Many utilities offer programs that allow customers to finance clean energy projects (energy efficiency and renewable energy) over time via their utility bills. These “on-bill programs” help expand access to clean energy to customers who lack the capital to pay for projects upfront. Because of their environmental and economic benefits, local governments have supported these programs by encouraging participation in them or creating policies that enable utilities to develop on-bill repayment options. Other local governments in communities with municipally owned utilities have established their own on-bill programs.
This primer describes what on-bill programs are, how they work, and how local governments have supported them.
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