Low Interest Loans to $7000 in Utility Loan Program
Amicalola Electric Membership Corporation offers qualified members low interest loans for energy efficiency improvements in existing homes through their Energy Resource Conservation Loan. Eligible efficient technologies are heat pumps, air conditioners, caulking/weather-stripping, duct/air sealing, building insulation, windows, doors, and dual fuel heat pumps. Qualified applicants must meet certain criteria. Contact: Customer Service Department, Amicalola Electric Membership Corporation, 544 Hwy 515 South, Jasper, GA 30143-4884; 706-253-5200; 706-253-5251; http://www.amicalolaemc.com/ercloans.htm

Sales Tax Exemption for Biomass Materials
Georgia enacted legislation creating an exemption for biomass materials from the state's sales and use taxes. To qualify for the exemption, biomass material must be utilized in the production of energy, including the production of electricity, steam, or both electricity and steam. Pellets and fuels derived from biomass are generally eligible. Contact: Tax Information, Georgia Department of Revenue, 1800 Century Center Blvd, NE, Atlanta, GA 30345-3205; 404-417-4477; http://www.dor.ga.gov/

$300 In Rebates for Efficient Water Heaters
Blue Ridge Mountain EMC and Tennessee Valley Authority, its power supplier, offer the Energy Right Residential Program to qualified members. To qualify for a water heater rebate, a home must be built to meet the Energy Right requirements - all-electric and have specified insulation values. Rebates are $150 for a standard electric water heater and $300 for a Marathon electric water heater. Contact: Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation, 1360 Main St., P.O. Box 9, Young Harris, GA 30582; 706-379-3121; 828-837-1017; Fax: 706-379-4834; http://www.brmemc.com/Services/energy right start.htm

$10,000 Loans at 8% Available for New Electric Heat Pumps
Blue Ridge Mountain EMC and Tennessee Valley Authority offer a loan program to help finance electric heat pumps. Qualified homeowners can borrow up to $10,000 at 8% payable in 10 years. The heat pump must be installed by a member of the Quality Contractor network, and will require an inspection before payment of the system. Contact: Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation, 1360 Main St., P.O. Box 9, Young Harris, GA 30582; 706-379-3121; 828-837-1017; Fax: 706-379-4834; http://www.brmemc.com/Services/heat_pump_financing.htm

Fixed Rate Loans up to $15,000 to Improve Your Home's Energy Efficiency
Carroll EMC offers two energy efficiency loan programs for customers with existing homes. The Energy Resources Conservation (ERC) Loan Program is designed for customers who want to improve the efficiency of their homes through weatherization and efficient heat pumps. This loan offers members $100 to $1,500 for weatherization needs and up to $4,000 for a high-efficiency heat pump. The loan is offered at a fixed interest rate, for up to five years, with no prepayment penalty. For larger measures, the Energy Conservation (EC) Home Loan Program is available. This loan will lend residential customers up to $15,000 for the installation of an electric HVAC system, a water heater or other high-efficiency home improvement measures. All loans offer a fixed interest rate and a 5-year term for loans under $5,000 and 10-year term for loans over $5,000. Contact: Customer Service - Carroll EMC, Carroll Electric Membership Corporation, Highway 113 North, Carrollton, GA 30117; 770-832-3552; http://www.cemc.com/existinghomes.aspx

Energy Incentives for New and Existing Homes
Central Georgia Electric Member Corporation offers incentives for its residential customers to either increase the energy efficiency of their existing homes or to build new energy efficient homes. Rebates worth 50% of the purchase price are available for insulation increases and the installation of programmable thermostats. Rebates worth $2.50 per bulb are also provided for compact fluorescent light bulbs. The new home rebate program is meant to encourage the installation of energy-efficient electric heat pumps and energy-efficient electric water heaters with new total electric service. Contact: Central Georgia Electric Membership Corporation, 923 S. Mulberry Street, Jackson, GA 30233; 800-222-4877 Ext.750; 770-775-7857; http://www.cgemc.com/rebates.aspx

