Official Government Website
Loan applications are no longer being accepted for calendar year 2025. Application processing will resume in January 2026.
About
The Idaho Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources (OEMR) State Energy Loan Program offers low-interest loans to fund energy efficiency projects for single-family homes in Idaho. Loans are evaluated by a financial institution for credit worthiness and must be secured with real estate. Applications are processed on a first come, first served basis until the funding limit is met or by December 31, 2025; whichever comes first.
The application process includes:
- Submitting a project application form to OEMR for review and approval
- If the property is over 45 years old, OEMR will submit project details to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for review
- Submitting a credit application to a financial institution for review and approval
- Completing an in-person loan closing
Application Timeline
Once an application is submitted to OEMR for review, applicants should allow 7 to 10 business days for OEMR to process the application. If the property in the application is over 45 years old, consultation with SHPO will be required, which may take up to 30 days.
At this point, applicants will also need to complete and submit a credit application to a financial institution partner. Applicants should allow up to 1 week for the financial institution to process the credit application and return the results to OEMR if approved.
After SHPO approval (if required) and credit approval, OEMR will prepare the closing documents and generate the project funding check. Applicants should allow 7 to 10 business days for this step.
Once all closing materials are ready, OEMR will schedule an in-person closing with the applicant(s).
Please note: The above processing times are estimates only. Processing times may increase if application materials are incomplete, application requires revision due to updates to projects, or if OEMR requires additional information from the applicant.
Application Materials
1. Complete the Residential Project Application
All applicants must complete the Residential Project Application form.
Download the Residential Project Application
2. Select and Complete the Relevant Project Addendum(s)
Depending on your project type(s), please download and complete the appropriate addendum(s) below. You may include more than one if you will be completing multiple energy efficiency projects.
- Addendum A – Insulation
- Addendum B – Appliances
- Addendum C – HVAC
- Addendum D – Lighting Retrofits
- Addendum E – Weatherization
- Addendum F – Renewable Energy Projects
- Addendum G – Doors and Windows
3. Submit Supporting Materials
All applicants must also include the following with their application:
- Copy of Deed
- A copy of your deed, as described in the project application. The deed must include the legal description (subdivision, lot, block or township, range, section) and must be a copy of the deed recorded with the county
- Photos
- Photographs should be current, original, and not taken from Assessor records, screenshots, Google Earth, etc. Please submit one photo per printed page if mailing application, or as separate files if submitting via email.
- Two photos of the area of your property where you plan to install your project
- One photo taken from the street adjoining the property
- Photographs should be current, original, and not taken from Assessor records, screenshots, Google Earth, etc. Please submit one photo per printed page if mailing application, or as separate files if submitting via email.
- Map of Property
- Please include a map of the property showing the property’s location in relation to nearby buildings and roadways (e.g., Google Maps Capture).
4. Submission Instructions
Once you have completed the Residential Project Application, the relevant Project Addendum(s), and gathered all required supporting materials, please submit your full application package.
Submit by Mail
Mail your completed application and supporting materials to:
Office of Energy and Mineral Resources
Attn: Danielle Wood
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0199
Please review Idaho Code § 63-3022C for information about the Idaho Residential Alternative Energy Tax Deduction. The Idaho Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources recommends you consult with a licensed tax professional for information which pertains to your specific circumstances. We cannot provide financial guidance.
Current Loan Account Holders
If you currently have a State Energy Loan and have questions about your account, you may use the contact form below. Our office will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please be sure to send checks to zip code 83720 (not 83702).
Loan fees and payments may be made via check or online with a card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. All credit card payments will be assessed a third-party processing charge of 3%.
Please make checks payable to:
Office of Energy and Mineral Resources
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0199
Energy Efficiency Projects
Insulation in your home provides resistance to heat flow and lowers your heating and cooling costs. By reducing heat transfer through walls, ceilings, and floors, insulation helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round.
When insulating your home, you can choose from many types of insulation. To choose the best type of insulation, you should first determine the following:
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Where you want or need to install/add insulation
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The recommended R-values for areas you want to insulate
To qualify for an Energy Loan, insulation projects must meet the recommended R-values for the areas of your home you want to insulate, and installation must be completed by a licensed contractor.
U.S. Department of Energy Resources
Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can save money and energy.
To qualify for an Energy Loan, the appliance being installed must meet the Federal ENERGY STAR rating. Application materials should include a complete bid for all appliances being replaced, product specification sheets for appliances, and the appliance’s ENERGY STAR product certification identification if not already indicated on the product specification sheet.
