Cities of Promise
In 2010, Clean Energy Coalition received a $4.4 million grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission to establish a clean energy program in the state’s eight Cities of Promise. Those cities—Benton Harbor, Detroit, Flint, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Muskegon Heights, Pontiac and Saginaw—were identified as once vibrant urban centers in need of critical redevelopment.
Through this grant, Clean Energy Communities is assisting these cities with revitalization efforts specifically focus on clean energy projects, providing each city with a capital infusion of $463,000 to complete energy efficiency and renewable energy installations in municipal facilities, as well as technical assistance, including:
- Analysis of current electricity, natural gas and water use in municipal facilities
- Energy audits to identify and prioritize energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities, and return on investment scenarios
- Assistance developing RFPs and selecting vendors to complete energy efficiency and renewable energy installations
- Program outreach and education to city employees and community members
- Assistance establishing an ongoing municipal clean energy program funded by energy savings, rebates, incentives, and credits
- Program monitoring and evaluation
To maximize financial benefits, we are creating and seeding revolving energy funds in each city for investment in future clean energy projects and, potentially, to cover costs for a municipal-based energy manager.
Program Contact Information
Jenny Oorbeck
Communities, Division Manager
734.585.5720 x18
jenny@cec-mi.org
