Schools, governments eligible for energy conservation loans

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Energy Center is providing between $5 million and $7 million through its Energy Loan Program. Loan recipients repay the loans from the energy savings they experience after the projects are completed, according to a DNR news release.

Past energy loans have funded heating and air conditioning upgrades, lighting improvements, insulation and window replacements.

Half of the available loans will be allocated to K-12 schools, and local governments and public higher education facilities will each receive 25 percent of the loan funds.

Loan applications will be judged competitively based on payback times and project costs versus anticipated energy cost savings, according to the release.

Applications are due Jan. 2, and funding announcements will be made March 15. Applications and additional information are available at www.dnr.mo.gov/energy/financial/loan.htm.