DEFERMENT OF PAYMENTS TO ALLOWS LOANS FOR IMPROVED ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND DEMAND REDUCTION AND FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND USE AUDITS.

SEC. 6103. DEFERMENT OF PAYMENTS TO ALLOWS LOANS FOR IMPROVED ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND DEMAND REDUCTION AND FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND USE AUDITS. Section 12 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 912) is amended by adding at the end the following:“(c) Deferment of Payments on Loans.—“(1) In general.—The Secretary shall allow borrowers to defer payment of principal and interest on any direct loan made under this Act to enable the borrower to make loans to residential, commercial, and industrial consumers—“(A) to conduct energy efficiency and use audits; and“(B) to install energy efficient measures or devices that reduce the demand on electric systems.“(2) Amount.—The total amount of a deferment under this subsection shall not exceed the sum of the principal and interest on the loans made to a customer of the borrower, as determined by the Secretary.“(3) Term.—The term of a deferment under this subsection shall not exceed 60 months.”.