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October 2011
Clean Energy Coalition is Targeting a Neighborhood
Near You!
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A BBFM Representative Discusses the Importance of Low-Flow Showerheads |
This month, Clean Energy Coalition launched neighborhood energy efficiency sweeps through the BetterBuildings for Michigan program. The sweeps provide residents of DeWitt Township, Marquette, Traverse City and Three Rivers low-cost energy efficiency upgrades in a statewide effort to create a sustainable energy efficiency market in Michigan.
“BetterBuildings for Michigan is a win-win for the residents of these communities as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and home energy bills while putting local residents to work in the process,” said Clean Energy Coalition executive director Sean Reed.
Clean Energy Coalition is working with local outreach partners and contractors in each community. Their comprehensive marketing plans include uniquely local marketing approaches that target over 4,000 homes. Eligible energy efficiency improvements include a professional home consultation, air sealing and insulation to reduce drafts, energy-saving devices like faucet aerators and an opportunity to take advantage of a 0% APR loan through Michigan Saves for homeowners that qualify.
“The BetterBuildings for Michigan program will make these communities healthier and more sustainable places to live,” said Mary Templeton, program manager for BetterBuildings for Michigan. Participating residents can expect to save hundreds on their utility bills, as well as improve the comfort and value of their home.”
BetterBuildings for Michigan uses a community approach to deliver energy efficiency improvements for homes and businesses by providing access to incentives and affordable loans. Supported by a three-year, $30 million grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, participating communities were selected through a competitive process because of their local community commitment to energy efficiency, their ability to leverage other complimentary programs and the capacity of their outreach team to motivate local residents. With a total of 27 residential neighborhood sweeps statewide over three years in these communities as well as in Wyandotte, Grand Rapids, the City of Detroit and metro Detroit, BetterBuildings for Michigan will reach over 11,000 homes and over 130 commercial buildings while creating over 2,000 new jobs.
For more information about Clean Energy Coalition's work with BetterBuildings for Michigan, contact project manager Bonnie Bona.
Clean Energy Coalition Prepares to Plug-In Michigan
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A Plug-In Electric Vehicle |
In the 2011 State of the Union address, President Obama reiterated his desire for the United States to “become the first country to have a million electric vehicles on the road by 2015.” Given that Michigan is the car manufacturing capital of the United States and a substantial portion of the state’s economy is centered on the automotive industry, an increase in demand for plug-in electric vehicles will have a widespread impact on the Michigan economy and environment.
With a $500k grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, Clean Energy Coalition is currently creating a statewide plan for Michigan that will support community readiness and planning for plug-in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. The plan will bring together over 40 diverse partners including members of the Michigan Public Service Commission-convened PEV Taskforce, NextEnergy, Greater Lansing Area Clean Cities, and multiple test cities throughout Michigan.
The final plan, which is anticipated to be complete by March of 2012, will be adopted by champion cities that have agreed to implement model policy and regulations. All of these efforts will work in tandem with education and outreach to provide Michigan consumers with the confidence, convenience, and clarity necessary to transition the state to PEVs.
To learn more about the Plug-in Ready Michigan initiative, contact Mobility project manager Mark Rabinsky. |
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Clean Energy Coalition Executive Director Sean Reed is Concentrate’s Guest Blogger
Clean Energy Coalition’s executive director Sean Reed discusses the history of Clean Energy Coalition, what he learned from living with the Maasai tribespeople in rural Tanzania and the termination of over $90 million worth of contracts through the MPSC’s Low Income & Energy Efficiency Fund (LIEEF).
Read the blog here.
Newsletter Sponsor
DTE Energy is a diversified energy company that employs more than 10,000 people nationwide. With a majority of their business taking place in the State of Michigan, their electric and gas utility businesses have each been in operation for over a century.
In 2009, DTE Energy was awarded a $5.4 million grant from Clean Energy Coalition to boost the number of CNG fueling stations in Michigan and to convert 173 Ford Econoline vans to operate on the fuel. This alternative fuel provides a more attractive option for heavy vehicle operators, as it produces significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions than diesel. DTE Energy is investing an additional $6.8 million toward buying and converting the new vans and refurbishing more than 10 other fueling stations around Michigan.
Additionally, DTE Energy has launched MyEnergy Analyzer, an interactive tool that helps customers evaluate how they use energy and where they can save.
To learn more about DTE Energy, visit their website.
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Clean Energy Coalition
924 North Main Street, Suite 2
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734.585.5720 t
734.418.1681 f
cec-mi.org
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