Eligible upgrade items include energy efficiency and energy conservation measures mentioned in your energy audit report, or any measures that automatically qualify for one of Avista’s prescriptive rebates.  Renewable energy measures do not qualify for this program.

1. Full evaluation of all your energy saving opportunities: contact Avista to request an energy audit.

a. To schedule a free commercial energy audit, contact your Avista Account Executive or call Avista's Energy Solutions group at 1-800-227-9187.

b.If you're a residential customer, go to http://www.avistautilities.com/savings/inhomeaudit/Pages/default.aspx. 
And check out this video about Avista’s in-home audits: http://mediasuite.multicastmedia.com/player.php?p=bc3cxy6q

NEW:  In-home audit costs reduced in some jurisdictions to just $49!

2. Decide which of the audit report’s recommendations you’ll implement and get 2-3 contractor bids:  Identify the items in the audit report that will save you the most energy and money.  Many energy saving measures pay for themselves in a short time.  Rebates and tax credits can shorten your payback period even more.  You may even save enough on your energy bill to cover your loan payments..

3. Or, opt for specific upgrades that already qualify for residential rebates or commercial rebates.

4. Contact Sustainable Resources Inland Northwest: Once you know which items you want to finance with a loan and how much it will cost, contact Sustainable Resources Inland Northwest for help in applying for a loan (509-209-2861, susanne@sustainableresourcesinw.org).

Avista received the grant money.  Participating lenders include Numerica Credit Union, Spokane Teachers Credit Union, and SNAP Financial Access.  Sustainable Resources Inland Northwest is the loan coordinator and acts as a liaison between the customer, the lenders and Avista.

Residential loans:

• Cost for in-home energy audit:  From $49 to $325, depending on where you live in Spokane County.
• Participating local lender: Numerica Credit Union
• Interest rate: About 5% less than the going rate (which changes each month), dependent on the applicant’s credit score
• Loan amount: Most loans will average $2,000-$10,000, but no loans will be for over $20,000.
• Repayment terms: 3-5 years
• If you’re low-income, you’re likely eligible for energy assistance and should contact the SNAP Weatherization Assistance program. Click here for the SNAP Application: SNAP Application

Commercial loans: 

• Commercial scoping audit from Avista:  No cost, takes about 1 hour of your time.
• Participating local lenders: Spokane Teacher’s Credit Union, SNAP Financial Access
• Interest rate:  These lower cost loans offer you reduced fees and sometimes as much as 2% lower interest rates, depending on the lender and your own credit rating and history.
• Loan amount: Most loans will average $5,000-$15,000, but no loans will be for over $100,000.
• Repayment terms:  3-5 years
• Available to ALL Avista’s commercial accounts in WA state who are …
• Small business owners, even if you don’t own your space – for equipment not permanently attached to the building.
• Commercial property owners:  For improvements to the property itself. Includes multi-family housing (5 or more units).