Rural Energy Savings Program

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) provides Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP) loans to eligible entities that agree to, in turn, make loans to qualified consumers for the purpose of implementing energy efficiency measures. These loans are made available under the authority of section 6407 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U. S.C. 8107a)(Section 6407). Eligible energy efficiency measures funded under RESP must be for or at a property or properties served by an RESP Borrower, using commercially available technologies that would allow qualified consumers to decrease their energy use or costs through cost-effective measures including structural improvements to the property. Loans made by RESP borrowers under this program may be repaid through charges added to the qualified consumer's bill for the property or properties for, or at which, energy efficiencies are or will be implemented.Under RESP, eligible entities will borrow funds at a zero (0) percent interest rate from RUS and will be permitted to charge no more than three (3) percent interest rate to qualified consumers. Funds made available to qualified consumers must be to finance energy efficiency measures for the purpose of decreasing energy usage or costs of the qualified consumer by an amount that ensures, to the maximum extent practicable, that a loan term of not more than 10 years will not pose an undue financial burden on the qualified consumer. Potential borrowers should reach out to General Field Representative (GFR) staff or headquarters personnel for guidance on submitting an application. To assist with the application process, the RUS Electric Program offers webinars and information sessions with potential borrowers.

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