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

• Federal Tax Credits and Appliance Rebates for Homeowners

Under the new energy bill, consumers are eligible for up to a $500 tax credit for money spent on energy improvements in their homes. For example, you can get a $300 credit for installing a highly efficient central air conditioner, heat pump or water heater, or a $200 credit for installing energy-saving windows. To be eligible for the tax credit, these improvements must be 2006-2007. You would receive the tax credit in the tax form you file by April 15 of 2007 or 2008.

For more information visit the Energy Star Web site at www.energystar.gov/taxcredits

• ENERGY STAR

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-back 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 .

• 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

• 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: www.dnr.state.la.us/SEC/EXECDIV/TECHASMT/programs
/residential/hero/instructions.htm
 

Builder and Commercial Resources

• LA House

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 www.LouisianaHouse.org .

• 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.

• Commercial Buildings

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 .

For more information, please contact:
Tracey Brodeur
Market Program Developer
281-297-5528
tbrodeu@entergy.com