Up to $10,500 in Personal Tax Credits for Clean Energy Equipment
Georgia has enacted legislation establishing personal tax credits for clean energy equipment installed and placed into service. For clean energy property installed for single-family residential purposes, the tax credit is equal to 35% of the cost of the system (including installation). The credit is subject to various ceilings depending on the type of system. They are: a maximum of $2,500 per residence for domestic solar water heating; a maximum of $10,500 per residence for photovoltaics (PV), active space heating and wind energy systems; and a maximum of $2,000 per installation for Energy Star-certified geothermal heat pumps. Leased systems are eligible for the credit. Before claiming the credit, the taxpayer must submit an application to the Georgia tax commissioner for tentative approval, as the aggregate amount of tax credits - both personal and corporate credits - taken may not exceed $2,500,000 in a given year. This tax credit is in effect from July 1, 2008, until December 31, 2012. Contact: Taxpayer Services Division, Georgia Department of Revenue, 1800 Century Center Blvd, NE, Atlanta, GA 30345-3205; 404-417-4480; http://www.gefa.org/Index.aspx?page=423

Incentives for Energy Efficient Heat Pumps
Colquitt Electric Membership Corporation (CEMC) is an electric cooperative that offers services to 38,000 customers in Georgia, including Berrien, Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Lowndes, Tift and Worth counties. For customers that currently have a fossil fuel heating system, CEMC will pay $250 for the purchase and installation of an electric heat pump that is rated at 13 SEER or higher. Contact: Customer Service - Colquitt EMC, Colquitt Electric Membership Corporation, P.O. Box 3608, Moultrie, GA 31776; 229-985-3620; 800-342-8694; http://www.colquittemc.com/article.aspx?categID=7&articleID=173

$7,500 Loans in Energy Advantage Loan Program
Customers of Coweta-Fayette Electric Membership Corporation can take advantage of the Energy Advantage Loan Program to replace an old HVAC system with an energy efficient heat pump and/or your existing gas water heater with an efficient electric water heater. Loans are available for $100 to $7,500, at interest rates ranging from 6.3% to 8.5%, depending on the efficiency of the heat pump or water heater and the length of the loan term -1 to 7 years. Contact: Customer Service - CFEMC, Coweta-Fayette Electric Membership Corporation, 807 Collinsworth Road, Palmetto, GA 30268; 770-502-0226; http://www.utility.org/

Rebates to $1000 for New Geothermal Heat Pumps
Coweta-Fayette Electric Membership Corporation is currently offering a rebate of up to $1,000 for the purchase and installation of a geothermal heat pump system in a new or existing home. Contact: Customer Service - CFEMC, Coweta-Fayette Electric Membership Corporation, 807 Collinsworth Road, Palmetto, GA 30268; 770-502-0226; http://www.utility.org/

Incentives for Energy Efficient Measures
Diverse Power is offering a number of rebates for new and existing homes that install energy-efficient measures, such as heat pumps including geothermal, water heaters, and heat recovery systems. New home rebates are paid directly to the contractor unless another arrangement is made. Contact: Customer Service - DP, Diverse Power, 1400 South Davis Road, P.O. Box 160, LaGrange, GA 30241; 706-845-2000; Fax: 706-845-2020; http://www.diversepower.com/rebates_incentives.php

Rebates to Install New Water Heaters
Energy Power Board provides a financial incentive for their residential customers to replace their old water heaters with new ones which meet the minimum standards set forth by the Department Of Energy. The rebate is worth $50 and will be applied to the customer's utility bill. Contact: Energy Power Board, EPB Energy Services, PO Box 182255, Chattanooga, TN 37422; 423-648-1372; Fax: (423) 648-1233; http://www01.epb.net/index.php?page=yourhome_products&id=37

Four Day Sales Tax Exemption for Energy Efficient Products
Georgia traditionally has allowed a four-day sales tax exemption for energy-efficient residential appliances, lighting, doors and windows. Products must meet or exceed the federal Energy Star requirements in order to qualify. Residential appliances under $1,500 are exempt from the state sales and use tax, but not from any local sales tax that may be levied. The Georgia Legislature historically has extended the "sales tax holiday" annually. Contact: Tax Information, Georgia Department of Revenue, 1800 Century Center Blvd, NE, Atlanta, GA 30345-3205; 404-417-4477; http://www.dor.ga.gov/

