Apply for Trillion BTU Loan
If your project saves more on energy than it costs to finance, the Trillion BTU loan is designed for you. Perfect for small to medium improvements, it keeps your cash flow positive while cutting utility bills. You can choose a simple monthly payment—or roll it into your property taxes through MinnPACE. And don’t forget: stack on Xcel Energy rebates to maximize your savings.
If you’re brand-new to Trillion BTU financing and want details on how it works, start with our overview:
Steps to Getting Funding
Follow these steps to move your project forward with MinnPACE:
1. Confirm Eligibility
Use our Eligibility Quiz to see if your property and project qualify.
2. Talk with a Contractor and Energy Audit Vendor
Secure a bid from a licensed contractor for your planned improvements and complete and energy audit that showed the improvement will save you the cost of the project tor more over the useful life of the improvement.
3. Prepare Your Application
Gather all documents listed in the checklist below.
4. Submit Your Application
Work with Saint Paul Port Authority to complete the official loan application.
5. Finalize Financing & Complete Compliance Requirements
Prevailing wage is paid and reported to the contractor and historic preservation approval.
6. Begin Improvements
Once approved, financing is secured, and your project can move ahead.
Application Checklist
- Contractor bid – from licensed contractor outlining scope and estimated cost for planned improvements
- Appraisal or Current property tax statement
- Petition for Special Assessment Form (required if using MinnPACE)
- Lender Acknowledgement Form (required if using MinnPACE)
- Energy audit – A report from a qualified professional showing projected savings in energy use, cost, or greenhouse gas emission.
- Organizational documents – such as articles, operating agreement, etc.
- Financial Statements (balance sheet, income statement, debt schedule) or Tax Returns from the past three years (from all borrowers)
- Mortgage statement
- Driver’s Licenses
Compliance at a Glance
To participate in the Trillion BTU program, projects must meet key compliance standards. Borrowers are required to pay and report prevailing wages, secure historic preservation approval, and complete an environmental review to ensure sustainability and regulatory alignment. These safeguards help protect workers, preserve community heritage, and ensure projects meet state and federal standards.
Ready. Set. Go
Now that you got everything checked off, you’re ready to go.