The Green Energy program is a one-year pilot program that encourages energy efficient development and improvements by offering low-interest loans to businesses, non-profit organizations and local governments in Illinois.

Treasurer Giannoulias launches the Green Energy program at a July 2008 press conference in Decatur.

The Treasurer’s Office secures below-market interest rates for borrowers who finance their purchase or installation of energy efficient and renewable energy equipment at participating lenders. Projects can range from $10,000 to $10 million.

Download a brochure here.

Please contact our office for more information about Green Energy by emailing cultivateillinois@treasurer.state.il.us or calling (217) 557-6436.

Uses of Green Energy loans can include:
The purchase or installation of renewable energy equipment such as

• solar panels
• solar thermal energy systems
• small wind energy systems
• equipment or upgrades to a building that will result in an overall improvement in energy efficiency

Amounts and Terms:

• Applicants can receive loans of $10,000 to $10 million.
• The below-market interest rate is available for two years with the possibility of a three-year extension.
• The Treasurer's Office may require a site visit prior to approval.

Interest Rates:
Interest rates are quoted daily here or you may call the Treasurer’s Office at (217) 782-2072. The listed rates are posted to give potential borrowers an indication of current rate figures. The final deposit rate is determined on the business day prior to issuing the loan. Lenders may charge up to 3 percentage points over the Treasurer's rate of deposit.

Program Eligibility:
Participants must have at least one of the following:

• Proof of participation in an Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, ComEd "Smart Ideas" or Ameren energy efficiency program
• A signed contract with an Energy Service Company
• A LEED accredited professional leading your project’s bid for green building certification from the U.S. Green Building Council
• A plan to install renewable energy equipment

How to Apply:

1. Contact the Treasurer’s Office at (217) 557-6436 for an overview of the program.
2. Apply for a loan at a participating financial institution and secure an agreement to use the program.
3. Complete and submit a program application and all required documentation to the Treasurer’s Office.
4. Your financial institution must submit a completed application for a linked deposit.
5. The Treasurer's Loan Committee will review your application for approval. The committee meets twice monthly.

Program History:
Green Energy is a one-year pilot program launched June 2008.