Energy

DNR INVITES PUBLIC TO LEARN ABOUT NEW ENERGY PROGRAM

The Department of Natural Resources announced today that it will hold an Open House the week of March 18 - 22, to promote a new program known as Energy Rated Homes ofLouisiana. In introducing the program, activities and information on the Energy Rated Homes of Louisiana (ERHL) and the Energy Efficiency Mortgage (EEM) programs will be highlighted and showcased during the month of March.

The program is designed to encourage energy efficiency in single-family residential housing allowing for safer, healthier, and more comfortable homes. A home that is certified as "energy efficient" would use less energy, have lower utility costs, and likely increase in market value. The EEM program would allow potential buyers of energy efficient homes to qualify for mortgages under specific, more lenient guidelines. Buyers could also receive financing for energy improvements through their mortgages for new or existing homes that are not considered energy efficient under the program. Major federal housing authorities such as Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association), Freddie Mac (Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation), FHA (Federal Housing Administration), and VA (U.S. Veterans Administration) will soon make their EEM program(s) available to Louisiana home buyers.

According to DNR Energy Conservation section program coordinator Wade Byrd, the ERHL program involves the collaboration of both the public and private sectors in their efforts to conserve energy and natural resources, and to reduce pollution associated with energy production and use. He said the program is part of a national energy rating system with participation from lenders, utilities, realtors, builders, appraisers, and consumers.

"This program has the potential to positively affect the lives of millions of Louisiana citizens and is a case where Louisiana is in the forefront not the rear," Byrd indicated. He explained that Louisiana is one of only 15 states operating a home energy rating system and is one of just three states with approval from the secondary mortgage market for a new and expanded EEM program.

DNR Secretary Jack Caldwell has scheduled a news conferenceto discuss further details of the program onWednesday, March 20, at 10:00am at the department's headquarters, 625 North 4th Street, Baton Rouge. Governor Mike Foster has issued a proclamation denoting the month of March as Energy Rated Homes of Louisiana Month emphasizing citizen awareness of the program.

The Energy Rated Homes of Louisiana Open House will be held March 18 - 22, 1996, at the State Land and Natural Resources Building, First Floor, 625 North 4th Street, Baton Rouge.The public is invited to visit to see various displays and models that will be featured in the lobby of the building. Informational brochures and materials can be obtained about the program and DNR Energy Conservation program personnel will be available for demonstrations and to answer questions. Open House hours will be from 8 to 11:30 am and 12:30 to 4 pm, Monday through Friday during this special week.

Editors: For more information, please contact Phyllis Darensbourg, DNR Public Information at (504) 342-8955.