Michigan families and businesses are making smart investments in energy efficiency, from the western tip of the Upper Peninsula to the state’s eastern coast of Lake Erie. In June, Michigan Saves celebrated a significant milestone: $50 million in energy investments. The home energy upgrade program, which started in 2009 with grant funding from the Michigan Public Service Commission, makes affordable financing available through partnerships with private-sector lenders. Approximately 5,000 residential and 300 business customers have been served in the past five years.
As a former Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partner and a founding Better Buildings Residential Network member, Michigan Saves’ vision is to break down barriers that prevent homeowners and business owners from undertaking energy efficiency upgrades. Michigan Saves Executive Director Mary Templeton credited the recent milestone to the tireless efforts of local contractors and lenders providing capital to thousands of Michiganders wanting to take control of their energy costs.
“At the end of the day, it’s those Michiganders—those families and business owners—who are making the choice to improve the health, safety, efficiency and comfort of their buildings. And we should be grateful to them. Their individual actions benefit everyone in this state because we’re collectively reducing waste and improving our sustainability,” Templeton said.