State extends deadline for church energy loans

AUSTIN—The state controller's office has extended the deadline for churches to apply for low-interest loans for remodeling efforts to help congregations save money on energy usage.

Churches now have until June 18 to apply for loans up to $25,000 to help with energy-saving projects such replacing lights, installing insulation or upgrading air conditioning systems.

The loans are offered at a 5 percent interest rate and are designed to be paid back with the savings from the remodeling efforts in 10 years.

Suzii Paynter, director of the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission, said this program is ideal for churches about to start an energy-efficiency project or in the midst of one. The application process requires congregations to present an energy efficiency retrofit plan from a licensed engineer to show calculated monetary savings for proposed projects.

For more information, contact the CLC Austin office at (512) 473-2288.