Energy Efficiency Programs and Tax Credits
Programs and Tax Credits are available for helping New Orleans and
Louisiana residents increase the energy efficiency of their homes and
businesses.
Entergy is committed to helping customers manage their energy costs. Many
customers and employees may be searching for ways to make their homes more
energy efficient This list describes Louisiana programs and federal tax
credits to help people improve the energy efficiency of their homes and
businesses.
Homeowner Resources
Energy Smart, is an energy
efficiency program that can help you save energy and save money. Any
residential, commercial or industrial Entergy New Orleans electric customer is
eligible to participate.
For information on Federal Tax Credits, visit the Energy Star Web site: www.energystar.gov/taxcredits
For information on State Tax Credits, visit the Database of State Incentives
for Renewables & Efficiency: http://www.dsireusa.org/library/includes/map2.cfm?CurrentPageID=1&State=LA&RE=1&EE=1
When you buy a new appliance, look for the ENERGY STAR label that will save
money in energy use over time. ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program
helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior
energy efficiency. Energy efficient choices can save families about a third on
their energy bill with similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions, without
sacrificing features, style or comfort. For more information please visit www.ENERGYSTAR.gov
.
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Louisiana Home Energy Loan Program
Under this program, homeowners can get reduced interest home improvement loans
to make energy-related improvements to their existing homes. DNR will finance
half of the improvements at two percent interest, up to a maximum of $6,000 on
the DNR portion.
To participate in the HELP program, homeowners must use a lending institution
participating in the program. For a list of participating lenders call the
HELP hotline at 1-800-836-9589.
There are two ways homeowners can qualify for HELP low-interest home
improvement loans. They can have an energy rating conducted on their home or
they can choose from a list of pre-approved improvements. Information on how
to apply and a list of pre-approved items is available at this Web site: www.dnr.state.la.us/SEC/EXECDIV/TECHASMT/programs/residential/help
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Louisiana Home Energy Rebate Option program
The Louisiana Home Energy Rebate Option (HERO) offers an actual cash payment
for Louisiana residents who build or improve homes to high levels of energy
efficiency. The amount of the cash payment depends on the level of energy
savings and the amount spent. The cash payment can be up to a maximum of
$3,000. The energy savings is determined by a home energy rating that is
required on all homes participating in the program. The cost of the energy
rating depends on the size and complexity of the house.
Applications for HERO are made by contacting a Louisiana Home Energy Rater,
who are listed on the DNR HERO Web site. Information and step-by-step
instructions are also available on this site: http://www.empowerlouisiana.org/HeroProgram.aspx
Local organizations in New Orleans can also provide assistance with
energy efficiency building techniques:
New Orleans Home Builders Association: The Crescent City Green Building
Program is a voluntary Green Building Program for New Orleans area Home
Builders. Green building brings environmental considerations into all phases
of the home building process. During the design, construction, and operation
of a home, the builder puts extra consideration into energy and water
efficiency, lot development and resource efficient building design.
Environmentally friendly materials, indoor air quality, and the global impact
of the home on the environment are also taken into consideration.
Alliance for Affordable Energy: The New Orleans BuildSmart Learning
Center run by the Alliance for Affordable Energy is a multi-faceted facility
that serves building professionals, homeowners and green businesses. The
center features a life-sized model New Orleans home with cut-aways that
showcase techniques for energy efficiency, residential solar power and
environmentally appropriate building practices. It also has a demonstration
area for building workshops and a reference library with practical how-to
guides, books on green building techniques, contact information for local
businesses and general construction texts. In addition, their in-house experts
can give you advice on any building project you have from weatherizing drafty
windows and doors to replacing insulation to purchasing solar hot water
heaters.
http://www.all4energy.org/sustainable-rebuild/buildsmart-learning-center
Global Green: Global Green USA opened its New Orleans Office/Green
Building Resource Center in 2006 in response to the devastating hurricanes of
2005. The organization is making sustainable rebuilding a reality through its
model green community in the Lower 9th Ward, its green schools initiative, and
Build it Back Green, an outreach program that teaches people how to remodel
with energy efficiency, durability, health and renewable energy in mind.
Monthly panel discussions on topics such as greening historic homes, green
jobs development, financing solar energy, and local green products, are free
and open to the public.
http://www.globalgreen.org/neworleans/
Preservation Resource Council: A program of the Preservation Resource
Center, Rebuilding Together New Orleans repairs the storm-damaged houses of
elderly and/or disabled low income homeowners in Orleans parish using
predominantly volunteer labor. Rebuilding Together also runs a Salvage Store
where they sell used building material and a reconstruction program that also
hosts community workshops and educational presentations on the reuse of
salvaged items.
www.rtno.org
Builder and Commercial Resources
The LA House iThe LA House is a research-based showcase for home construction
sponsored by the LSU AgCenter and many partners, including Entergy. It
educates homeowners and contractors about building homes with more comfort,
durability and health while using less energy, resources and damage from
natural hazards. The LA House is a great resource for technical solutions to
building better, including hurricane protection building techniques. More
information is available at www.LouisianaHouse.org
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Federal Tax Credits for Builders/Contractors
Homebuilders and producers of standard and manufactured homes are eligible for
tax credits of $1,000 - $2,000 per home for building energy efficient housing.
This credit applies to homes substantially constructed and acquired by the
occupant during 2006 or 2007, and would be claimed on business tax returns
submitted for those years.
The requirements are that the home must be significantly (30-50%) more
efficient in heating and cooling that homes that comply with IECC 2003.
Building envelope improvements must contribute 1/5 to ½ of savings.
A deduction will be available in 2006-2007 for commercial buildings reducing
their energy usage by 50%. The maximum deduction is $1.80 per square foot of
the building.
More information on federal tax credits for builders and the commercial sector
is available at www.NatResnet.org
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For more information, please contact:
Mary Herren
Entergy New Orleans
Director
– Housing Initiatives
504-670-3613
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