saving money

Financial Help for Green changes!

In today’s economy, saving money is very important for businesses and personnally.  With the cost of energy changing, but most definately on the rise (again), it may be time for you to consider a change in your heating and/or cooling system(s).  With the push for green power and energy conservation, there are many tax credits for you to possibly take advantage of with such improvements.

For homeowners, there is a  program called “HowSmart” provided through Midwest Energy.  In a nutshell, they provide an energy audit to be done on the energy efficiency of your home, then the audit shows your possible energy savings with new systems/performed maintanence.  The cost savings for the homeowner (the difference) can be utilized through the existing credit maintained through Midwest Energy to establish the payments (over 180 months) for the changes, with very little if any immediate out of pocket cash (depending on circumstances). 

For the business owner,  the USDA Rural Development provides applications for grants and loan guarantees for farmers and rural small businesses to install renewable energy systems, make energy efficiency improvements, or conduct feasibility studies for a renewable energy system. These funds are administered through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) program.   At this time, this is an ongoing program for the USDA.  The energy audit needed for this program is a cost to the business owner, but if assistance for the audit is needed; the business could possible recieve financial assistance for the audit through the local EBE program in Phillips County.  Please visit with PCED staff and schedule an appointment.