Loans and Rebates Offered For Energy Efficency

Pennsylvania has kicked off a new $17 million dollar program aimed at helping residents make their homes more energy efficient. Under the Keystone HELP Energy Efficiency Loan and Rebate Program the PA Department of Environmental Protection will provide $3.5 million to reduce the interest rates on nearly $16 million in low-interest loans, as well as $1 million for rebates for certain investments. The state says the goal is to make it easier for families to insulate their homes, seal off drafts, or install items such as high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, geothermal heat pumps, and ENERGY STAR-qualified windows and doors. State officials say now is the time to make the upgrades. Not only is everyone looking for ways to save money in the slow economy but also energy costs are expected to jump over the coming years as the remaining caps on electricity rates in PA expire. The program is part of the $650 million Alternative Energy Investment Fund legislation signed in July. The deadline for applications is June 30.