ll Frequently Asked Questions

Home Energy Loan Program (HELP!) Summit
Contact: Lynne Westerfield, High Country Conservation Center
lynne@highcountryconservation.org, office 970.668.5703

Please read all Information about HELP! Summit before contacting HC3 by phone.

Can I apply for a loan for my business?
Only residential properties qualify at this point. This is a pilot program. 

Can I apply for a loan for my condo and/or condo association?
Only residences qualify at this point. An individual condo could apply if it fulfilled the minimum requirements.  Condo associations are not eligible to apply for this program since they do not pay property tax.

I live in the town limits of Frisco, Silverthorne, Dillon, Blue River or Montezuma. Am I eligible for this program?
This program is open to all Summitt County full time residential property owners, regardless of where they live.

How do I get an application?
Applications will be available at the workshops.

Will my acceptance be based on my credit history?
No.  Although we will ask your household income, there are no credit score requirements.  It is required that you are not currently, or in the last three years, delinquent on your property tax payments. (See AMI requirements for Breckenridge).

What is the difference between the Breckenridge program and the Summitt County Program?
Everything is the same EXCEPT:
- Breckenridge has a loan processing fee of $300 which is due when the loan agreement is signed OR rolled into the loan amount..
- The Breckenridge program includes Renewable Energy Systems (R.E.S) after energy efficiency measures have been made.
- The Breckenridge program has income qualifications. See the next question for details.

What are the Breckenridge income qualifications?
The income qualification is based on an Area Median Income of 180%. If you make more than what is listed on the AMI chart, you are not eligible for the Breckenridge loan program but you will still be eligible under the county program.

Does the Summit County program have income qualifications?
No, the Summitt County program is open to all income levels.

What if I want to do the improvements myself? 
The program will pay for materials, but not labor, if you do the improvements yourself.  Some improvements will require a licensed contractor.  Contact your local building dept. for specifics. 

What are the contractor requirements?
A contractor must be certified or licensed in the respective trade to participate in this program if required by the local jurisdiction and may also need a local business/contractor licence. Contact your local building dept. for specifics. 

Can I get a loan for my mobile home?
No.  Mobile homes are not taxed as property, they are taxed as motor vehicles, so the special assessment cannot be applied to them.

Why is the Summit County program only for energy efficiency and not renewable energy, when Breckenridge is offering renewable energy loans?
This is a pilot program.  Later on, a full scale program may include renewable energy.  In almost every case energy efficiency has a better return on investment.  We encourage the public to do energy efficiency improvements first before renewable energy is added.

How will homes be chosen?
Selection criteria are (in order of importance): Benefit of energy savings based on the energy audit, Full time residency, Local employment, Income level, whether or not local contractors or Business Performance Institute contractors are used for work (local and BPI certification preferred but not required). 

How long is an energy audit good for?
Indefinitely, unless major changes or additions have been made to the house.

Why do I have to have an audit if I know what I need to improve?
This is quality and cost insurance measure to ensure the most cost effective measures are adopted.

Can I choose anything that is on the eligible measures list?
Upgrades to your home must be referred by your energy audit and chosen from the list of eligible measures.

Can the cost of the audit be rolled into the loan?
No.  The energy audit is an up front cost and separate from the loan, which applies to contractor
not-to-exceed bill.  Rebates are available for audits from the Governors Energy Office, Town of Frisco and Xcel Energy.  

What if I can’t attend the homeowner workshop?
We have two homeowner workshops scheduled at this time.  You must attend a homeowner workshop to participate. More workshops may be added based on demand.

Who makes the decision as to who gets a loan?
HC3 lays the applications out in order of priority of energy savings, then Summit County or the Town of Breckenridge (depending on where you live) makes the final decision.

What are the terms of the loan?
Annual interest rate of 4% with a 10-year term.

Where can I find a qualified energy auditor?
Check the Building Performance Institute website. 

What if I want to make an improvement that is not listed on the eligible measures document?
This is a pilot program and we are only accepting improvements listed on the eligible measures document.