$10,000 Energy Saver Rebate available for residential energy improvements

Posted on 14. Dec, 2009 by Release in State Legislature, government

The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency recently announced the creation of the Energy Saver Rebate program. Rebates are available for homeowners that do energy-saving home improvements using funds from a Minnesota Housing Fix-up loan. The rebates are funded with money given to Minnesota as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

“With so many Minnesotans across the state struggling to pay their bills, programs like this can really make a difference,” said State Sen. Sandy Rummel, DFL-White Bear Lake. “Minnesota Housing’s Energy Saver Rebates will help homeowners do important improvements in their homes that will help cut their energy bills and use. Interested homeowners should act quickly though, because these rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis.”

Energy Saver Rebates can be used for:

• Replacement furnaces, boilers, and central air conditioners that are eligible for Federal Energy Tax Credit;
• Replacement exterior doors that are eligible for Federal Energy Tax Credit;
• Energy Star replacement windows;
• Energy Star light fixtures;
• Attic air sealing;
• Wall and attic insulation in conjunction with attic air sealing; and
• Water heaters if they are “orphaned” due to furnace replacement.

Energy Saver Rebates are available for 35 percent of the cost of the eligible improvements that were financed with a Fix-up Fund loan, up to a maximum of $10,000. Improvements must be done by a licensed contractor, and the homeowner must submit the Energy Saver Rebate Application for the completed improvements to their lender within 120 days of the Fix-up Fund loan’s closing. Fix-Up Fund loans are available to households with an income of less than $96,500.

Sen. Rummel also advised homeowners to check if they are eligible for the Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency or a rebate from their utility company when doing energy efficiency improvements. The Energy Saver Rebate cannot be used in conjunction with the Builders Association of Minnesota’s Project ReEnergize rebate or Fix-up Fund Loans made prior to December 7, 2009.

For a list of authorized lenders, or for more information, go to www.mnhousing.gov or contact Senator Sandy Rummel.

Tags: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, energy