Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program
The Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program (AERLP) was established by the 57th Montana Legislature in 2001 with amendments dating from 2005. Its purpose is to provide a financing option to Montana homeowners, small businesses, non-profits and government entities to install alternative energy systems.
Energy from these systems is intended for use by the user, although net-metering is allowed for systems that generate electricity. Energy conservation measures installed in conjunction with an alterative energy project may be funded through the program.
The program has traditionally been funded by air quality penalties collected by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). However, stimulus funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) has recently been introduced into the loan program. Certain requirements of ARRA have been made to the program, including greater loan amounts, reporting and project verification, high transparency as well as other provisions.
A Request for Applications for this Alternative Energy Revolving Loan (AERL) Program is available.
