Clean Fuel for Vehicles - Louisiana Increases Tax Credit to 50%

Governor Bobby Jindal recently announced that he signed Louisiana House Bill 110, legislation that increases personal and corporate income tax credits for use of alternative fuel for motor vehicles, including the use of compressed natural gas (CNG.)

The legislation, authored by Louisiana State Representative Jane Smith (R-Bossier City) and led by Louisiana Senator Nick Gautreaux (D-Abbeville) in the Senate, will increase economic development and investment in Louisiana by encouraging companies to use a fuel source that is clean, abundant, affordable and American.

"Now with proper incentives in place, Louisiana retailers can offer CNG as an alternative fuel to consumers who take advantage of the ability to convert their car or truck or purchase a new vehicle," said Smith.

The new legislation includes provisions to:

• Increase the existing personal or corporate income tax credit from 20% to 50% for purchase of qualified clean burning motor vehicle fuel property, including equipment installed on a motor vehicle and property directly related to the delivery of an alternative fuel.
  
• Increase the existing personal or corporate income tax credit for the purchase of a motor vehicle with qualified clean burning motor vehicle fuel property installed by the manufacturer of such vehicle to 10% of the cost of the vehicle or $3,000, whichever is less.
  
• Establish the existing credit as a refundable income tax credit if no taxes are owed and notes that the tax credits are retroactive to January 1, 2009.
  
• Repeal provisions under current law that prohibit a company or individual who qualifies for Louisiana's Quality Jobs Program from taking advantage of the existing income tax credits for alternative fueled vehicles and equipment.
  
• Gautreaux said, "With potentially the largest natural gas field in the United States, Louisiana is poised to support an energy policy that enhances our national security and promotes a cleaner environment in our country and state. Louisiana now has some of the most aggressive incentives in the country for both consumers and companies to use clean buring, truly American natural gas as transportation fuel."
  
• The legislation was broadly supported with 67 co-authors in the House and 23 co-authors in the Senate. Additionally, a total of 24 entities and organizations passed Resolutions supporting HB 110. They ranged from local governments, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and environmental groups that represent literally thousands of Louisiana citizens interested in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building our nation's energy security.

The Rest @KATC

30% Invetment Tax Credit to Manufacturers of Micro Turbines, Fuel Cells, bi Fuel Refineries

Signing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, President Barack Obama has included a new tax credit to encourage investment in efficient energy production equipment manufacturing facilities.

A new 30% investment tax credit is available for projects that establish, re-equip or expand manufacturing facilities for fuel cells, micro-turbines, renewable fuel refineries and blending facilities, energy saving technologies, smart grid technologies and solar, wind and geothermal technologies.

In addition, as part of the Act, close to $17 billion of funding for the Department of Energy (DoE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).

The funding is a nearly tenfold increase for EERE, which is expected to use the bulk of the new funding in direct grants and rebates, although $2.5 billion will support its applied research, development and deployment activities, including $800 million for biomass.

A further $400 million will support the establishment of an agency to support innovative energy research.

Furthermore, the Act stipulates that $3.2 billion will go toward Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants, which were established in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, but were not previously funded, to support energy audit programmes and projects to install fuel cells and solar, wind, and biomass power projects at government buildings.

The economic stimulus bill also stipulates that $5 billion will go towards the improving domestic household efficiency and $4 billion to rehabilitate and retrofit public housing, including increasing the energy efficiency of units.

Federal buildings and fleets will also become greener under the new bill, with $4.5 billion to convert federal buildings into 'high-performance' green buildings likely to feature on-site generation.

The tax section of the Act provides greater tax credits for clean energy projects at homes and businesses and for the manufacturers of clean energy technologies. For homeowners, the Act increases a 10% tax credit for energy efficiency improvements to a 30% tax credit, eliminates caps for specific improvements (such as windows and furnaces), and instead establishes an aggregate cap of $1500 for all improvements placed in service in 2009 and 2010 (except biomass systems, which must be placed in service after the Act is enacted).

Full article From Cogeneration & Power

The House Democrats' Stimulus Good for Green

[Jan 15th] House Democrats revealed their proposed stimulus package totaling $825 billion. As hoped, money for renewable energy and efficiency make up 54 billion of those dollars.The biggest proportion, $11 billion, would go towards creating a smart grid, which is dramatically shy of the $400 billion Al Gore thinks should be set aside. Here's a list of some of the larger energy incentives.

