JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 07, 2023 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is again accepting applications for its popular Energy Loan Program.
The department offers low-interest loans to public K-12 schools, public colleges and universities, hospitals and local governments for energy-saving investments, and energy efficiency projects to reduce energy use and cost. A wide range of project types are eligible: High efficiency lighting fixtures and lamps; combined heat and power systems; waste heat recovery; high efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; and building shell improvements, such as insulation. Loan recipients repay the loan with money saved on energy costs as a result of implementing energy efficiency projects. By using loan financing, the loan recipient's tax dollars are freed up for essential services or other capital improvements. The loan recipient also benefits from increased comfort of building occupants and reduced energy costs. The money saved can then be used to repay the loan.
Since its inception in 1989, the Energy Loan Program has made more than 622 loans, resulting in more than $118 million in completed energy efficiency projects and more than $214 million in estimated cumulative energy savings.
The Energy Loan Application cycle is open until June 30, 2024. Loan recipients are determined on a competitive basis. Applications are ranked based on the project’s payback score, which will be determined by dividing the cost to implement a project by the estimated yearly energy cost savings.
For more information on this valuable program, and on source water protection in general, visit dnr.mo.gov/energy/grants-loans/loan-program.