5% Loans to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Habersham Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) offers a loan program with a 5% interest rate for customers to upgrade their homes to be more energy efficient. Loans may be used to upgrade heat pumps, windows, doors and insulation. Customers may also qualify for a rebate as part of the Touchstone Energy Home Program. Contact: Customer Service - HEMC, Habersham Electric Membership Corporation, P.O. Box 25, Clarkesville, GA 30523; 800-640-6812; 706-754-2114; Fax: 800-640-6813; http://www.habershamemc.com/ercloans.aspx

Rebates Available in Home Energy Program
Habersham Electric Membership Corporation offers a rebate program for residential and manufactured homes that meet certain insulation specifications and pass inspection by a Habersham EMC representative. After meeting these specifications new homes and manufacturers are eligible for a $200 rebate. In addition, new, existing and manufactured homes are eligible for a $150 to $200 rebate on a qualified heat pump. Touchstone Energy Homes are also eligible for an Energy Conservation rate discount and can use the Energy Efficient Loan Program to finance these energy conservation improvements. Contact: Customer Service - HEMC, Habersham Electric Membership Corporation, P.O. Box 25, Clarkesville, GA 30523; 800-640-6812; 706-754-2114 Fax: 800-640-6813; http://www.habershamemc.com/tshome.aspx

$15,000 Loans for Efficient and Renewable Technologies
Hart Electric Membership Corporation is offering the EC Home Improvement Loan to its residential customers. Customers can perform energy efficiency improvements to their homes and apply for loan funds through a participating contractor. Eligible efficiency technologies are: water heaters, heat pumps, air conditioners, building insulation, windows, doors, and custom pending approval. Eligible renewable technology is geothermal heat pumps. Loan amounts can vary from $1,000 to $15,000. For loans under $5,000, the loan term can be from 1 to 5 years, with no prepayment penalty, and loans of above $5,000 can be extended another 5 years. Contact: Customer Service - Hart EMC, Hart Electric Membership Corporation, Member Services Department, P.O. Box 250, 1071 Elberton Road, Hartwell, GA 30643; 706-376-4714; 800-241-4109; Fax: 706-376-7200; http://www.hartemc.com/index.asp?rightnav=true&name=Home%5FImprovement&rid=38&lid=24&lname=Products+%26+Services

Loans to $12,500 for Energy Efficient Heat and Geothermal Pumps
North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation is offering the Energy Right Heat Pump Loan program to encourage residential customers to purchase energy efficient heat pumps and geothermal heat pumps. Residents can borrow up to $10,000 for the purchase of one heat pump, at 13.0 SEER or higher, or up to $12,500 for the purchase of two heat pumps or one advanced heat pump unit. The loan has a fixed 8% interest rate for up to 10 years with no prepayment penalty. A loan application fee of $75 applies and can be paid with the monthly electric bill. Contact: Customer Service - NGEMC, North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation, P.O. Box 1407, Dalton, GA 30722-1407; 706-259-9441; Fax: 706-259-9625; http://www.ngemc.com/heatPump.htm

Rebates in Energy Right New Homes Program
North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation is offering cash incentives for all-electric homes that are built to the Energy Right Homes program specifications. Homes can be built to meet Gold, Platinum or Platinum Certified recommendations for insulation, windows, caulking, duct/air sealing and other energy efficient specifications. The homes are inspected by North Georgia and Tennessee Valley Authority representatives and assigned an Energy Right level. Homeowners can receive a rebate of $100, $150 or $200. Contact: Customer Service - NGEMC, North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation, P.O. Box 1407, Dalton, GA 30722-1407; 706-259-9441; Fax: 706-259-9625; http://www.ngemc.com/newHomes.htm

