Energy Efficiency Assistance Program
As electric and gas utilities across the state roll out programs designed to help consumers use electricity more efficiently, it should be clear that energy optimization (EO) is about more than replacing light bulbs.
Certainly, installing compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) in place of energy-wasting incandescent bulbs is a big part of the statewide effort to make Michigan homes and businesses more energy efficient. But lighting is only the tip of the efficiency iceberg.
Co-ops are rolling out lighting and other programs now and into next year. Programs include energy efficiency assistance, including a home energy audit and installation of energy-efficient measures, for income-qualified co-op members, and a program to encourage commercial and industrial members to install energy-efficient equipment. Other programs under development include an online home energy audit, promotion of Energy Star® efficiency products, appliance recycling, and programs for multi-family housing, residential heating and air conditioning, and residential new construction.
Energy Efficiency Assistance
This program is designed to help members learn about and make energy-saving installations and improvements to their homes. It is coordinated with natural gas utilities and through local Community Action Agencies (CAA), which provide quality energy advice and services to local residents, and have access to federal stimulus funds that can help reduce co-op expenses.
Only those measures that save electricity and are not already included in the Community Action Agency’s Weatherization Assistance Program will be provided to co-op members in this partnership. This policy allows electric co-ops to stretch dollars and install electric energy efficiency measures in the greatest number of homes.
Find your local Community Action Agency here.
The local CAA will hire a contractor to do the weatherization work and install electric energy-saving measures that follow program guidelines and do not cause any health and safety issues for the home’s occupants. The contractor will explain the benefits, how to use the new measures, and share tips on other energy efficiency practices.
Income-qualified customers will be identified for this program by the CAA in the same manner as they do for the Weatherization Assistance Program.Referrals also may be made by other supporting agencies, such as the Salvation Army. The referrals will not obligate either the Cooperative or the Community Action Agencies to weatherize the home.
Eligible homes must be single-family, and meet the following requirements:
- Receive electric service from a cooperative participating in this program.
- Meet all state guidelines for weatherization assistance.
- Household income must not exceed 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines.
- Live in and own the home being weatherized. The house must not be for sale.
- Must not have participated in the Weatherization Assistance Program at current address since 9/1/95.
The contractor assigned to your home will:
- Install CFLs (max 5 per home).
- Install an electronically commutated motor when a gas furnace is replaced.
- Pay up to 20 percent of the insulation material and installation costs for homes with working central air conditioners.
- Will clean the coils, check the door gaskets, and check whether the door closes tightly on operating refrigerators and freezers. If the cooperative participates in the Appliance Recycling Program, you will be encouraged to have your second refrigerator/freezer recycled through that program.
Your main refrigerator will be replaced with an Energy Star® refrigerator (maximum of one per home) if it does not pass the test.