Colorado Water Resources and
Power Development Authority

Phone: 303-830-1550
Fax: 303-832-8205
info@cwrpda.com
1580 Logan St. 620
Denver, CO 80203
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Small Hydropower Loan Program

The Board of Directors of the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority created the Small Hydropower Loan Program in 2008 to promote a clean, renewable energy source for the citizens of Colorado. Loans are for projects of 5 megawatts or less and there are over $8 million in loan funds still available. Loans are offered for up to $2 million per governmental agency at a 2% interest rate, and a maximum term of 20 years. The Small Hydropower Loan Program complements the Colorado renewable energy standard signed by Governor Bill Ritter on March 22, 2010, which requires investor-owned utilities to obtain 30% of their power from renewable sources by 2020.

The following items should be completed or expect to be completed prior to executing a loan agreement through the Small Hydropower Loan Program:

1. A FERC or BOR exemption or permit is required.
2. The governmental agency must have a contract to sell or a plan to use within its system the energy produced from the hydropower project.
3. All required project funds are in place.
4. Final design and costs are available with construction contract imminent Governmental agency must demonstrate an ability to repay the Small Hydropower loan (feasibility study or a financial/cash flow statement), and
5. Security for the loan (hydropower revenues or utility system revenues) is in place.

Government entities have already started reaping the benefits of investing in small hydropower facilities through the Small Hydropower Loan Program. Click here for more details.

Program Information Document
Matching Grant Application Form
Loan Application Form