Energy-Efficiency Improvement Program Flyer

Loan Terms

• An Energy-Efficiency Improvement Program loan is deferred — meaning that the homeowner makes no monthly payments.
• The term of the loan is 30 years; however the loan can come due if the property is sold, refinanced or transferred.
• Zero-interest loan.
• The minimum amount of assistance shall be $2,500, with a maximum amount of assistance set at $25,000.

Homeowner Eligibility

To qualify for the program, you must:

• Own, live in and be on title to the home to be improved.
• Meet income guidelines. 
• Have owned your home for at least one year.
• Be current on your bills including mortgage, property tax, and insurance.

Property Eligibility

For the home to qualify for the program, it must be:

• Located within the Paradise Town limits
• Be no more than 2,000 sq. ft. (not including the garage or other unconditioned space)
• Property must be in overall good condition without health and safety issues. 

Loan Procedures

Step 1: Interested residents will fill out an interest form with the Town and include household size and income information, property address, housing costs, and estimated average utility bill. 

Step 2: After a preliminary review of the information, eligible applicants will be invited to apply. Applicants will complete an application and include appropriate financial back-up documentation, including: 3-months of paystubs; 3-months of checking and savings account statements; 1-month or most current annual statement from all other account types; most recent tax return with W2s and 1099s or letter of non-filing. Applicants with a mortgage will need to include a current mortgage statement. Applicants will also need to provide a 12-month payment history from PG&E or propane supplier.

Step 3: When income eligibility has been determined, the application will be reviewed for project feasibility by considering these questions:

• Are the housing costs sustainable for the household based on their income?
• Will energy efficiency improvements result in a notable reduction in the utility costs of the household?
• Which energy efficiency improvements create the greatest reduction in monthly cost?
• Can the energy efficiency improvements be completed with available funds?

Step 4: Should the answer be yes to all questions in step 3, Housing staff will inspect the subject property to confirm general property condition and will complete work write-up and solicit a request for proposal from qualified contractors and complete a Tier 2 Environmental Review.

Step 5: Upon completion of income determination, financial feasibility review, and Environmental Review, the contractor will be selected and a final proposal will be requested. The funding package will be submitted to the Town Manager with a recommendation for approval.