The City of Colorado Springs is partnering with Colorado Springs Utilities and the Energy Resource Center to offer federal grant dollars to homeowners to offset the costs of certain home rehabilitation that improves energy efficiency. 

The funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.The Energy Efficiency Program will help eligible homeowners replace inefficient windows and add attic insulation to reduce energy bills and incrementally help the environment.

Explains Eileen McMullen, program coordinator, ?We are excited about this partnership and hope these one-time funds will help some of our homeowners improve their properties, lower their energy costs and provide a way for them to positively affect the environment.  But these funds are limited so first-come, first-served.?

To be eligible for the program, property owners must occupy the property, live within the City limits and meet certain income guidelines.  The completed value of the home cannot be more than $240,000.  Additionally, the home must be inspected by the City prior to work being done.

?The home inspection will make sure the property is ready for the work to be done and eliminate any potential problems.  For example, we cannot help pay for attic insulation if the roof is in need of repair,? explained McMullen.

Even if repairs are needed before grant dollars can be applied, homeowners may be eligible for low-interest loans to complete the repair work.  Loan closing costs can be waived and interest rates range between zero and three percent.

?We are eliminating as many hurdles as possible so that qualified homeowners can take advantage of these federal dollars,? said McMullen.

For information about the Energy Efficiency Program, homeowners should call (719) 385-6877 or visit the program Web page at http://www.springsgov.com/Page.aspx?NavID=2496