Rochester Based True Energy Solutions Expects to Add Jobs as On Bill financing Legislation Passes

June 23, 2011 - PRLog -- Damian Hodkinson, co- owner of True Energy Solutions in Rochester states: " On-Bill financing is the next logical step for the existing Green Jobs Green NY program that was made law in 2009. It is an innovative approach that will make it easier for New York homeowners to implement energy-efficiency measures by helping to reduce the challenge of upfront cost. Homeowners will be able to pay for energy efficiency measures the same way they pay for energy -- on their utility bills. That means more energy savings and comfort for homeowners, and more job creation at my company and other contractors around the state."

Mr. Hodkinson further stated that he believes, “homeowners should be very excited by this legislation; they now have the option to have a free or reduced cost home energy audit through the Green Jobs, Green NY Program and then follow that up with a loan to make the upgrades to their home and pay for it with the savings on their utility bills. This has all come together to create a really powerful program with little upfront cost and low risk for homeowners who want to be more comfortable in their home and conserve energy at the same time.”

The legislation further stipulates that if a homeowner decides to move or sell their home, just as the energy conservation improvements stay with the house, the loan to pay for the work will stay with the house’s utility bill. Disclosure of the On-Bill financed obligations are required under the bill.

Mr. Hodkinson went on to say,” The homeowners that we talk to on a daily basis about this, unanimously think On-Bill financing would be a great option to have.”

In addition to the homeowner benefits, local contractors see a real potential for significant hiring as a result of this new legislation. For Rochester based True Energy Solutions, Co-Owner Damian Hodkinson projects they will addi 25-30% more employees in the next 2-4 months in anticipation of the On-Bill financing program taking effect in 2012, “it takes us 5-8 months to hire and train our employees to do the energy conservation work to our high standards. With our projections for the increased number of homeowners that will make energy efficiency improvements to their homes because of On-Bill financing, we now feel comfortable making that investment.”

The legislation puts an initial cap on the total number of loans allowable through the program at 0.5%. This cap can be raised by the Public Service Commission if the loans are being successfully utilized.

Responsibility for setting up the loan fund, homeowner approval criteria, and additional standards for contractors doing On-Bill financed work are all left up to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)

On behalf of homeowners and energy related contractors in the greater Rochester region, local company True Energy Solutions was active in promoting this legislation state-wide by leading an effort by the NY chapter of Efficiency First to meet with Legislators in Albany and in district offices, made phone calls and wrote letters to communicate how on-bill financing will create jobs in Rochester region and help western NY homeowners achieve substantial energy savings and increase comfort in their homes.

The On-Bill Legislation was passed in both the Senate and Assembly on June 22, 2011 and will now be sent to the Governor’s desk for signing. Governor Cuomo is expected to sign the legislation.

For more information:
http://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/senate-passes-landm...

Or contact

Damian Hodkinson
585-267-6969
damian@trueenergysolutions.com

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True Energy Solutions is a BPI accredited Home Performance Contractor, specializing in residential and commercial energy auditing, efficiency upgrade design, and implementation of energy efficiency measures including: insulation, windows, HVAC, geothermal