The Neighborhood Energy Connection is a 23-year old nonprofit organization in Saint Paul.  Our mission is to reduce pollution, conserve resources, and improve quality of life by offering tools for energy-efficient living.  We offer several programs in service of this mission:

SAINT PAUL CLASSIC BIKE TOUR

The 14th annual Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2008!  The NEC has produced the Bike Classic for many years to showcase the biking infrastructure in Saint Paul.

Saint Paul Classic, which draws more participants than any other single-day bike ride in Minnesota, is known throughout the area for its quality.  This unique event draws thousands, and all proceeds go to support the mission-driven work of the Neighborhood Energy Connection.

The Bike Classic is a great experience for riders of all stripes.  Much of both the 15- and 30-mile routes are closed to motorized vehicles.  In this relaxed environment, the tour  winds through the historic neighborhoods, beautiful parkways, expansive riverfront, and revitalized downtown that puts Saint Paul on the map. 

Join us for this non-competitive, go-at-your-own-pace tour, and enjoy these amenities:

• Choose a long or short route (15 miles or 30 miles).
• Enjoy traffic-free cycling, with much of the routes closed to traffic.
• Dozens of SAG wagons, police officers, and medics are all on hand for your safety and convenience.
• Nosh on fresh and local produce and baked goods at each well-stocked rest stop.
• Groove to the live music performed by local artists at each rest stop.
• Participate in an event that champions sustainability:  check out the solar trailer that powers the music, notice the recycling and composting stations throughout the ride, and enjoy the exhibits that promote energy-efficiency and bike-able communities.



HOME ENERGY

Saving energy begins at home.  The Neighborhood Energy Connection provides the tools that help you maximize your home's energy-saving potential. 

Home Energy Audit
A trained energy consultant will inspect your home and offer practical steps to help you save energy.  Your home energy audit will focus on these important areas:
• Furnace and central air conditioner efficiency
• Furnace safety testing, including draft and carbon monoxide testing
• Blower door testing to check for air leakage from windows and doorways
• Infrared camera inspection to seek out insulation gaps (optional)
• Visual inspection of attic and wall insulation
• Water heater and pipes
• Household appliances
Homeowners receive a prioritized list of energy saving recommendations, a cost/savings analysis of these improvements, and an examination of their home's energy consumption and performance.  The NEC's residential energy auditors are always available for follow-up questions or to help with specific energy concerns.

If you are an Xcel Energy gas customer, your cost for an energy audit is only $35!  To request an energy audit through Xcel Energy, please call 1-800-895-4999.

Peak Performance Homes
Peak Performance Homes is an advanced energy analysis perfect for home builders, buyers, or renovators.  Peak Performance Homes inspections include:
• A complete diagnostic inspection of your home's thermal and mechanical efficiency, including attic, exterior walls, windows, basement, and heating and hot water systems, using a blower door and infrared camera
• Air infiltration tests
• Ventilation assessment and recommendations
• Carbon monoxide check / combustion safety testing
• Electric and gas consumption history review
• A software analysis and printed report on the full complement of energy-saving improvements recommended for your home, with predictions on how these improvements will reduce your energy consumption
• Referral to qualified contractors trained in building performance
• A post-installation inspection to ensure that mechanical systems and insulation are properly installed

Visit www.TheNEC.org to learn more about the NEC's Home Energy programs.

HOURCAR

HOURCAR is car-sharing for the Twin Cities!

HOURCAR is a neighborhood-based, environmentally-focused mobility solution that reduces the number of cars on the road.  HOURCAR members can choose the convenience and savings of car access without the headaches of car ownership.  With a high-tech self-service reservation system, and a fleet of Toyota Priuses, sharing has never been this fun!   

HOURCAR is convenient, because cars are available when you need them, but you don't do their care or maintenance.  Make reservations on-line or over-the-phone, and you're on your way, with 24-hour support at your fingertips.

HOURCAR creates savings for members since the fixed costs of car ownership are spread across several users.  The costs of gas, parking, and insurance are all included!

HOURCAR is a green solution to our region's transportation woes.  HOURCAR's fleet of hybrid cars use less gas and produce less pollution than regular cars.  And car-sharers drive less than car owners, resulting in reductions of greenhouse gases, smog, airborne particulates, toxins, odors, and noise.

