Breakthrough Technologies Institute - Fuel Cells 2000

E-mail: http://sos.state.mt.us/css/index.asp
Web site: www.state.mt.us/revenue
Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program
www.deq.state.mt.us/Energy/renewable/TaxIncentRenew.asp
The Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program (AERLP) provides loans to individuals,
small businesses, local government agencies, units of the university system, and
nonprofit organizations to install alternative energy systems that generate energy for
their own use. Net metering is allowed. The program is funded by air quality penalties
collected by the Department of Environmental Quality. The program is administered by
the Department of Environmental Quality, which is responsible for developing the rules.
Alternative energy systems are defined in MCA 15-32-102 as "the generation system or
equipment used to convert energy sources into usable sources." The code goes on to
list "fuel cells that do not require hydrocarbon fuel, geothermal systems, low emission
wood or biomass, wind, photovoltaic and small hydropower plants (under 1 MW) and
other recognized nonfossil forms of energy generation." DEQ will provide technical
review and approval of systems proposed for the loan program.
In 2005, SB 50 amended the loan program, increasing maximum loan amount to
$40,000 (subject to available funds) and extending the repayment period to ten years.
Additionally, SB 50 added local government agencies, units of the university system, and
nonprofit organizations to the list of eligible sectors.
Contact:
Kathi Montgomery
Department of Environmental Quality
E-mail: kmontgomery@mt.gov
Phone: (406) 841-5243
VEHICLES
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Conversion Tax Credit
http://data.opi.state.mt.us/bills/1995/mca/15/30/15-30-164.htm
An income tax credit is available to businesses or individuals for up to 50% of the
equipment and labor costs for converting vehicles to operate on alternative fuels. The
maximum credit is $500 for the conversion of vehicles of 10,000 pounds (lbs.) or less
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and $1,000 for vehicles over 10,000 lbs. GVWR.
The credit must be applied in the year the conversion is made, and the seller of an
alternative fuel may not receive a credit for converting their own vehicles to operate on
the alternative fuel they sell. Hydrogen is listed as an alternative fuel.
Contact:
Montana Department of Revenue
P.O. Box 5805
Helena, MT 59604-5805
Phone: (406) 444-6900
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