Efficiency: Missouri projects receive $1.1 million in energy loans

Four energy-efficiency projects in Missouri have been approved for $1.1 million in low-interest loans from the Energy Loan Program, which helps public schools and local governments invest in energy-efficiency projects that will save money to be used for other needed expenditures. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Energy Center administers the program.

"Energy efficiency saves money that can be redirected to other important services," said Steve Mahfood, director of the Department of Natural Resources. "These loans assist schools and governments in saving energy and money, benefiting all Missourians. These loans are especially important during tough fiscal times."

According to a Sept. 23 announcement from the DNR, these projects received funds from the Low Energy Loan Program:

Bolivar R-I School District, lighting upgrade, $279,500;

Houston Public Schools R-I, lighting upgrade, $112,600;

Jefferson City Public Schools, lighting upgrade and heating plant replacement, $619,000; and

Mehlville School District, heating plant replacement, $92,100.

The Energy Loan Program is helping Missouri school districts and local governments save an estimated $8.2 million in energy costs each year. Eligible loan applicants are schools, local governments, colleges and universities. The center has loaned more than $47 million throughout the state since 1988.

Energy efficiency plays a vital role in environmental quality, reducing environmental effects on Missouri's air and water by displacing fossil fuel generation. Since more than 95 percent of Missouri's primary energy sources are imported from outside the state at a cost of more than $13 billion each year, energy efficiency also benefits Missouri's economy by reducing the rate at which dollars leave the state for the purchase of fossil fuels.