HOURCAR works for individuals, households, and businesses.  Use an HOURCAR to:
• run multiple errands in one trip,
• supplement the family car as your mobility needs grow, or
• get to meetings when you've taken transit or biked to work.

HOURCAR is brought to you by the Neighborhood Energy Connection.  For detailed information on HOURCAR's membership qualifications, rate plans, and hub locations, or to join online today, visit www.HOURCAR.org.

 

ENERGY IMPROVEMENT FINANCING

The NEC offers flexible financing to help homeowners meet their home energy goals.

Energy Conservation Deferred Loan
The Energy Conservation Deferred Loan is a good fit for low-income homeowners and homeowners with a less-than-perfect credit history.   The ECDL is a 10-year deferred payment loan.  It is available to improve the efficiency of owner-occupied homes in Ramsey County, outside of the city of Saint Paul.  Program terms are as follows:

• Based on family size, recipients' combined yearly gross income cannot exceed:
$41,700 / 1 person
$47,700 / 2 people
$53,650 / 3 people
$59,600 / 4 people
$64,350 / 5 people
• Financing is available for up to $5,000 for energy conservation upgrades determined by NEC Energy Consultants.
• No loan payments are made by the borrower unless the house is sold within 10 years of the loan date.
• The borrower has no out-of-pocket expenses.
• Qualifying homes are more than 20 years old.
• Qualifying borrowers have a maximum of $50,000 in assets - excluding home, automobiles, and retirement funds.

The Fix-Up Fund
The Fix-Up Fund is a low interest loan program funded by the state of Minnesota's Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. The Fix-up Fund's interest rate is lower than most bank loans. Also, if the loan amount is under $10,000, there are no closing costs to pay and a mortgage is not required to secure the loan. Virtually any home improvement project is eligible, including furnace or air conditioning replacements, insulation, new windows or doors, or general remodeling.
• Available loan amounts range from $500 to $35,000.
• Loan repayment terms vary from 1 to 20 years, depending on the amount of the loan.
• $93,100 is the upper income limit for the borrower.
• Loans over $10,000 are secured by a mortgage on the residence.

 

Minnesota Energy Loan

If you're considering home improvements, why not include features that will make your home run more efficiently - requiring less energy and saving money over time? The Neighborhood Energy Connection is pleased to offer the Minnesota Energy Loan, a great, low-interest financing tool for energy improvements plus general home remodeling. Available statewide!

You can even finance new renewable energy systems! Finance new equipment for geothermal heating/cooling; solar hot water heaters, photovoltaic/solar electric, and more.


Other Terms of the Minnesota Energy Loan

6.000% Fixed Rate

HVAC equipment and insulation installation must meet efficiency standards

$93,100 household income maximum

$35,000 maximum loan amount

Single family homes, duplexes, even quads qualify!  
How much does the Minnesota Energy Loan cost?

Nearly all of the costs of this financing offer - including the recording fee, the cost of the home energy audit, and the optional post-installation inspection - can be rolled into the financing. Other costs include a 1% origination fee, a small document preparation fee, and a credit report fee. Your out-of-pocket costs will likely be less than $200!


 

Financing for Owners of Rental Property

The Ramsey County HRA awarded $225,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding to implement a pilot rental weatherization rehabilitation project for smaller rental properties occupied by low and moderate income tenants. Funding will be used to capitalize a low-interest deferred loan pool. The program is designed to reduce out of pocket energy costs for tenants, and provide long-term energy efficiency for rental properties without requiring rent increases necessary to repay debt.

Eligible Applicants: Private individuals; partnerships, non-profit organizations

Eligible Properties:

Property must be located within Suburban Ramsey County.

Property Taxes and assessments must be current

Heat bills paid by tenants

Properties must not be federally subsidized. (Tenants may, however, use Section 8 Certificates or Vouchers)

Properties must consist of no more than 8 units

At least 51% of the units must be occupied by low/moderate income households at the time of the loan. Income must be documented

Rents must not exceed published FMRs at the time of the loan


To find out if you qualify, and to check on today's low rate, please contact LeAnne at 651-221-4462 x132.