FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Homeowners in Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana will soon have an easier way to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects thanks to a new partnership between two local credit unions and the Indiana Energy Independence Fund (IEIF).
The collaboration brings the Smart-E residential clean energy lending product to Indiana for the first time, launching initially in Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana with plans for statewide expansion.
Homeowners can now apply for financing for projects such as heat pump installation, weatherization, solar, other energy-saving improvements, and home appliances.
“I’m encouraged that Fort Wayne could host the launch of a lending product designed to make energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy sources more accessible. Our community works each day to help individuals and families grow and succeed, and this program provides unique opportunities for us to be good stewards of the environment and find potential savings for homeowners,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker.
The City released the following:
MidWest America Federal Credit Union and Urban Beginnings Choice Federal Credit Union will be the first financial institutions in Indiana to offer Smart-E loans, which provide credit unions with a streamlined, ready-to-use clean energy financing product that allows them to offer low-interest loans to homeowners for projects such as solar panel installations, heat pumps, weatherization and other energy-saving improvements.
“At MidWest America we believe in helping more people, and this product does exactly that,” said Shad Edwards, Chief Lending Officer of MidWest America Federal Credit Union. “By making financing for home energy improvements more affordable and accessible, we’re helping families lower utility costs, increase comfort, and invest in their homes. It’s a win for our members, our community, and our shared future.”
“At Urban Beginnings, we believe that access to fair and innovative financial tools is the foundation of community stability and growth,” said Diane Starks, CEO of Urban Beginnings Choice Federal Credit Union. “This lending product will give more families in Fort Wayne the chance to make smart, money-saving energy improvements—building wealth, cutting costs and improving quality of life for years to come.”
The Indiana Energy Independence Fund, the state’s nonprofit green bank, led the effort to establish Smart-E in Indiana by recruiting and vetting lenders and contractors, facilitating credit enhancements to lower interest rates, expand program eligibility, and support program implementation.
“This launch brings us one step closer to ensuring that every Hoosier, including low- and moderate-income residents—whether they live in a big city or a small town—can benefit from reliable, affordable energy,” said Alex Crowley, Executive Director of the Indiana Energy Independence Fund. “By teaming up with community-focused lenders in Northeast Indiana, we’re making it easier for Hoosiers to invest in projects that reduce costs, improve comfort and strengthen Indiana’s energy future.”
The Indiana partnership was brought together with support from a number of philanthropic partners across the state and region.
Initially launching in Fort Wayne, this initiative is designed to scale across Indiana, helping all Hoosiers access affordable clean energy financing while supporting local economic development.
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