PORTLAND, Ore. -- A new pilot program is helping Portland homeowners make their homes more energy efficient.

Kevin Cote, who lives in southeast Portland, needed to replace his home's roof and siding, but did not have enough money for insulation. He received help from a program named Clean Energy Works: Portland, which offers homeowners the ability to get money for green home improvement projects.

Through the program, homeowners then pay back the money over the long term through utility bills. The energy-efficient option made new insulation possible for Cote.

"The insulation was sort of like, well, if we could give up one thing that would have been it, unfortunately," Cote said. "But this way we didn't have to."

The pilot program will involve 500 homes in the Portland metro area. Applicants sign up for a home energy assessment through Energy Trust of Oregon. The trust then assigns the homeowners an advocate who works with them and contractors to find potential projects that would boost energy savings.

"We're looking forward to a warmer winter and a more comfortable one," Cote said. "As well as a cheaper one as well on the utility bills."

The advocate also handles quality control.

"(That way) the homeowner has a third party looking at the work that has been done," said James Hayes, an energy advocate.

So far, 30 homes have been selected to participate in the early phase of the program. Apply for the program by visiting www.cleanenergyworksportland.org.

Portland Homes Get Green Makeover