The Columbia Water & Light (CWL) Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program allows Columbia residents to finance energy efficiency improvements to homes with affordable, low-interest loans with terms up to 10 years. If a CWL customer has a good credit history and owns an eligible home, loans can be used to install insulation, heating and cooling systems, solar water heating and solar space heating systems, and other eligible efficiency technologies.

The program involves several steps. First, a CLW certified contractor conducts a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR assessment, which provides information to the homeowner on cost-effective ways to improve the home's energy efficiency. The homeowner then completes and submits a loan application. Customers who qualify for the loan program may finance the cost of the Home Performance with Energy Star assessment, which can cost $200-$400. Improvements may be started once the loan is approved. Once projects are completed, CWL staff will conduct a post-inspection.

To maximize the efficiency of customer energy improvements, the Home Performance Loan program requires insulation levels in key areas: Attic Insulation: R-38 required, Floor Insulation over unconditioned space: R-19 required, Crawl Space Walls OR Floors Above Crawl Space: R-10 required with vapor barrier covering the ground, Duct Insulation: R-13 required in unheated areas, Rim Joist Insulation: R-13 required. Review the program web site for additional information, including detailed requirements for other energy efficiency improvements.