Energy Savings Program Expands to 23 Cities
In the middle of a summer heat wave, insulation is usually the last thing on your mind. Surprisingly, it can be one of the best ways to keep your air conditioner from working overtime.
Residents of 23 cities in Southeast Michigan are getting an opportunity to get a professional energy assessment that would help them discover easy ways to save energy, plus cash incentives to help them make energy-saving home improvements.
BetterBuildings for Michigan has helped over 1,000 area homeowners save money on their energy bills and plans to serve 3,000 more residents by the end of the year. The program was previously restricted to particular neighborhoods but is now available region-wide.
“The first year was about refining the program and learning what it takes to get people interested in energy efficiency” said Jacob Corvidae of the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office, which coordinates the program. “Now we are ready to serve a lot more people. We expect to see a lot of interest.”
When a homeowner signs up for the program, they’ll begin with a home inspection for a reduced fee. Each resident will receive a personalized report showing how to make their home more energy efficient and helping prioritize potential improvements. BetterBuildings for Michigan offers up to $5,000 in incentives to help residents fund any recommended improvements they choose.
For many residents, the home inspection alone is worth the time and fee. “The audit was really affordable, and now we are better-educated about our home,” said Arika Lycan, who purchased her historic home in 2009. “It feels good to know that there are lots of steps we can take to make our home more energy efficient and help lower our bills as well.” Energy-saving devices including a programmable thermostat, low-flow shower head and 10 Compact Fluorescent lightbulbs are also included in the inspection visit.
Residents who are interested in participating in the program may call 313-566-4801 or visit www.regionalenergyoffice.org or to learn more or sign up.
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For Immediate Release: June 28, 2012
Contact: Gillian Ream
Communications Coordinator
Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office
gillian@regionalenergyoffice.org
313-566-4801 x719
Twitter: @SEMREO #BetterBuildingsMI
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RegionalEnergyOffice
Related Articles:
Energy efficiency incentive program offering $3,000 for home improvements to Ypsilanti residents, by Tom Perkins, AnnArbor.com, 18 June 2012.
Retrofits: A profile of Jacob Corvidae, by Chris Killian, BeLight (Kalamazoo College Alumni Magazine),18 May 2012.
Program offers 4,000 area homes incentives to reduce energy bills, by Louis Aguilar, The Detroit News, 12 April 2011.
Energy audit program expands to all Ferndale homes, by Jeremy Selewski, Woodward Talk, 10 April 2012.
BetterBuildings for Michigan uses a community approach to deliver energy efficiency improvements for homes and businesses by providing access to incentives and affordable loans. The program is supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and developed by the Michigan Energy Office; Michigan Saves; the City of Grand Rapids; the Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit; and the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office.
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