ENERGY STAR Resources
Clothes Washers: Product Finder, Rebate Finder, Buying Guidance, Savings Tips
Clothes Dryers: Product Finder, Rebate Finder, Buying Guidance, Savings Tips
Dishwashers: Product Finder, Rebate Finder, Buying Guidance, Savings Tips
Refrigerators: Product Finder, Rebate Finder, Buying Guidance, Savings Tips
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. HVAC systems are designed to keep indoor spaces comfortable by regulating temperature, airflow, and air quality. Furnaces, central air conditioners, heat pumps, ductwork, and thermostats can be upgraded to be more energy-efficient.
Programmable Thermostat
A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi enabled device that automatically adjusts heating and cooling temperature settings in your home for optimal performance.
To qualify for an Energy Loan, the bid must include reference to a programmable thermostat.
Smart Thermostats: Product Finder, Rebate Finder, Buying Guidance, Savings Tips
Heating Systems
AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) is a measure of how efficiently a heating system converts fuel into heat for your home. A higher AFUE percentage indicates greater efficiency, meaning less fuel is wasted. For example, an AFUE of 90% means 90% of the fuel becomes heat, while 10% is lost.
To qualify for an Energy Loan, the heating system being installed must meet the Federal ENERGY STAR rating, or the applicant must demonstrate that the selected unit provides an energy efficient upgrade from the current unit.
Energy Efficient Product Finder
Central Air Conditioning
When comparing new air conditioning systems, consider the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ration (SEER) and the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of the system. SEER rates performance over an entire cooling system, factoring in varying outdoor temperatures. EER measures efficiency at a specific temperature. The higher the rating, the more energy-efficient the unit.
Starting January 1, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy introduced updated testing procedures, resulting in SEER2 and EER2 ratings. These new metrics reflect more realistic operating conditions by increasing external static pressure during testing. As a result, SEER2 and EER2 values are slightly lower than their predecessors, but they offer a more accurate picture of how systems perform in real-world settings. If you’re purchasing a system manufactured after this date, look for SEER2 and EER2 ratings to make sure you’re selecting a system that qualifies for this program.
To qualify for an Energy Loan, the new air conditioning system must meet the Federal ENERGY STAR rating, or the applicant must demonstrate that the selected unit provides an energy efficient upgrade from the current unit.
Central Air Conditioner Product Finder, Rebate Finder, Buying Guidance
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are highly efficient systems that provide both heating and cooling for your home. Instead of generating heat like a traditional furnace, a heat pump transfers heat from the air or ground outside your home to the inside during colder months—and reverses the process to cool your home in the summer. This makes them a year-round solution for comfort and energy savings.
Check for high SEER and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) ratings. The higher the number, the more efficient the system. In addition, consider a heat up that meets the Federal ENERGY STAR rating. This label ensures the unit meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. EPA.
Switching to energy-efficient lighting is a bright idea – it can save money on electricity bills, and new lightbulbs often come in dimmable or smart options, giving homeowners more control over brightness and ambiance while saving energy.
To qualify for an Energy Loan, the project must replace at least 50% of the existing lighting in the home with high-efficiency bulbs and light fixtures.
Weatherization means weather stripping and caulking with a pressure test against leakage; duct sealing and insulation which requires mechanical fastening of joints and mastic sealant; or any projects intended to increase energy efficiency and protect the house from weather.
To qualify for an Energy Loan, the submitted application must include a brief description of the project and a copy of the project bid.
Solar Panels or Photovoltaic Systems are solar cells that capture light energy from the sun and convert it directly into electricity. Photovoltaic systems must provide electricity for the residence and must meet applicable fire and electrical code requirements.
ENERGY STAR Resources
A wind turbine collects kinetic energy from the wind and converts it to electricity that is compatible with a home’s electrical system. The wind system should generate electricity for use in connection with the home.
To qualify for an Energy Loan, the submitted application must include a brief description of the project and a copy of the project bid.
To qualify for an Energy Loan, the submitted application must include a brief description of the project and a copy of the project bid.
Replacing old or poorly sealed windows and doors is one of the most effective ways to boost your home’s energy efficiency. Modern, energy-efficient models are designed to reduce heat loss in the winter and keep cool air inside during the summer—helping you maintain a comfortable indoor temperature year-round while lowering your energy bills.
To qualify for an Energy Loan, the windows and doors must meet the Federal ENERGY STAR requirements for the Northern Climate Zone.
Windows, Doors, and Skylights: Product Finder, Climate Zone Information, Buying Guidance