Members of the Revenue Committee heard testimony on a bill Feb. 26 that would expand assistance under the Low-Income Home Energy Conservation Act.<\/p>\n
Currently, eligible entities may apply for grants to fund energy conservation improvement projects under the act. The entities are required to deposit $50,000 with the state Department of Revenue before receiving matching funds.<\/p>\n
LB978, introduced by Omaha Sen. Burke Harr, would allow an eligible entity to apply for up to $50,000 in grant funding without depositing the matching funds with the state. Harr said it would incentivize consumers to upgrade their homes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis represents a common-sense approach to helping residential customers to reduce their energy bills,\u201d he said. \u201cIt would enable more customers to benefit from energy efficiency upgrades.\u201d<\/p>\n
The bill would define an eligible entity as a public power district, rural public power district, electric cooperative, nonprofit corporation organized for the purpose of furnishing electric service, joint entity organized under the Interlocal Cooperation Act or a municipality.<\/p>\n
The benefits would expire on Jan. 1, 2016.<\/p>\n
Scott Kleeb of Energy Pioneer Solutions testified in support of the bill. He said making necessary improvements can be cost prohibitive for many homeowners.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf those that go ahead and get [an energy audit] completed, only 2 percent actually make the improvements,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is a really elegant way the citizens of Nebraska can improve their energy efficiency.\u201d<\/p>\n
No one testified in opposition to the bill and the committee took no immediate action on it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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