The Iowa Energy Bank, an energy management program using energy cost savings to repay financing for energy management improvements, serves public and non-profit facilities (public schools, hospitals, private colleges, private schools, and local governments). Since the program's inception in 1989, the Iowa Energy Bank has facilitated more than $130 million in energy improvements using private funds in combination with minimal state and federal support.
How It Works:
The Iowa Energy Bank provides facilities with comprehensive and reliable information to make wise energy management decisions. The Iowa Energy Bank helps manage the energy efficiency improvements and financing process every step of the way. Experts will customize solutions that meet the specific needs of an organization, with the assurance of high technical quality and the potential for attractive cost savings. Financing is provided through area lending institutions that create budget-neutral, affordable financial packages.
Three Easy Steps to Join:
The Iowa Energy Bank provides the necessary technical and financial assistance for creating energy management improvements. The program offers a three-step program:
Step One:
A preliminary energy assessment is completed for the facility by Energy Bank program staff. This assessment helps determine what level of energy study, if any, may be appropriate for the facility.
Step Two:
Appropriate level of energy study is completed for the facility. For smaller, less complicated buildings this may be an energy audit conducted by a DNR in-house engineer. If necessary, a comprehensive technical engineering analysis is completed for the facility by a qualified consultant. The program also helps conduct wind energy feasibility studies. All studies are reviewed by DNR engineers to ensure high technical quality of the studies. A six-month, interest-free loan is available to pay the up-front expense of the energy audit and engineering analysis. Some utilities participate in the cost of the studies.
Step Three:
Full-term, municipal lease-purchase agreements or capital loan notes from private lending institutions are available at interest rates negotiated for the client by the Iowa DNR. All clients of the program are eligible for financing of cost-effective energy management improvements.
Examples of Energy Efficiency Improvements Include:
- Fluorescent lamps and ballast replacements
- Lighting controls
- Exit sign replacement
- Pipe insulation
- New heating and cooling equipment
- Water heater blankets
- Insulation
- Doors
- Low-flow shower heads and toilets
- Ground-source heat pumps
- Wind energy
Supporting Information
Guidelines
Energy Bank Publications
DNR Contact:
Lee Vannoy
(515) 281-6559
Lee.Vannoy@dnr.state.ia.us
or Mike Adams
(515) 281-4262
Michael.Adams@dnr.state.ia.us
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