$25,000 in Loans Available for Energy Efficient Improvements to Your Home
Satilla Rural Electric Membership Corporation offers the EC Home Improvement Loan Program for residential customers. Residents can borrow from $1,000 to $25,000 for a variety of energy efficient improvements. Eligible efficiency improvements are:  clothes washers/dryers; dishwashers; refrigerators/freezers; dehumidifiers; equipment insulation; water heaters; air conditioners; photovoltaics; solar pool heating; programmable thermostats; caulking/weather-stripping; duct/air sealing; building insulation; windows, doors; siding; and custom pending approval. The interest rate will remain fixed over the term of the loan which can be from 1 to 10 years. The contractor that performs the improvements on the home initiates the loan and financed projects must be completed within 120 days of the loan start date. Contact: Customer Service - Satilla REMC, Satilla Rural Electric Membership Corporation, 928 Hwy. 32 East, P.O. Box 906, Alma, GA 31510; 912-632-7222; 888-738-6926; http://www.satillaemc.com/echi.php

Energy Efficiency Rebates for New and Existing Homes
Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation provides a variety of rebates for residential customers building new homes or who live in existing homes. The $ensible Home Program provides a $500 rebate to new homes that are certified as Energy Star Certified. In addition to being Energy Star Certified, homes that receive this rebate should have HVAC systems that are 14.0 SEER or higher. The Energy Efficiency Existing Home Rebates provide various rebates for the purchase of prescribed energy efficiency measures, such as attic insulation, high efficiency lighting, programmable thermostats, heat pumps and ventilation upgrades. Contact: Customer Service - Sawnee EMC, Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation, 543 Atlanta Hwy, Cumming, GA 30040; 800-635-9131; Fax: 678-947-3368; http://www.sawnee.com/Energy/incentives.htm

Incentives to Install Power Efficient Heat Pumps and Water Heaters
Snapping Shoals Electric Membership Corporation offers an incentive for their residential members to increase the energy efficiency of their homes. Through this incentive program, rebates are provided to members who replace their gas heating with an electric heat pump ($500 rebate), or replace their gas water heaters with an energy efficient electric model ($300). Qualifying heat pumps must have a 13 SEER or higher, and replacement water heaters must be at least 50 gallons, and run on 4500 watts with dual elements. Contact: Customer Service, Snapping Shoals EMC, PO Box 509, Covington, GA 30015; 770-786-3484; http://www.ssemc.com/helper/rebates.html

Production Incentives for Solar and Wind Generation Projects
Participating power distributors in Tennessee Valley Authority's Green Power Switch Generation Partners program offer production-based incentives for solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind projects to residential customers. Under the residential contract, TVA will purchase the entire output of a qualifying system at $0.15 per kWh through a participating power distributor and the consumer will receive a credit for the power generated. Qualifying sources for residential projects include photovoltaic and wind turbine systems with a minimum output of 500 watts AC and a maximum of 50 kW. Qualifying systems must be used primarily to provide all or part of the energy needs at a particular site and must not have previously generated into the grid. Until a total capacity of 150 kW has been reached, the owner of a qualifying residential system will receive a $500 payment when the site is connected to the grid. The goal for the entire program is 5 MW. The credit of $0.15/kWh is available for a minimum of 10 years from the signing of the contract, regardless of the amount produced. Contact: Tennessee Valley Authority, 400 W. Summit Hill Dr., Knoxville, TN 37902-1499; 865-632-2101; http://www.gpsgenpartners.com/ and http://www.tva.com/greenpowerswitch/distributors.htm

Prime Interest Rate Loans for Weatherization Measures
Walton Electric Membership Corporation offers the Prime PowerLoan program for residential accounts. Customers can receive prime rate financing for the installation of, among other things, weatherization measures. Contact: Customer Service - Walton EMC, Walton Electric Membership Corporation, P.O. Box 260, Monroe, GA 30655; 770-267-2505; http://www.waltonemc.com/prod_rebateprog.htm

Incentives to $400 for Improving the Energy Efficiency of Your Home
For residential customers that wish to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, Walton Electric Membership Corporation provides financial incentives. Residents in existing homes that switch from a fossil fuel heating system to an all-electric heat pump, either unitary, geothermal or package can qualify for a $200 rebate. Customers may also receive a rebate of $150 for the installation of a heat pump water heater or $400 if they purchase a Power Partners solar water heating system through Walton EMC. Contact: Customer Service - Walton EMC, Walton Electric Membership Corporation, P.O. Box 260, Monroe, GA 30655; 770-267-2505; http://www.waltonemc.com/prod_rebateprog.htm