Successful pilot models and programs have shown that rural electric cooperatives (co-ops) and public power utilities can use OBF programs to expand access and uptake of energy efficiency programs and significantly reduce peak demand and fossil fuel use, while improving customer satisfaction and comfort. Because of OBF’s ability to use customer’s bill payment history, instead of credit checks, to determined loan eligibility, it increases access for low-income households without raising default rates.
EESI has recently expanded its on-bill financing initiative into a national effort to significantly improve the energy efficiency of homes served by co-ops and public utilities. EESI is available to help rural utilities apply to a new U.S. Department of Agriculture loan program to capitalize their projects. Learn more about EESI's on-bill financing project.
Speakers:
- Mark Freeman: Consumer Service Manager, Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB)
- Chris Ball: Director of Energy Efficiency, City of Bloomfield