City of Helena Residential Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Loan Program

How it works

The City of Helena created the Residential Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Loan Program in 2015 by Resolution 20218. It is available to homeowners within Helena city limits and is designed to help pay for energy-efficiency upgrades or renewable energy systems. The city says the loan is interest free and fee free, and repayment is collected on the property tax bill over 10 years.

What the money covers

The city page says the program can finance energy-efficiency upgrades, such as new windows, and the installation of renewable energy systems. The FAQ gives examples of eligible renewable-energy projects, including:

• solar photovoltaic systems
• wind turbines
• geothermal and ground source heating systems
• greywater systems
• solar water heating systems

The FAQ also says the city manager or designee may approve other energy-efficiency upgrades and renewable-energy systems if they fit the program’s intent. The FAQ specifically says the funds are not available to purchase energy-saving appliances.

Amounts and repayment

The maximum loan is $12,000 per residential property. The term is up to 10 years, with a 0% annual interest rate. Loans made by August 31 each year are placed as an assessment on the recipient’s property tax bill with equal semi-annual payments.

How to apply

The page says complete applications must be submitted before any work is started to be considered. The FAQ says the application package includes:

• application form
• contractor contract dollar amount
• contractor plans
• mortgage-holder approval form

After approval, the property owner signs the loan agreement and pays a filing fee. The contractor then obtains the building permit, a partial payment request is submitted, the work is completed and inspected by the city building division, and final invoices are submitted for final payment.

Timing and deadlines

The city says funding is limited each year and depends on money dedicated by the city commission. The public page does not give a general application deadline, but it does say loans made by August 31 are handled as assessments on the property tax bill.