Rebuilding New Orleans and Louisiana Energy Efficiently
Programs and Tax Credits for helping New Orleans and Louisiana
residents rebuild their homes to more energy efficient levels
Entergy is committed to helping customers manage their energy costs. Many
customers and employees will need to rebuild their homes that were damaged by
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This list describes Louisiana programs and
federal tax credits to help people rebuild their homes better than they were
before, by making them more energy efficient.
Homeowner Resources
Entergy New Orleans has energy efficiency programs that can help you assess
your home energy usage and make upgrades at a discount. Please see:
http://www.entergy-neworleans.com/energy_efficiency/residential.aspx
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.
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
$2,000. 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://dnr.louisiana.gov/sec/execdiv/techasmt/programs/residential/hero/index.htm
Local organization in New Orleans can provide assistance with energy
efficiency building techniques. These organizations are:
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 deconstruction 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 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 http://www.louisianahouse.org/en/family_home/home/la_house/.
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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 before December 31, 2009.
This credit is available for homes acquired by residents by the end of 2009.
The
requirements are that the home must be significantly (30-50%) more efficient
in heating and cooling than homes that comply with IECC 2004.
A deduction is available through 2013 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
For more information, please contact:
Tracey Brodeur
Market Program
Developer
281-297-5528
tbrodeu@entergy.com
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