• $11 billion for investment in smart-grid technologies
• $8 billion in loan guarantees for renewable energy and transmission
• $6.9 billion for energy efficiency help to state and local governments
• $6.7 billion for retrofits to federal buildings
• $6.2 billion for home weatherization, targeted at low-income families
• $2.4 billion for carbon sequestration
• $2 billion for loans guarantees and grants to automobile battery-makers

Feed reported @ Ecogeek from Greeninc

The Enery Independance and Security Act of 2007

An Act:

To

• move the United States toward greater energy independence and security
• to increase the production of clean renewable fuels,
• to protect consumers,
• to increase the efficiency of products, buildings, and vehicles,
• to promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture and storage options,
• and to improve the energy performance of the Federal Government,
• and for other purposes.

Index

TITLE I—ENERGY SECURITY THROUGH IMPROVED VEHICLE FUEL
ECONOMY

Subtitle A—Increased Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards
Sec. 101. Short title.
Sec. 102. Average fuel economy standards for automobiles and certain other vehicles.
Sec. 103. Definitions.
Sec. 104. Credit trading program.
Sec. 105. Consumer information.
Sec. 106. Continued applicability of existing standards.
Sec. 107. National Academy of Sciences studies.
Sec. 108. National Academy of Sciences study of medium-duty and heavy-duty
truck fuel economy.
Sec. 109. Extension of flexible fuel vehicle credit program.
Sec. 110. Periodic review of accuracy of fuel economy labeling procedures.
Sec. 111. Consumer tire information.
Sec. 112. Use of civil penalties for research and development.
Sec. 113. Exemption from separate calculation requirement.

Subtitle B—Improved Vehicle Technology
Sec. 131. Transportation electrification.
Sec. 132. Domestic manufacturing conversion grant program.
Sec. 133. Inclusion of electric drive in Energy Policy Act of 1992.
Sec. 134. Loan guarantees for fuel-efficient automobile parts manufacturers.
Sec. 135. Advanced battery loan guarantee program.
Sec. 136. Advanced technology vehicles manufacturing incentive program.
Subtitle C—Federal Vehicle Fleets
Sec. 141. Federal vehicle fleets.
Sec. 142. Federal fleet conservation requirements.

H. R. 6—2

TITLE II—ENERGY SECURITY THROUGH INCREASED PRODUCTION OF
BIOFUELS
Subtitle A—Renewable Fuel Standard
Sec. 201. Definitions.
Sec. 202. Renewable fuel standard.
Sec. 203. Study of impact of Renewable Fuel Standard.
Sec. 204. Environmental and resource conservation impacts.
Sec. 205. Biomass based diesel and biodiesel labeling.
Sec. 206. Study of credits for use of renewable electricity in electric vehicles.
Sec. 207. Grants for production of advanced biofuels.
Sec. 208. Integrated consideration of water quality in determinations on fuels and
fuel additives.
Sec. 209. Anti-backsliding.
Sec. 210. Effective date, savings provision, and transition rules.

Subtitle B—Biofuels Research and Development
Sec. 221. Biodiesel.
Sec. 222. Biogas.
Sec. 223. Grants for biofuel production research and development in certain States.
Sec. 224. Biorefinery energy efficiency.
Sec. 225. Study of optimization of flexible fueled vehicles to use E–85 fuel.
Sec. 226. Study of engine durability and performance associated with the use of
biodiesel.
Sec. 227. Study of optimization of biogas used in natural gas vehicles.
Sec. 228. Algal biomass.
Sec. 229. Biofuels and biorefinery information center.
Sec. 230. Cellulosic ethanol and biofuels research.
Sec. 231. Bioenergy research and development, authorization of appropriation.
Sec. 232. Environmental research and development.
Sec. 233. Bioenergy research centers.
Sec. 234. University based research and development grant program.
Subtitle C—Biofuels Infrastructure
Sec. 241. Prohibition on franchise agreement restrictions related to renewable fuel
infrastructure.
Sec. 242. Renewable fuel dispenser requirements.
Sec. 243. Ethanol pipeline feasibility study.
Sec. 244. Renewable fuel infrastructure grants.
Sec. 245. Study of the adequacy of transportation of domestically-produced renewable
fuel by railroads and other modes of transportation.
Sec. 246. Federal fleet fueling centers.
Sec. 247. Standard specifications for biodiesel.
Sec. 248. Biofuels distribution and advanced biofuels infrastructure.

