Energy Square
1111 “O” Street, Suite 223
Lincoln, Nebraska
Website: [Link]
Phone: 402-471-2867
AGENCY VISION
For Nebraskans to have reliable
and affordable sources of energy
that support a cleaner
environment and a more secure
energy future.
Mission Statement
To promote the efficient,
economic and environmentally
responsible use of energy.
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[Link]
[Link]
What We Do
• Federal Grant Administration
• Weatherization Program
• Dollar & Energy Saving Loan Program
• Energy Codes
• Energy Statistics
• Public Information
• Others
Grants
• Federal grants can be found and searched
at [Link]
• Grants offered by the Energy Office are
typically federally funded.
• Grant opportunities related to energy
efficiency are generally posted on the
Energy Office website, [Link].
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[Link]
Register for Grant Email Alerts (daily update of available grants)
What is Weatherization
• The Weatherization Assistance Program is for
low-income Nebraskans, providing at no cost:
– Insulation to Walls and Attics
– Replacing unsafe furnaces in owner occupied homes
– Sealing Ductwork
– Sealing Leaks
• Replace Broken Glass
• Replace Door and Window Seals
Operated by locally based organizations throughout the state, namely
Community Action Agencies - based on occupant income for rentals.
Weatherization
• Through the Weatherization Assistance Program federal funds have
been utilized to weatherize the homes of low-income Nebraskans.
• Approximately 60,000 homes have been weatherized with an
estimated 50,000 eligible homes remaining.
$21,660 first person, plus $7,480 each additional.
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Dollar and Energy Saving
Loan Program
• A revolving loan program to encourage Nebraskans to adopt energy
efficiency through low-cost financing available through Nebraska
banks, savings institutions & credit unions.
• Interest rate to borrower is fixed at 5% for most loans. Loans for
commercial building improvements, renewable energy, and
industrial improvements are available at a fixed rate of 2.5%.
• There are no income guidelines but the borrower must be a
Nebraska resident, and property or operation located in Nebraska.
• Started in March of 1990, the loan pool was capitalized with $24
million in oil overcharge funds which were returned to the state
through court orders from over-pricing in the 1970’s and early 80’s.
• There are over 900 lender locations across the state eligible to make
loans under this program.
• Since the programs inception these loans have financed over $200
million in energy efficiency improvements in all 93 Nebraska
counties.
Efficiency Improvement Projects which
can be funded using the Loan Program
• Air Sealing – Caulking Weatherstripping
• Insulation
• Heating and Cooling Equipment
• Lighting Retrofits
• Roofing and Siding, as part of an Insulation Project
• Window and Door Replacement
• Energy Efficient Appliances
• Energy Efficient Office Equipment
• Wind, Solar, and Fuel Cell Projects
(above this point, in approximate order of energy savings/improvement dollar)
• Waste Minimization Projects
• Irrigation projects
• No-Till Farm Equipment
• Grain Dryers
• Alternate Fuel Vehicle Projects
• Telecommunication Equipment
• Construction – New Energy Star, 5 Star Plus,
Single Family detached homes – 2.5%
Energy Codes
What is the What is the
LEAST EFFICIENT LEAST EFFICIENT
Home you can HVAC system you can
LEGALLY LEGALLY
build? install?
One that just meets the One that just meets the
energy code! energy code!
Energy Codes are minimum requirements, and should not be viewed as standards,
but as something that one should strive to EXCEED.
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Energy Codes
• The energy office reviews each new version of
the energy code as it becomes available.
• Results of those reviews are available on the
Energy Office web site, [Link].
• 2006 & 2009 International Energy
Conservation Code (IECC) vs 2003 IECC
(current code). Stringency-2006, then 03, 09.
Energy Statistics
Energy Statistics
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Public Information
Tax Credits
• Tax credits are available for owners of
residential property for their own home. 30% of
the cost of the improvement, up to a one time
maximum of $1500, with the exception that there
is no limit for geothermal and certain renewable
energy.
• $1.80 per square foot is available for commercial
buildings, $0.60 for Building Envelope, $0.60 for
Lighting, and $0.60 for HVAC and Hot Water.
Home Energy Rating System
(HERS)
The Energy Office was at one time a
HERS provider for Nebraska
raters, and was instrumental in
bringing the HERS program to
Nebraska. The HERS rating is
one of the most accurate means
of measuring a homes energy
loads, and is the only means of
qualifying an Energy Star home. It
is required for certain federal tax
credits. A HERS rating typically
costs in the neighborhood of $300
to $600, and is one of the best
tools to determine where energy
dollars can be saved in an existing
home.
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Other
• $2000 Contractor tax credit for Energy Star homes.
• Rentals have been missed by tax credits.
• 2x4 vs 2x6 Construction
• Energy Truss – Ice Dams – Foam for existing.
• HVAC Sizing.
• Duct Sealing – 09 Duct Blaster Requirement.
• NEO Green Building Program - drawings available on
web for affordable.
• If you can think of a way to save energy, you will pay for
that improvement – implementation/pay utility bill.
[Link]@[Link]
GOALS
• Maximize the efficient use of traditional energy resources
• Encourage Nebraskans to adopt energy efficiency
through low-cost financing
• Encourage the development and use of renewable
energy resources
• Advise the executive and legislative branches of state
government on energy policy and security
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