On-Bill Financing Program

On-bill financing is a low-interest loan for home energy upgrades or purchasing an electrical bicycle. The loan is repaid on your Nelson Hydro electric bill. To qualify for an E-Bike or Energy Retrofit loan through your Nelson Hydro bill, the Loan Applicant must:

Own and live in the home within the City of Nelson. Note....residents outside the city in the RDCK do not qualify.
Be enrolled in pre-authorized direct withdrawal payment for their residential Nelson Hydro electric bill
- Note: if you are not currently enrolled in a pre-authorized payment plan (i.e. direct withdrawal), please work with a Customer Service Representative at City Hall or contact hydroclerk@nelson.ca to enroll
Have their Nelson Hydro, Property Tax, and other residential utility accounts in good standing for up to two years
Have two years of credit history, either with Nelson Hydro or another utility
Have all persons listed on the residential land title authorize the loan
Not be a commercial account or property

Loans up to a maximum of $8,000.00 per household are available for an E-Bike. Loans up to a maximum of $16,000 per household are available for Energy Retrofits. Please read the Loan Terms & Conditions.

For Nelson Hydro customers who reside outside Nelson's city limits, please contact the EcoSave Program Manager for low-interest financing information that is available through our program partner at the Nelson & District Credit Union.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is on-bill financing?

On-bill financing refers to the loan service available through the City of Nelson for eligible energy efficiency upgrades or an E-Bike, and will be repaid by the Nelson Hydro customer on their utility bill. For more information, please contact the EcoSave Program Manager by calling 250-352-8132.

How do I apply?

Applications are completed online at https://forms.office.com/r/mi7iTyLey1

Who can apply for on-bill financing?

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Own and live in the home within the City of Nelson
Be enrolled in pre-authorized direct withdrawal payment for their residential Nelson Hydro electric bill [Note: if you are not currently enrolled in a pre-authorized payment plan (i.e., direct withdrawal), please work with a Customer Service Representative at City Hall or contact hydroclerk@nelson.ca to enroll.]
Have their Nelson Hydro, Property Tax, and other residential utility accounts in good standing for up to two years
Have two years of credit history, either with Nelson Hydro or another utility
Have all persons listed on the residential land title authorize the loan
Not be a commercial account or property

Is it mandatory to apply for on-bill financing?

No. On-bill financing is optional for energy retrofits but mandatory for the E-Bike Program. For more information, please contact the EcoSave Program Manager at 250-352-8132.

What are the loan details?

The maximum loan amount for an energy retrofit is $16,000 per household. The maximum loan amount for an E-Bike is $8,000 per household.
Choice of 2, 5 or 10-year term (5-year renewal date)
3.5 % fixed interest rate (Interest rate subject to change at the beginning of each year)
A $100 processing fee is charged for energy retrofit loans each time funds are dispersed to the Participant

For more information, please contact the EcoSave Program Manager at 250-352-8132.

What type(s) of retrofits can be financed?

On-bill financing can be used for any energy efficiency retrofits that are eligible for rebates, with the addition of water conservation–type toilets. Other items and costs that provide a positive energy or water reduction may be determined by the EcoSave Program Manager and may be considered eligible for on-bill financing. For more information, please contact the EcoSave Program Manager at 250-352-8132.

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