Subtitle D—Environmental Safeguards
Sec. 251. Waiver for fuel or fuel additives.

TITLE III—ENERGY SAVINGS THROUGH IMPROVED STANDARDS FOR
APPLIANCE AND LIGHTING

Subtitle A—Appliance Energy Efficiency
Sec. 301. External power supply efficiency standards.
Sec. 302. Updating appliance test procedures.
Sec. 303. Residential boilers.
Sec. 304. Furnace fan standard process.
Sec. 305. Improving schedule for standards updating and clarifying State authority.
Sec. 306. Regional standards for furnaces, central air conditioners, and heat
pumps.
Sec. 307. Procedure for prescribing new or amended standards.
Sec. 308. Expedited rulemakings.
Sec. 309. Battery chargers.
Sec. 310. Standby mode.
Sec. 311. Energy standards for home appliances.
Sec. 312. Walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers.
Sec. 313. Electric motor efficiency standards.
Sec. 314. Standards for single package vertical air conditioners and heat pumps.
Sec. 315. Improved energy efficiency for appliances and buildings in cold climates.
Sec. 316. Technical corrections.
Subtitle B—Lighting Energy Efficiency
Sec. 321. Efficient light bulbs.

H. R. 6—3
Sec. 322. Incandescent reflector lamp efficiency standards.
Sec. 323. Public building energy efficient and renewable energy systems.
Sec. 324. Metal halide lamp fixtures.
Sec. 325. Energy efficiency labeling for consumer electronic products.

TITLE IV—ENERGY SAVINGS IN BUILDINGS AND INDUSTRY
Sec. 401. Definitions.

Subtitle A—Residential Building Efficiency
Sec. 411. Reauthorization of weatherization assistance program.
Sec. 412. Study of renewable energy rebate programs.
Sec. 413. Energy code improvements applicable to manufactured housing.
Subtitle B—High-Performance Commercial Buildings
Sec. 421. Commercial high-performance green buildings.
Sec. 422. Zero Net Energy Commercial Buildings Initiative.
Sec. 423. Public outreach.

Subtitle C—High-Performance Federal Buildings
Sec. 431. Energy reduction goals for Federal buildings.
Sec. 432. Management of energy and water efficiency in Federal buildings.
Sec. 433. Federal building energy efficiency performance standards.
Sec. 434. Management of Federal building efficiency.
Sec. 435. Leasing.
Sec. 436. High-performance green Federal buildings.
Sec. 437. Federal green building performance.
Sec. 438. Storm water runoff requirements for Federal development projects.
Sec. 439. Cost-effective technology acceleration program.
Sec. 440. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 441. Public building life-cycle costs.

Subtitle D—Industrial Energy Efficiency
Sec. 451. Industrial energy efficiency.
Sec. 452. Energy-intensive industries program.
Sec. 453. Energy efficiency for data center buildings.
Subtitle E—Healthy High-Performance Schools
Sec. 461. Healthy high-performance schools.
Sec. 462. Study on indoor environmental quality in schools.
Subtitle F—Institutional Entities
Sec. 471. Energy sustainability and efficiency grants and loans for institutions.
Subtitle G—Public and Assisted Housing
Sec. 481. Application of International Energy Conservation Code to public and assisted
housing.

Subtitle H—General Provisions
Sec. 491. Demonstration project.
Sec. 492. Research and development.
Sec. 493. Environmental Protection Agency demonstration grant program for local
governments.
Sec. 494. Green Building Advisory Committee.
Sec. 495. Advisory Committee on Energy Efficiency Finance.

TITLE V—ENERGY SAVINGS IN GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS

Subtitle A—United States Capitol Complex
Sec. 501. Capitol complex photovoltaic roof feasibility studies.
Sec. 502. Capitol complex E–85 refueling station.
Sec. 503. Energy and environmental measures in Capitol complex master plan.
Sec. 504. Promoting maximum efficiency in operation of Capitol power plant.
Sec. 505. Capitol power plant carbon dioxide emissions feasibility study and demonstration
projects.

