About SEF

Who/what is Sustainable Energy Fund?

Sustainable Energy Fund (SEF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in the Lehigh Valley that helps energy users in Eastern and Central Pennsylvania overcome financial, educational, and regulatory barriers to a sustainable energy future. SEF does this by providing and/or facilitating commercial loans and stipulated energy savings agreements, investing in companies working towards a sustainable future, and by hosting one of the premier sustainable energy conferences in the Mid-Atlantic region, Energypath.

How was Sustainable Energy Fund formed?

Sustainable Energy Fund was formed in 1999 as a result of electric utility deregulation.

I’m interested in energy efficiency or renewable energy upgrades. Can you help me get started?

While Sustainable Energy Fund (SEF) does not perform energy upgrades, we do finance upgrades for commercial, governmental, nonprofit and agriculture entities. SEF does have technical expertise on staff to review and verify proposals provided by Energy Service Providers if clients have questions concerning an energy project.

Financing

Commercial Loans

What projects are eligible for a commercial loan from Sustainable Energy Fund?

A project must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Reduce energy consumption
  • Generate energy consumption
  • Replace a “dirty” fossil fuel with a clean (or cleaner) energy source such as a combined power and heat plant (CHP)
Who does SEF provide commercial loans to?

SEF provides commercial loans to businesses and nonprofits.

What are SEF’s loan terms?

SEF can fund a project up to 5 years; however, we can provide a 20-year amortization period loan to help decrease loan payments. The client can choose to pay the balloon payment at the end of the 7 years or refinance the loan.

What are the interest rates of a loan from Sustainable Energy Fund?

Sustainable Energy Fund offers a competitive rate for loans ranging from $5,000 to $1,000,000. Interest rates vary depending on the size and term of a loan with smaller loans having a higher interest rate.

Stipulated Energy Savings Agreement

How do I save money through the Stipulated Energy Savings Agreement?

SEF will only require a portion of the savings be used to pay for the energy conservation measures. SEF will structure the terms of the agreement based on the energy saved with the goal that the amount paid in electric bills plus the amount paid to SEF per month is less than the amount previously paid in electric bills per month prior to the project.

I am applying for a grant, can I still participate in the Stipulated Energy Savings Agreement?

With the Stipulated Energy Savings Agreement, clients are contractually obligated to make payments over a pre-determined period of time. If a client is eligible for a grant but still needs help with funding from Sustainable Energy Fund, a commercial loan is a much better option as there is no prepayment penalty with our loan program.