Frequently Asked Questions

Are there minimum requirements to purchase a Renewable Energy Investment Note (REIN)?

The minimum amount to purchase a REIN is $1,000 and the minimum investment term is one year.

Who can buy a REIN?

At this time, individuals, companies and organizations residing or registered in the New England states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont are eligible to purchase a REIN.

Are REINs FDIC insured?

Unlike a certificate of deposit (CD) or money market savings account, REINs are not FDIC insured. This means there is risk that you could lose your investment if loans are not repaid to the Community Lending Program on time or NGE dissolves. However, unlike other investment vehicles that support projects unknown to you, NGE’s REINs directly support local, renewable energy projects.

How do REINs compare to other green investments?

Green investments cover a wide range of products and practices. A common type of green investment is a screened mutual fund. These funds contain a portfolio of stocks from companies with positive environmental practices. In general, the investment goal of these funds is to maximize return through the selection of profitable, environmentally responsible companies and the exclusion of companies that have a negative environmental track record. Green mutual funds do not place explicit priority on increasing the implementation of clean energy, reducing green house gas emissions or reducing fossil fuel usage.

REINs are different from other green investments because they are used to directly invest in the creation of green energy projects throughout New England. The explicit goal of REINs is to maximize both the amount of clean energy created and the benefit to local communities, rather than to maximize investor return. The return is meant to reward the investor and create an affordable source of capital that will enable NGE to make communities greener and more economically vital through its clean energy project investments.

How does NGE guarantee the fixed annual interest rate for REIN?

NGE has established a rigorous loan selection process, informed by 21-point evaluation criteria to ensure timely repayments from projects financed through REIN investments. REIN fixed interest rates are paid out through the repayment of loans from organizations financed through the Community Lending Program.

Are REINs tax-deductible?

While NGE is a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization, a REIN investment is not tax-deductible. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to NGE, please click here for our donations page.

Will my REIN interest rate change?

REIN interest rates are fixed at the time of purchase and will remain fixed over the duration of the note period.

How will I learn about the impact of my REIN purchase?

REIN purchasers receive:

  • An annual statement of their investment account balance and interest earned
  • An annual statement showing estimated clean energy kilowatt hours created and carbon avoided due to your investment
  • A project-by-project summary of NGE's investment activity that year
  • Other useful information such as technology trends, investment strategies, and NGE's view of green investing and its plans for creating greener, healthier communities

I would like to speak with somebody at NGE about REINs. Is there someone I can call?

We are here to answer your questions. Please call us at (617) 624-3688.