Subtitle B—Energy Savings Performance Contracting
Sec. 511. Authority to enter into contracts; reports.
Sec. 512. Financing flexibility.
Sec. 513. Promoting long-term energy savings performance contracts and verifying
savings.

H. R. 6—4

Sec. 514. Permanent reauthorization.
Sec. 515. Definition of energy savings.
Sec. 516. Retention of savings.
Sec. 517. Training Federal contracting officers to negotiate energy efficiency contracts.
Sec. 518. Study of energy and cost savings in nonbuilding applications.

Subtitle C—Energy Efficiency in Federal Agencies

Sec. 521. Installation of photovoltaic system at Department of Energy headquarters
building.
Sec. 522. Prohibition on incandescent lamps by Coast Guard.
Sec. 523. Standard relating to solar hot water heaters.
Sec. 524. Federally-procured appliances with standby power.
Sec. 525. Federal procurement of energy efficient products.
Sec. 526. Procurement and acquisition of alternative fuels.
Sec. 527. Government efficiency status reports.
Sec. 528. OMB government efficiency reports and scorecards.
Sec. 529. Electricity sector demand response.
Subtitle D—Energy Efficiency of Public Institutions
Sec. 531. Reauthorization of State energy programs.
Sec. 532. Utility energy efficiency programs.
Subtitle E—Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants
Sec. 541. Definitions.
Sec. 542. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program.
Sec. 543. Allocation of funds.
Sec. 544. Use of funds.
Sec. 545. Requirements for eligible entities.
Sec. 546. Competitive grants.
Sec. 547. Review and evaluation.
Sec. 548. Funding.

TITLE VI—ACCELERATED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Subtitle A—Solar Energy
Sec. 601. Short title.
Sec. 602. Thermal energy storage research and development program.
Sec. 603. Concentrating solar power commercial application studies.
Sec. 604. Solar energy curriculum development and certification grants.
Sec. 605. Daylighting systems and direct solar light pipe technology.
Sec. 606. Solar Air Conditioning Research and Development Program.
Sec. 607. Photovoltaic demonstration program.

Subtitle B—Geothermal Energy
Sec. 611. Short title.
Sec. 612. Definitions.
Sec. 613. Hydrothermal research and development.
Sec. 614. General geothermal systems research and development.
Sec. 615. Enhanced geothermal systems research and development.
Sec. 616. Geothermal energy production from oil and gas fields and recovery and
production of geopressured gas resources.
Sec. 617. Cost sharing and proposal evaluation.
Sec. 618. Center for geothermal technology transfer.
Sec. 619. GeoPowering America.
Sec. 620. Educational pilot program.
Sec. 621. Reports.
Sec. 622. Applicability of other laws.
Sec. 623. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 624. International geothermal energy development.
Sec. 625. High cost region geothermal energy grant program.

Subtitle C—Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Technologies
Sec. 631. Short title.
Sec. 632. Definition.
Sec. 633. Marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy research and development.
Sec. 634. National Marine Renewable Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration
Centers.
Sec. 635. Applicability of other laws.
Sec. 636. Authorization of appropriations.

H. R. 6—5

Subtitle D—Energy Storage for Transportation and Electric Power

Sec. 641. Energy storage competitiveness.
Subtitle E—Miscellaneous Provisions
Sec. 651. Lightweight materials research and development.
Sec. 652. Commercial insulation demonstration program.
Sec. 653. Technical criteria for clean coal power Initiative.
Sec. 654. H-Prize.
Sec. 655. Bright Tomorrow Lighting Prizes.
Sec. 656. Renewable Energy innovation manufacturing partnership.

TITLE VII—CARBON CAPTURE AND SEQUESTRATION
Subtitle A—Carbon Capture and Sequestration Research, Development, and
Demonstration

Sec. 701. Short title.
Sec. 702. Carbon capture and sequestration research, development, and demonstration
program.
Sec. 703. Carbon capture.
Sec. 704. Review of large-scale programs.
Sec. 705. Geologic sequestration training and research.
Sec. 706. Relation to Safe Drinking Water Act.
Sec. 707. Safety research.
Sec. 708. University based research and development grant program.
Subtitle B—Carbon Capture and Sequestration Assessment and Framework
Sec. 711. Carbon dioxide sequestration capacity assessment.
Sec. 712. Assessment of carbon sequestration and methane and nitrous oxide emissions
from ecosystems.
Sec. 713. Carbon dioxide sequestration inventory.
Sec. 714. Framework for geological carbon sequestration on public land.

