The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) encourages Georgians to utilize zero-interest financing options to help make their homes more energy efficient and save on utility bills. Financing is available through Oglethorpe Power Corporation, Electric Cities of Georgia, the Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia and Estes Heating and Air. Many communities in Georgia are available for financing through these organizations. A complete list of eligible organizations is available here.

The residential energy efficiency financing programs, which are funded through GEFA, allow homeowners to apply for funding to carry out a variety of upgrades and improvement measures, including air sealing and insulating their homes; installing energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; and purchasing eligible Energy Star appliances. Services and available funding vary by program.

Loans of up to $5,500 are available and must be repaid within 36 or 60 months, depending on which of the three program administrators is issuing the loan. The program web site listed above connects Georgians with information on the loan programs offered, loan terms, and eligible projects. A list of participating and eligible communities throughout Georgia can be found on the program web site. A list of eligible measures under each program administrator can also be found below. Contact GEFA or your local participating organization for more information. 

Oglethorpe Power Corporation: Weatherization retrofits and ENERGY STAR central HVAC systems

Electric Cities of Georgia: ENERGY STAR appliances and central HVAC systems, insulation, air sealing, duct sealing and insulation

Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia: ENERGY STAR appliances, high-efficiency gas furnaces, tankless water heaters, building envelope improvements, diagnostic testing, duct sealing, insulation and controls improvements

Estes Heating and Air: Weatherization Retrofits; ENERGY STAR High Efficiency Gas Furnaces and Tank-less Water Heaters; and Building Envelope Improvements –Diagnostic Testing, Insulation, Duct, Work Repairs, Controls

In Fiscal Year 2013, the GEFA approved over 66 total loans valued at an estimated amount of $52 million. Find out more in the Georgia Budget Report for FY2015.