KERMAN (KMJ) — A scheme to bring affordable energy improvements into valley homes is finding its way into more and more communities in Fresno County.
The HERO program (which stands for ‘home energy renovation opportunity’) is designed to help homeowners cover the cost of energy improvements, such as artificial turf and solar panels.
It’s a loan to cover of the cost of the home energy improvements, and adding that cost to the property tax bill.
Firebaugh, Fowler, and Huron, are part of the list of now ten Fresno County communities involved. They join Fresno, Clovis, Coalinga, Kerman, Kingsburg, Parlier, Reedley, Sanger and Selma, and the County of Fresno for residents of unincorporated areas.
Since launching in the City of Fresno last year, HERO has provided $26.7 million in financing for over 1,400 renovations.
“It’s essentially almost like a mello-roos”, explains Community Development Manager Robert Bendor. “It can either come bi-annually or however the homeowner specifically pays their property taxes but it’s just another line on the property tax bill”.
“We work with contractors and homeowners on providing energy efficient and water efficient upgrades to the homes of the residents that we currently work with. They can use the equity of their property to qualify for HERO. Install solar panels, replace their grass with artificial turf even drought tolerant landscaping”.
If you’re interested in the scheme and you live in one of the areas covered then links to the details you need can be found clicking here.
