Dinniman: New Program Helps Homeowners
Improve Energy Efficiency

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2009

CONTACT: AMANDA AXSOM               
PHONE: 610-692-2112
aaxsom@pasenate.com

State Senator Andy Dinniman said a new state program can help homeowners lower heating and cooling costs.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for its new Keystone HELP Energy Efficiency Loan and Rebate Program, which gives eligible homeowners the opportunity to receive a low-cost loan or a rebate for certain energy-saving home improvements installed by a Keystone HELP approved contractor.

Homeowners can receive an application by contacting Amanda Axsom in Senator Dinniman’s office at 610-692-2112 or by going to www.keystonehelp.com. The deadline for applications is June 30.

The program is part of Pennsylvania’s historic $650 million Alternative Energy Investment Fund, which Senator Dinniman and fellow lawmakers approved last year.

“Families are looking for ways to save money on their utility bills, and they need affordable ways to make their homes energy efficient,” Dinniman said. “This new program will reward homeowners who want to weatherize their homes or install energy efficient systems and products by helping them pay for these projects.”

The Keystone Help program offers both rebates and loans in two different programs - ENERGY STAR and Advanced Performance - and loans for its Whole-House Improvement program.

Eligible ENERGY STAR improvements include the following ENERGY STAR products: air source heating pumps, central air-conditioning systems, boilers (all fuels), furnaces (all fuels), windows, doors, air sealing and insulation, ceiling fans, programmable thermostats and ventilating fans.

Rebates for these improvements are available up to $250. Unsecured loans are available between $1,000 and $15,000 at a 6.99 percent fixed rate. Secured loans are available between $5,000 and $35,000 at a 6.375 to 8.875 percent fixed rate, depending on the home’s equity and loan term.

Eligible Advanced Performance improvements include air source heat pumps, central air-conditioning system split systems, central AC package systems, boilers (all fuels), furnaces (all fuels), geothermal heat pumps, air sealing and insulation and alternative energy heating and cooling equipment or systems (excluding solar technologies).

Rebates for these improvements are available up to $500. Unsecured loans are available between $1,000 and $15,000 at a 5.99 percent fixed rate.

As mentioned above, homeowners may also apply for a whole house improvement loan, as recommended by a certified energy auditor. Unsecured loans are available from $1,000 to $15,000 at a 4.99 percent fixed rate. Secured loans are available from $5,000 to $35,000 at a 3.875 to 6.375 percent fixed rate, depending on the home’s equity and loan term.

Pennsylvania homeowners who own and are making qualifying improvements to their primary residences located in Pennsylvania and whose combined annual household income is $150,000 or less are eligible to apply for a loan or rebate under the Keystone HELP program, according the program guidelines.

For more information, please contact Ms. Axsom in Senator Dinniman’s office at 610-692-2112 or at aaxsom@pasenate.com.

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