TITLE VIII—IMPROVED MANAGEMENT OF ENERGY POLICY
Subtitle A—Management Improvements
Sec. 801. National media campaign.
Sec. 802. Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline administration.
Sec. 803. Renewable energy deployment.
Sec. 804. Coordination of planned refinery outages.
Sec. 805. Assessment of resources.
Sec. 806. Sense of Congress relating to the use of renewable resources to generate
energy.
Sec. 807. Geothermal assessment, exploration information, and priority activities.

Subtitle B—Prohibitions on Market Manipulation and False Information
Sec. 811. Prohibition on market manipulation.
Sec. 812. Prohibition on false information.
Sec. 813. Enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission.
Sec. 814. Penalties.
Sec. 815. Effect on other laws.

TITLE IX—INTERNATIONAL ENERGY PROGRAMS

Sec. 901. Definitions.
Subtitle A—Assistance to Promote Clean and Efficient Energy Technologies in
Foreign Countries
Sec. 911. United States assistance for developing countries.
Sec. 912. United States exports and outreach programs for India, China, and other
countries.
Sec. 913. United States trade missions to encourage private sector trade and investment.
Sec. 914. Actions by Overseas Private Investment Corporation.
Sec. 915. Actions by United States Trade and Development Agency.
Sec. 916. Deployment of international clean and efficient energy technologies and
investment in global energy markets.
Sec. 917. United States-Israel energy cooperation.
Subtitle B—International Clean Energy Foundation
Sec. 921. Definitions.

H. R. 6—6
Sec. 922. Establishment and management of Foundation.
Sec. 923. Duties of Foundation.
Sec. 924. Annual report.
Sec. 925. Powers of the Foundation; related provisions.
Sec. 926. General personnel authorities.
Sec. 927. Authorization of appropriations.
Subtitle C—Miscellaneous Provisions
Sec. 931. Energy diplomacy and security within the Department of State.
Sec. 932. National Security Council reorganization.
Sec. 933. Annual national energy security strategy report.
Sec. 934. Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage contingent
cost allocation.
Sec. 935. Transparency in extractive industries resource payments.

TITLE X—GREEN JOBS
Sec. 1001. Short title.
Sec. 1002. Energy efficiency and renewable energy worker training program.

TITLE XI—ENERGY TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Subtitle A—Department of Transportation
Sec. 1101. Office of Climate Change and Environment.

Subtitle B—Railroads

Sec. 1111. Advanced technology locomotive grant pilot program.
Sec. 1112. Capital grants for class II and class III railroads.
Subtitle C—Marine Transportation
Sec. 1121. Short sea transportation initiative.
Sec. 1122. Short sea shipping eligibility for capital construction fund.
Sec. 1123. Short sea transportation report.
Subtitle D—Highways
Sec. 1131. Increased Federal share for CMAQ projects.
Sec. 1132. Distribution of rescissions.
Sec. 1133. Sense of Congress regarding use of complete streets design techniques.

TITLE XII—SMALL BUSINESS ENERGY PROGRAMS
Sec. 1201. Express loans for renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Sec. 1202. Pilot program for reduced 7(a) fees for purchase of energy efficient technologies.
Sec. 1203. Small business energy efficiency.
Sec. 1204. Larger 504 loan limits to help business develop energy efficient technologies
and purchases.
Sec. 1205. Energy saving debentures.
Sec. 1206. Investments in energy saving small businesses.
Sec. 1207. Renewable fuel capital investment company.
Sec. 1208. Study and report.

TITLE XIII—SMART GRID

Sec. 1301. Statement of policy on modernization of electricity grid.
Sec. 1302. Smart grid system report.
Sec. 1303. Smart grid advisory committee and smart grid task force.
Sec. 1304. Smart grid technology research, development, and demonstration.
Sec. 1305. Smart grid interoperability framework.
Sec. 1306. Federal matching fund for smart grid investment costs.
Sec. 1307. State consideration of smart grid.
Sec. 1308. Study of the effect of private wire laws on the development of combined
heat and power facilities.
Sec. 1309. DOE study of security attributes of smart grid systems.

