The Multifamily Energy Conservation Loan Program (MEL) provides financing at below market rates to multi-family residential property owners for the purchase and installation of cost-saving energy conservation improvements in buildings with five (5) or more housing units. The program is administered by the Connecticut Housing Investment Fund, Inc. (CHIF) with funding from the Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH).  

Income Limit

Although the MEL program does not have a borrower income restriction, a reduced interest rate is available to property owners who are able to verify that at least half of their building's tenants have household income limits that are at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the town in which it is located. 

 Loan Amount and Terms

Multi-family (5+ units) property owners may borrow up to $3,500 per unit (a maximum of $100,000 per building) for a period of 10 years for eligible improvements. The interest rate of 3% or 6% is based upon the income of the tenants living at the property. A special 0% interest rate is available for higher-efficiency boilers and furnaces. 

Eligible Improvements

The following are some of the improvements eligible under the MEL program:

• Automatic Set-Back thermostats
  
• Caulking and Weatherstripping
• Insulation
• Replacement Central Air Conditioning Systems
• Replacement Heating Systems (0% interest available for high-efficiency systems)
• Replacement Hot Water Heaters
• Secondary Heating Systems (non-electric)
• Heat Pumps
• Replacement Roofs
• Replacement Windows and Doors
• Siding
• Solar Systems and Passive Solar Additions
• Geothermal Systems