EnergySmart Financing for Businesses

The Washington State Department of Commerce provides funding for improvements that make your business more energy efficient and reduce your utility bills through its Clean Energy Fund Energy Grants.

The Department of Commerce funds two partner nonprofit lenders with a program available in Chelan County: 

• Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union (PSCCU) offers loans to homeowners and businesses for energy efficient upgrades and renewable energy projects

• Washington State Housing Finance Commission offers loans for multi-family properties and nonprofits

This information is provided solely for the convenience of Chelan County PUD customers and is not an endorsement by the PUD of any of the credit unions, banks, or programs on the list. Any information provided should be confirmed with your lender.

At least 50% of the requested funds must be used to improve the energy efficiency of your building. This includes any improvement on which Chelan PUD offers an incentive, as well as other equipment and measures that meet energy efficiency requirements (see below). These funds can also be used to fund your solar power generation project.

Up to 50% of the requested amount can be used for building improvements that don’t qualify as energy efficient. For example, new kitchen equipment or roof. 

Any equipment or measure that is eligible for a Chelan PUD incentive qualifies for an EnergySmart loan, including custom projects pre-approved by the PUD. All improvements funded by an EnergySmart loan must be installed by a licensed contractor.

Yes, EnergySmart loans can fund solar power generation systems. Chelan PUD is currently designing a new solar incentive program to support new solar generation projects.

Business EnergySmart loan amounts range from $5,000 to $300,000. Learn more about EnergySmart loans for homes.

1. Apply online with Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union (PSCCU)
2. PSSCU will contact you with a loan approval, denial, or request for more info—typically within 1-2 business days

1. If approved, you’ll receive loan and PSCCU membership info via mail or electronically through DocuSign from PSCCU
2. You’ll return the signed project documents with a copy of your ID(s) and $5 deposit to PSCCU
3. Contractor requests deposit for project from PSCCU, if needed, and you’ll authorize the release of funds to allow deposit from PSCCU to your contractor
4. Contractor completes project work and sends a final invoice and completed Project Completion Form to PSSCU
5. You’ll authorize the final release of funds and the final payment will be mailed to the contractor from PSCCU

If you have loan-specific questions, please contact PSCCU: call (425) 283-5151, send a message, or visit the PSCCU website. This information is provided solely for your convenience and is not an endorsement by the PUD of any of the credit unions, banks, or programs on the list. Any information provided should be confirmed with your lender.

If you have equipment eligibility or other energy efficiency questions for your business, please contact Drew Thompson, Chelan PUD commercial energy advisor. Call at (509) 661-8560 or email drew.thompson@chelanpud.org.