TITLE XIV—POOL AND SPA SAFETY
Sec. 1401. Short title.
Sec. 1402. Findings.
Sec. 1403. Definitions.
Sec. 1404. Federal swimming pool and spa drain cover standard.
Sec. 1405. State swimming pool safety grant program.
Sec. 1406. Minimum State law requirements.
Sec. 1407. Education program.


The whole 310 page bill

Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) 101

People who Purchase certain renewable enery assets may be eligible to depreciate those assets more quickly than they think. Thow owners of the equipment get the "MACRS" sometimes prounouced "MACKERS".

The Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) is the current method of accelerated asset depreciation required by the United States income tax code. Under MACRS, all assets are divided into classes which dictate the number of years over which an asset's cost will be recovered.

Source: Wikipedia

Here are some links to the US Internal Revenue Web Site that Might help:

Introduction
Useful Items - You may want to see:
What Property Qualifies?
Terms you may need to know (see Glossary):
Eligible Property
Property Acquired for Business Use
Property Acquired by Purchase
What Property Does Not Qualify?
Terms you may need to know (see Glossary):
Land and Improvements
Excepted Property
How Much Can You Deduct?
Terms you may need to know (see Glossary):
Dollar Limits
Business Income Limit
Partnerships and Partners
S Corporations
Other Corporations
How Do You Elect the Deduction?
Terms you may need to know (see Glossary):
When Must You Recapture the Deduction?
Terms you may need to know (see Glossary):

Indiana Property Tax Exemptions With Renewables?

In Indiana, systems that generate energy using solar, wind, hydropower or geothermal resources -- including geothermal heat pumps -- are exempt from property tax.

(The definition of "solar" is restricted to active solar systems used for heating or cooling.) The exemption is allowed every year that a qualifying system functions. Significantly, the entire renewable energy system and affiliated equipment that is unique to the system, including equipment for storage and distribution, are exempt from property tax.

The exemption applies to both real property and mobile homes equipped with renewable energy systems and may only be claimed by property owners.

• Property owners that wish to claim this deduction must fill out Form 18865 and file it with the local county auditor.
• Questions about this incentive should be directed to the local auditor or assessor. Click here to find contact information for your local officials.

Indiana Energy Saving Tax Credit: Corporate

Energy Savings Tax Credit (Corporate)

Incentive Type: Corporate Tax Credit

Eligible Efficiency Technologies:
Water Heaters, Furnaces, Air conditioners, Programmable Thermostats

Applicable Sectors:
Commercial, Residential

Amount:
20% of qualified expenditures

Maximum Incentive:
$100 per taxable year

Carryover Provisions: Carryover not permitted

Equipment/Installation Requirements:
Equipment must be Energy Star qualified

Authority 1:
Ind. Code § 6-3.1-31.5

Date Enacted:
05/04/2007

Effective Date:
01/01/2009

Expiration Date:
12/31/2010

Source DSIRE Database

Energy Efficient Home Credit IRC

Energy Efficient Home Credit IRC Sec. 45L

and List of Eligible Software Programs for Certification

For a homebuilder to qualify for the New Energy Efficient Home Credit under IRC Sec. 45L, they must receive a certification that the dwelling unit has met the energy savings requirements of Sec. 45L.

• An eligible certifier must use an approved Software Program to calculate the dwelling unit’s energy consumption for purposes of Sec. 45L.
• Sec. 45L provides a $2,000 credit for a traditional free-standing home and either a $1,000 or $2,000 credit for a manufactured home depending on the level of energy savings achieved.
  Note: These provisions, originally set to expire 12/31/2007, have been extended through 12/31/2008 as set forth in the Tax Relief & Health Care Act of 2006.
  

IRS Notice 2006-27 (Section 5) and Notice 2006-28 (Section 6) provide for the Service to create and maintain a list of software programs that have been accepted by the Service for use in computing energy consumption for the purpose of certifications under Sec. 45L.

Eligible Software Programs

• EnergyGauge® USA version 2.5EnergyGauge® USA version 2.6
  Florida Solar Energy Center
  Tei Kucharski
  EnergyGauge
  
• REM/Rate v.12.2REM/Rate v.12.3REM/Rate v.12.4REM/Rate v.12.5
  Architectural Energy Corporation
  David Roberts, P.E.
  Architectural Energy Corporation
  
• MICROPAS7 v7.1MICROPAS7 v7.3MICROPAS7 v7.4
  Enercomp, Inc.
  Ken Nittler and Robert Scott
  MICROPAS
  
• Builder Energy Solutions Calculator
  Owens Corning
  Dwight Shuler
  Owens Corning
  
• EnergyPro v4.4
  Energy Soft
  Martyn Dodd
  Energy Soft

The Rest @ the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

The LoanSTAR Program

State Loan Program
Eligible Efficiency Technologies:

• Lighting,
• Chillers,
• Furnaces,
• Boilers,
• Heat pumps,
• Air conditioners,
• Heat recovery
• Energy Mgmt. Systems/Building Controls,
• Building Insulation,
• Custom/Others pending approval
  

Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:

• Passive Solar Space Heat
• Solar Water Heat
• Solar Space Heat
• Photovoltaics
• Wind
• Geothermal Heat Pumps

Applicable Sectors:

• Schools
• Local Government
• State Government
• Hospitals
  

Amount:
Varies

Maximum Amount:
$5 million

Terms:

• Current interest rates are 3% APR.
• Loans are repaid through energy cost savings.
• Projects must have an average payback of 10 years or less.

Project Review/Certification:

• Detailed Energy Assessment Report must be prepared according to LoanSTAR Technical Guidelines, available on the program website.
• SECO performs design specification review.

Funding Source:

• Petroleum Violation Escrow Funds
  Program Budget:
  $98.6 million (revolving loan)

Website:
http://seco.cpa.state.tx.us/ls.htm

Summary:

Through the State Energy Conservation Office, the LoanSTAR Program offers low-interest loans to all public entities, including state, public school, colleges, university, and non-profit hospital facilities for Energy Cost Reduction Measures (ECRMs).

Such measures include, but are not limited to: HVAC, lighting, and insulation. Funds can be used for retrofitting existing equipment or, in the case of new construction, to finance the difference between standard and high efficiency equipment.

• The evaluation of on-site renewable energy options (e.g., solar water heating, photovoltaic panels, small wind turbines) is encouraged in the analysis of potential projects.
• The LoanSTAR Program funds “Design, Bid, Built” or “Design, Built” projects.
• All projects are approved based on the Detailed Energy Assessment Report, which must be prepared according to LoanSTAR Technical Guidelines or the Performance Contracting Guidelines.
• SECO performs design specification review and on-site construction monitoring at the very minimum when the project is 100% complete.
• Repayment of the loans does not begin until after construction is 100% completed.
• As of November 2007, LoanSTAR had funded a total of 191 loans totaling over $240 million dollars and resulting in approximately $212 million in energy savings.
• Applications are available on the program website.

The technical guidelines for the LoanSTAR program can be found here.

Source : DSIRE Database

Texas Schools Conserving Resources (SCORE),

Distribution Rate Schedules

Transmission Rate Schedule

Delivery Rate Comparisons

The Low-Income Weatherization Program

The Low-Income Weatherization Standard Offer Program is designed for Energy Efficiency Service Providers (project sponsors) to assist Oncor residential consumers with an annual household income below 200% above the federal poverty guidelines.

• Through participating service providers, these consumers are provided energy efficient measures to reduce the energy cost in their home.
• In addition to providing energy efficiency assistance to targeted consumers, Oncor meets a required rulemaking under the Texas Electric Choice Act.
• Energy Efficiency Service Providers interested in participating in this program should review the appropriate requirements and procedures in the 2008 Low-Income Weatherization Program Manual (.pdf).
• For more information about the Low-Income Weatherization Program call 1.800.273.8741 ext. 3 or email: Kimberly.hooper@oncor.com.
  

(You will need the Adobe Acrobat© Reader to view a .pdf file. To download the FREE viewer, click here and follow the simple instructions.)

