Reduced Rate On Mortgage Loans

 

P.O. Box 95085, Lincoln, NE 68509-5085, Phone 402.471.2867, Fax 402.471.3064

April 26, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information Contact:

Jerry Loos 402-471-3356 Jack Osterman 402-471-2817

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Energy Office is offering 2.5% Dollar and Energy Saving Loans through eligible Nebraska lenders for the construction of single family, detached ENERGY STAR® Five Star Plus homes. ENERGY STAR qualified homes meet or exceed state’s energy code by 30% or more and are independently verified for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes save money on utility bills, provide comfortable living with better indoor air quality and help protect the environment.

Potential borrowers have the option to choose a conventional construction loan or self finance the construction. Long term permanent financing is also available. The Energy Office's written approval of the construction plans prior to the start of construction is required. Construction loans of up to $417,000 at 2.5% interest for 12 months are available from any participating Dollar and Energy Saving Loan lender in the state. Reduced fixed interest rate mortgage loans for up to 30 years are available through Tecumseh Federal Bank.

“Homebuyers are increasingly more interested in green building practices and energy efficiency is the place to start,” said Neil Moseman, Director of the Energy Office. “ENERGY STAR qualified homes can include a variety of tried and true energy-efficient features that contribute to improved home quality, homeowner comfort and to lower energy demand.”

ENERGY STAR 5 Star Plus homes typically feature higher levels of properly installed insulation, high-performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment and Energy Star appliances, lighting and water heaters. Additional information is at http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new_homes.nh_features.

The first step to building an ENERGY STAR 5 Plus Star Home is to have a Certified Home Energy Rater complete a rating of the construction plans provided by the designer and builder to verify the most appropriate energy saving features have been included in the home.
More information on the Nebraska Energy Efficient Housing Loans is at http://www.neo.ne.gov/loan/index.html. Names of Certified Home Energy Raters are at http://resnet.us/.

The Nebraska Energy Office was created in 1977 to promote the efficient, economic and environmentally responsible use of energy. It is an authoritative voice and comprehensive resource center for energy issues in the State of Nebraska. In addition, the Energy Office plays an important role in fostering new growth in our renewable energy industry and helping Nebraska lead the way in the new clean energy economy. For more information, please visit www.neo.ne.gov.

Walk Softly Or Carry A Big EPA Stick...???

General Manager Bob Heinz writes the following:

"Recently, as I was flipping through the TV channels, I happened to stop on C-Span and caught most of a speech by Lisa Jackson, EPA Administrator. Her speech was on global warming and carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. In no uncertain terms, Ms. Jackson said that she would use the Clean Air Act to shut down every coal plant in the United States. She would regulate air, water, particulate matter, coal ash and any use every conceivable regulatory activity to stop these carbon dioxide emissions.

In this country, over 50% of the electricity generated comes from coal. (60% in Nebraska). Rather than attempt to beat the electric industry with a “Big EPA Regulation Stick” to affect the desired change, maybe real negotiations could take place to allow an orderly transition to carbon neutral generation over a longer planning horizon. This would give our smart research people a chance to develop new and more efficient carbon neutral generation, prove the merits of carbon capture and storage, construct new nuclear generation, improve battery technology and bring a multitude of new ideas to the industry. During a period of economic uncertainty, the last thing we need is inappropriate regulations which will drive up the costs to electric consumers."

Mr. Heinz' entire article can be read in the Dawson Dynamo, May edition 2010 online now. 

Cartoon is courtesy of http://www.thechillingeffect.org/ 

FREE DINNER FOR TWO

Recently many of our customers have received postcards in the mail inviting them to have a free dinner for two and listen to a presentation with claims they have the ability to help you reduce your utility bills by up to 45%.

The company making the presentation is called Utility Management Association (UMA) and the reviews on their products and customer service are mixed. Dawson Public Power District does not endorse their services or products. Please do your own research before making a commitment.

Dawson Power is in favor of finding ways to reduce your energy usage. It makes good business sense because the less energy you use, the less energy we have to purchase from NPPD. Now days, there’s plenty of information online on how to lower your electric bill, including doing an online energy audit from Dawson Power’s own website. In fact, you’ll be hearing about an upcoming contest we will be holding for customers who use our energy audit website.

We want to be fair and balanced. My research had more negatives than positives about UMA but in light of the fact that every home is different, living habits are diverse, people can expect to have different results when using one or more of these products. If the company is providing guarantees, get them in writing.

A Lineman Rodeo....

Gaff - n - Go....in Virginia

Actually a couple of weeks ago, a lineman's rodeo was held in Omaha. Electric Cooperative Today produced this 3 minute video of the events held in Virginia. While these linemen competed in near-perfect conditions, the tasks are still complicated, physically demanding, and safety is always the featured event. Thank a lineman!