New Green Program Saves You Money

Jessica Neidhard
jn149706@ohio.edu


Representatives from the Ohio Treasury are kicking off a listening tour Wednesday night at the Nelsonville Public Library to inform the public about Energy Conservation for Ohioans (ECO-Link), a new green program that helps people save money while conserving energy.

How ECO-Link Can Help You

Through the ECO-Link program, homeowners are able to receive a three-percent interest rate reduction
on qualifying bank loans for five years. Homeowners can also qualify for federal tax credits and other rebates for making energy-efficient improvements, said Stuart Osborne, Southeast Ohio Regional Community Affairs Director for the Treasurer's Office.

"This program is basically about informing Ohioans about how to make their homes more energy efficient and reward them for that effort," Osborne said.

The ECO-Link Listening Tour

Although the program was announced last week, the listening tour is designed to meet people all across Ohio and explain how they make improvements to their home to save energy costs, but also how to qualify for the tax credits, he said.

The nine city tour features different panelists at each location who will answer questions and explain the best ways homeowners can lower their energy costs between 10 and 20 percent, he said.


Stuart Osborne explains who will be on the panel.

Some of those improvements include installing high-efficiency windows and doors or insulating your water heater.

"Another goal of the project is to boost Ohio's economy because (ECO-Link) would create more green, sustainable jobs," he said.

Making the Program Work Across the State

Although the tour will stop in several larger cities, Osborne said the ECO-Link program is for all Ohioans--not just those living in the big cities.

"While people in the city might have higher energy costs, ECO-Link is designed to help everyone save money, no matter where they are living in the state," he said.


Stuart Osborne explains why the tour is kicking off in Nelsonville.

The discussion begins Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Nelsonville Public Library, located at 95 W. Washington Street.


View Larger Map