Goal for Renewable Energy Section 39.904

Section 39.904 of Texas State Bill Seven (PUC discussed below is the Public Utility Commision of Texas)

Goal for Renewable Energy

• Provides that by January 1, 2009, an additional 2,000 megawatts of generating capacity from renewable technologies will have been installed in Texas (i.e., estimated to be 3% of the state total) and lists specified deadlines for installation of the renewable capacity (i.e., timetable);
• Requires PUC to establish a renewable energy credits trading program.
• Requires a retail electric provider, municipally owned utility, or electric cooperative that does not satisfy the requirements of Subsection (a) by directly owning or purchasing capacity using renewable energy technologies to purchase sufficient renewable energy credits to satisfy the requirements by holding renewable energy credits in lieu of capacity from renewable energy technologies;
• Requires PUC, no later than January 1, 2000, to adopt rules necessary to administer and enforce this section.
• Requires the rules to at a minimum achieve the enumerated goals;
• Defines "renewable energy technology" (specifically biomass products, geothermal, hydroelectric, solar, wind, wave, or tidal energy).
• Energy resources derived from fossil fuels or waste products from inorganic sources are excluded;
• Authorizes a municipally-owned utility operating a gas distribution system to credit toward satisfaction of the requirements of this section any production or acquisition of landfill gas supplied to the gas distribution system based on a certain conversion calculation.

Goal for Natural Gas

• Provides that 50% of the megawatts of generating capacity installed after January 1, 2000 use natural gas.
• Requires PUC, to the extent permitted by law, to establish a program to encourage utilities to comply with this section by using natural gas produced in this state as the preferential fuel.
• Provides that this section does not apply to generating capacity for renewable technologies.
• This provision is expected to have little immediate effect since most generation currently is gas-fired (e.g., for 1998, the electric utility natural gas generating capability in Texas is 61%);
• Requires PUC to establish a natural gas energy credits trading program. Requires any power generation company, municipally owned utility, or electric cooperative that does not satisfy the requirements of Subsection (a) by directly owning or purchasing capacity using natural gas technologies to purchase sufficient natural gas energy credits in lieu of capacity from natural gas energy technologies;
• Authorizes PUC, not later than January 1, 2000, to adopt rules necessary to administer and enforce this section and to perform any necessary studies in cooperation with the Railroad Commission of Texas (RC). Requires the rules, at a minimum, to achieve the specified provisions; and
• Authorizes PUC, with the assistance of the RC (Railroad Commision), to adopt rules allowing and encouraging retail electric providers and municipally-owned utilities and electric cooperatives that have adopted customer choice to market electricity generated using natural gas produced in Texas as "environmentally beneficial".
• Requires the rules to allow a provider, municipally-owned utility, or cooperative to achieve the specified provisions.

Take a Load Off Texas - Encor Incentives

11/19/08

• Oncor is theLargest Grid Provider in Texas, Covering over 400 Cities
• The State of Texas Has set energy demand reduction goals during electric utility deregulation in Texas (Texas Senate Bill 7 )
• In it, Oncor is required to achieve a 10 percent reduction in annual system demand growth in 2008; By 2009 the goal will grow to 20% of annual system demand.
  Take a Load off Texas Video Clip
  

Here are a list of their current Incentives

For Homes
We offer five programs for residents of Oncor's service area:

• Statewide CFL Campaign
• Home Energy Efficiency
• Refrigerator Recycling
• Low-Income Home Weatherization
• Air Conditioning Installations
• ENERGY STAR® Homes
  
  For Businesses
  For commercial, industrial and governmental businesses we offer:
  
• Small Commercial Program
• Commercial Program
• Load Management Program
• Commercial A/C Program
  
  For Service Providers
  If you are a current Energy Efficiency Service Provider or Project Sponsor -- or would like to become one -- you'll find the program details and application forms you need here:
  

• Home Energy Efficiency
• Low-Income Home Weatherization
• ENERGY STAR® Homes
• A/C Installer Program
• Small Commercial Program
• Commercial Program
• Load Management Program
• Commercial A/C Program
  

For more information, please call 1.866.728.3674 or email eecustinfo@oncor.com.
Take a Load Off, Texas 2008 Tour

The Rest @ Oncor

DSIRE

DDSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.

• You can Choose one or both databases to search: Renewable Energy and/or Energy Efficiency
• It is updated Weeklu
• It is a Project of North Carolina State Univerity

Here is the link