Energy.gov

The Idaho Office of Energy Resources administers low-interest loan programs for energy efficiency projects, and for active solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower and biomass energy projects. The interest rate is 4% with a 5-year repayment term. Applicants must pay the fees associated with processing and closing a loan. Loans are available for retrofit only, with the exception of some renewable resources.

Idaho Falls Power is offering a zero interest loan program to qualifying commercial customers to install efficient lighting and other energy conservation measures. The building must receive its electricity service from Idaho Falls Power and an energy audit must be performed on the building by IFP Energy Services personnel prior to purchase and/or installation. Loan is only available to customers with a good payment history with City Utilities (i.e. no outstanding current balance, no disconnects for nonpayment, no delinquencies).

In addition to loan programs, Idaho Falls Power offers rebates for customers meeting certain criteria. An energy audit will inspect the following measures and recommend upgrades as needed:
* Lighting efficiency improvements
* Electric heating
* Heat pumps
* Ventilation or air conditioning system improvements
* Motor efficiency improvements
* Building envelope improvements

Idaho Falls Power offers zero interest loans to all eligible customers for the purchase and installation of energy efficient heat pumps. The Heat Pump Program applies to heating or cooling in existing buildings. Ducted, ductless, and geothermal heat pumps are all eligible for this offer. The program will loan up to 100% of the actual cost of installing heat pumps for qualifying customers not to exceed $7,500 ($5,000 for ductless heat pumps). An alternative heat pump rebate program is offered for customers who do not want to pursue a loan.

Idaho Falls Power's Energy Efficiency Loan Program offers zero interest loans for qualifying customers to purchase and install efficient electric appliances. The program will loan up to 100% of the actual cost of eligible measures for qualifying customers. Electric appliances eligible for financing include, but are not limited to, the following:

Idaho Falls Power offers rebates to eligible customers on energy efficient HVAC measures and weatherization upgrades. Rebates are available on heat pumps, new manufactured homes and insulation. This program is offered in addition to a zero interest appliance loan program and a low interest heat pump loan program. Efficiency requirements for equipment must be met in order to be eligible for rebates. Contact Idaho Falls Power for more information or visit the program web site listed above.

Residential customers with permanently installed electric heat who receive service from the City of Idaho Falls, are eligible for 0% weatherization loans. City Energy Service will conduct an energy audit, and participants can then finance and install energy conservation measures. Payment is made to the Contractor by Idaho Falls Power, and the participant pays any costs in excess of the program loan amount. The amount paid to the contractor by Idaho Falls Power will then be added to the customer's utility bill and will be payable in equal monthly installments.

Idaho Power offers incentives for its commercial and industrial customers in Idaho and Oregon to upgrade to more efficient equipment in facilities. They provide incentives for lighting equipment and controls, HVAC equipment and controls, cool roofing, building shell, and grocery/refrigeration equipment. This program is for Idaho Power commercial or industrial customers on rate Schedule 7 (Small General Service, Small Commercial), Schedule 9 (Large General Service, Large Commercial), or Schedule 19 (Large Power Service). There is a maximum allowable incentive of $100,000.

Large commercial and industrial Idaho Power customers that reduce energy usage through more efficient electrical commercial and industrial processes may qualify for an incentive that is the lesser of either 12 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) saved per year or 70% of the project cost. The incentive is specifically for customers on Large General Service, Large Commercial, and Large Power Service, although other large industrial customers may qualify.

Idaho does not have a statewide net-metering policy. However, each of the state's three investor-owned utilities -- Avista Utilities, Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power -- has developed a net-metering tariff that has been approved by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC).