The Home Energy Loan Program a step closer to being implemented by the city of Saskatoon.

The HELP program is similar to Property Assessed Clean Energy programs across the country. The recommendation from city administration, passed by city council unanimously Monday, will see residents be able to apply for loans of $1,000 to $40,000 for energy efficient projects. Single family residential property owners will be able to apply for the loans that will be applied to their property taxes.

Examples of some of the approved projects included are high efficiency furnaces, boilers and A/C units, window and exterior door replacements, insulation and smart thermostats.

City administration will set aside $2.5 million towards borrowing for an expected 100 participants in a 2 year program. Planning for an additional 4 year $10 million program is ongoing.

The program will now be drafted into a bylaw and is expected to be drafted in the next 90 days to be voted on by council a final time.