SUMMIT COUNTY — A new opportunity for saving money and energy has come available in Summit County.

Summit County government, the Town of Breckenridge and High Country Conservation Center are unveiling a new loan program to help local residents make their homes more energy efficient. The Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) provides low-interest loans to property owners seeking to make energy upgrades to their homes. Program participants will repay the loans through their annual property tax bills.

“It's a great deal — it's a low interest rate, and you don't have to worry about your credit score,” said Lynne Westerfield, energy coordinator for the Conservation Center. “As long as you're fine on your property tax payments, you're fine for the loan.”

Through the HELP program, the organizations involved hope to reduce Summit County's overall energy use and support new and existing energy-related businesses.

HELP loans are available to full-time homeowners throughout Summit County, including those inside incorporated towns. The loans can be used to pay for energy improvements like air sealing, improved insulation, ventilation, space heating, water heating and pellet stoves.

Breckenridge residents may also receive loans for renewable energy systems. The Town of Breckenridge loans have an income restriction of 180 percent of area median income (AMI).

“The sustainability of our community is one of my priorities, and this loan program helps support the Breckenridge Vision Plan by lessening our carbon footprint,” Breckenridge Mayor John Warner said. “It's a win-win partnership with HC3 and Summit County.”

Participating homeowners will be required to prioritize upgrades or improvements identified in a certified energy audit. Various rebates for energy audits are available through state and local programs. The size of an individual HELP loan can range from $3,000 to $20,000.

“It's really tailored to the average person who wants to make some improvements,” Westerfield said.

The Conservation Center's residential energy specialist, Matt Wright, said homes that are 15 years old or older tend to have the most to gain from energy upgrades. Such homes have the potential to reduce their energy costs by as much as 40 percent. But even newer homes stand to benefit from energy audits and some minor improvements, he said.

HELP applicants must attend a short informational workshop conducted by the Conservation Center.

Julie Sutor can be reached at (970) 668-4630 or jsutor@summitdaily.com.

Weatherization opportunities result from stimulus dollars Energy Management Program Seeks Subcontractors in 13 Counties SILVERTHORNE — The Northwest Colorado Council of Governments has been selected as a local administering agency for the Governor's Energy Office Weatherization Assistance Program. Through the program, Northwest COG will deliver weatherization services with funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and the U.S. Department of Energy. The total grant will include $3.2 million to be allocated in 13 counties in the northwest region of the state. The ARRA funding has allowed the weatherization program to double its capacity. As a result, NWCCOG is requesting bids from subcontractors to supplement its workforce. Northwest COG is slated to serve about 400 residents throughout its region. The weatherization process begins with an energy audit of residential properties and analysis of health and safety issues such as mold, gas leaks and carbon monoxide problems. Energy efficiency needs are then addressed through insulation, storm windows, caulking, weather stripping, and new energy-efficient furnaces and refrigerators. The program accepts households that earn up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, currently $44,100 for a family of four. Bid packets are now available to subcontractors committed to delivering high quality, cost-effective low-income weatherization services to Coloradans. Experts in the following trades are needed: insulation, pellet stove, heating, electrical and plumbing. Subcontractors must be insured, and licensed if applicable. Energy Management Director Steve Getz is hoping to involve local companies to meet the demands of drastically increased production and provide them a boost during tough economic times. “We're doing everything in our power to inform private companies and residents in our region of this unique and valuable program,” Getz said. “The goal of our agency is to provide the highest quality services to residents in the most cost-effective manner possible.” To obtain a bid packet contact Getz at (970) 468-0295, ext. 103, sgetz@nwc.cog.co.us. Bid packets are available now and due no later than 1 p.m., June 3. — Daily News staff report