Energy Conservation for Ohioans (ECO-Link) Program (Ohio)

Summary

Last modified on February 12, 2015.

Financial Incentive Program

Place	Ohio
Name	Energy Conservation for Ohioans (ECO-Link) Program
Incentive Type	State Loan Program
Applicable Sector	Residential
Eligible Technologies	Clothes Washers/Dryers, Dishwasher, Refrigerators, Dehumidifiers, Ceiling Fan, Water Heaters, Furnaces, Boilers, Heat pumps, Central Air conditioners, Caulking/Weather-stripping, Duct/Air sealing, Building Insulation, Windows, Doors, Siding, Roofs, Custom/Others pending approval, Solar Water Heat, Photovoltaics, Wind, Geothermal Heat Pumps
Active Incentive	Yes
Implementing Sector	State/Territory
Energy Category	Renewable Energy Incentive Programs, Energy Efficiency Incentive Programs
Amount	3% rate reduction on a 5-year bank loan (for 25,000) 3% rate reduction on a 7-year bank loan (for over 25,000)
Start Date	2009-09-09
Funding Source	Interest earned from 2-year Ohio Treasury Certificate of Deposit at participating ECO-Link bank (similar to Linked Deposit programs)
Maximum Incentive	Rate reduction available for up to 50,000 and 7 years of the bank loan
Terms	Varies by bank
Program Administrator	Ohio Treasurer of State
Website	http://ecolink.ohio.gov
References	DSIREDatabase of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency

Summary

The Energy Conversation for Ohioans (ECO-Link) program offers Ohio homeowners reduced rate financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy home upgrades. Administered by the Ohio Treasury, qualifying homeowners are eligible for a 3% loan rate reduction through participating banks.*

Qualifying Technology
A wide range of energy-efficiency upgrades and certain renewable-energy systems may be undertaken, including:

• Appliances (must meet established efficiency standards)
• Water Heaters (must meet established efficiency standards)
• Heating & Cooling
• Home
• Renewable Energy Systems

Eligibility
Applicants must be Ohio residents, own a single-family home and receive an approved bank loan that will be used for energy efficiency or renewable energy upgrades. Applicants must receive application approval before beginning projects. To participate, homeowners should contact their bank first for pre-approval. In addition to the ECO-Link application, interested homeowners will need to submit an energy-efficiency audit sheet (Energy Efficient Home Performance Audit Sheet) to the bank as well. The bank will then submit the required paperwork directly to the Ohio Treasury.

After an approved project is completed, the homeowner must provide the bank with a "Certificate of Project Completion" provided by the contractor performing the work and Energy Star Manufacturer Certification Statement (on Energy Star Products), if applicable. Projects must be installed by a certified contractor (see program web site for the list).

As of August 31, 2010, this program has made 65 loans and funded $3.2 million worth of energy efficient improvements.

*Partnership banks are those that are qualified state depository lenders.

Incentive Contact

Contact Name	Jonathan Stone
Department	State Treasurer of Ohio
Division	Economic Development and Strategic Investments
Address	30 E. Broad Street,
Address 2	9th Floor
Place	Columbus, Ohio
Zip/Postal Code	43215-3461
Phone	(800) 228-1102
Email	ecolink@tos.ohio.gov
Website	http://ecolink.ohio.gov

Contact Name	Haley Lodge
Department	State Treasurer of Ohio
Division	Economic Development Department
Address	30 E. Broad Street,
Address 2	9th Floor
Place	Columbus, Ohio
Zip/Postal Code	43215-3461
Phone	(614) 728-7774
Phone 2	(614) 466-6546
Email	haley.lodge@tos.ohio.gov
Website	http://tos.ohio.gov/Default.aspx

• Incentive and policy data are reviewed and approved by the N.C. Solar Center's DSIRE project staff.