CalConserve Water Use Efficiency Loan Program

The CalConserve program is intended to be a sustainable funding source for water use efficiency projects through loans to customers. The goal of the program is to have efficiency upgrades generate sufficient savings to customers allowing easy loan payback. As result, only projects providing loans to customers are eligible. Projects proposing grants or rebates to customers are not eligible for funding under this program. Local Agencies are eligible to apply. There are two types of urban water use efficiency projects and programs eligible for funding under this PSP: Project to provide loans to local agencies for water efficiency upgrades to eligible customers at no upfront costs. Eligible customers include residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial water users. For local agencies to provide low-interest loans to customers to finance the installation of onsite improvements to repair or replace leaking water pipes. Eligible for funding are water conservation and water use efficiency projects including, but not limited to: Provide customers efficient dishwasher or clothes washer upgrades Install water-saving fixtures including toilets, showerheads, faucets, and other upgrades Install hot-water recirculating pumps Provide leak detection, repair and/or replacement Install landscape irrigation system upgrades Provide for water conservation landscape conversion Commercial, institutional, and industrial water use efficiency improvements Recycled water projects A local cost share of not less than 50% of the total project cost is required by Proposition 1. However, projects directly benefiting Disadvantaged Communities are eligible for reduced cost-share. The financing term is up to 20 years or the useful life of the project, whichever is less. Loans serving DACs can be financed for up to 25 years. The loan repayment to the State shall begin within 1 year of loan funding, depending on the repayment schedule established with DWR accounting. The interest rate is equal to 0%. The borrower is required to establish an acceptable dedicated source of revenue for repayment of the loan. Borrowers may be required to secure the services of a fiscal agent to assist in administering repayment of the loan. DWR may waive up to 10% of the repayment amount for costs that could not be recovered by a local agency. Maximum loan of $3,000,000 per local agency. State funds shall not be used for local agency administrative costs. Not less than 10 percent of the funds ($1 million) will be awarded to projects that directly benefit DACs or EDAs. Funding is contingent upon successful sale of State General Obligation Bonds.

Eligibility

• Programs related to conservation

Award details

Applications close on June 30, 2021.

Categories

Sustainability