Inclusive financing programs, structured using opt-in tariffs, allow more Americans to access cost-saving energy efficiency and renewable energy generation improvements -- which are often out of reach due to their high upfront costs or other barriers.

Under the framework of a financing program, the utility covers the cost of eligible improvements. Then, it recovers its investment by collecting regular payments on participating customers’ monthly bills.

Energy savings from the upgrades immediately lower customers’ bills, even during the payback period. Inclusive financing programs are open to anyone, including renters and those with low credit scores, so they are key tools in shaping a more affordable, equitable clean energy economy.

Here, you’ll find all of ILSR’s inclusive financing work: a comprehensive report, articles, webinars, an explainer video, and a podcast interview with one of the implementing utilities.

The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) and Clean Energy Works have put together an amazing inclusive financing webinar series:

  1. Introduction to Inclusive Financing for Energy Efficiency
  2. Update on Inclusive Financing Programs in the South
  3. Consumer Protections in Inclusive Financing for Energy Efficiency
  4. Due Diligence in Inclusive Financing for Energy Efficiency
  5. Program Operator Models for Inclusive Financing for Energy Efficiency
  6. Establishing a Reserve Fund for Inclusive Financing for Energy Efficiency
  7. Sourcing Capital for Inclusive Financing for Energy Efficiency
  8. Workforce Development for Inclusive Financing for Energy Efficiency

Follow The Rules

Model Inclusive Financing Resolution

(Passed by Mitchell County, North Carolina in March 2017)