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     "The KeystoneHELP program provides a win-win opportunity for Pennsylvanians.  Not only are they able to make immediate and affordable energy-efficient upgrades to their homes, they will continue to realize the economic benefits of these upgrades through lower utility bills in the future.”

     U.S. Department of Energy

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     02/26/2006  Pennsylvanians might get low-interest loans                                      Allentown Morning Call

     01/12/2006  New low-rate ENERGY STAR loans can help homeowners reduce fuel costs
                       (Treasury news release)      

• Program Elements •

• Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (KeystoneHELP) is a low-interest loan program that will help Pennsylvania homeowners reduce their energy costs.

• The Pennsylvania Treasury Department will invest $20 million in
KeystoneHELP to provide working capital for energy efficiency loans by AFC First Financial of Allentown.

• The loans will be unsecured and available at 7.99% interest over a 10-year repayment period. These rates are four to six percent lower than conventional
market rates.

• Low-income homeowners will be able to obtain loans at 5.99% interest.

• Homeowners can use these loans to purchase new ENERGY STAR heating or cooling units and other major appliances, or to make improvements to their homes that will conserve energy and save money.
     • Examples of eligible equipment (in adobe .pdf)

• ENERGY STAR is a federal program that identifies and promotes household products that meet strict federal energy efficiency guidelines.

• Treasury has partnered with the Pennsylvania sustainable energy funds in the design and implementation of KeystoneHELP.

• Several Pennsylvania-regulated energy utilities have voluntarily contributed funding that enables KeystoneHELP to offer reduced interest rates to low-
income borrowers.

• The sustainable energy funds, Pennsylvania-regulated energy utilities and Pennsylvania petroleum marketers will also provide funding and support to publicize KeystoneHELP and encourage consumers to increase their energy efficiency.

• KeystoneHELP has also partnered with the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA), the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus, Senator Vincent Fumo and Representative Dwight Evans, who have provided $900,000 to enable KeystoneHELP to offer very low interest rates.

For more information on KeystoneHELP, please read our Questions and Answers (in adobe .pdf).

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     “The KeystoneHELP program is a great example of how government, utilities, businesses and the general public can work together to promote energy efficiency and save money.”

     U.S. Department of Energy

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• Energy Cost Savings •

ENERGY STAR Saves Fuel Costs

	2005-06 projected heating cost	Annual ENERGY STAR savings at 25% greater efficiency
OIL	$1,500	$375
GAS	$1,300	$325
PROPANE	$1,800	$450

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• Resources •

• 1/12/2006 Treasury Department news release:
    New low-rate ENERGY STAR loans can help homeowners reduce fuel costs

• www.KeystoneHELP.com

          • Examples of eligible residential equipment (in adobe .pdf)

          • Questions and Answers (in adobe .pdf)

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KeytoneHELP is a low-interest loan program that will help homeowners reduce their energy costs by allowing them to make improvements to their homes that will conserve energy and save money. KeystoneHELP differs from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides grants to help low-income families pay their heating bills.  For more information on LIHEAP or to find out if you are eligible for a grant, please call the Stay Warm PA hotline toll-free at 1-866-550-4355 or the LIHEAP hotline toll-free at 1-866-857-7095.