fueled vehicle projects loan/pdf/form7.pdf">loan/pdf/form7.pdf
Q:
How can information be obtained on Dollar and Energy Saving Loans?
A:
Brochures and application forms can be requested from the Energy Office or can be viewed and downloaded from the agency's web site loan/index.html

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