FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 6, 2019
Nick Assendelft, Public Information Officer, [email protected], 517-388-3135
Energy Efficiency Day a reminder that small steps can make a big difference
Whether switching out old lightbulbs for efficient LED bulbs at home or retrofitting manufacturing facilities, small steps can lead to big reductions in reducing energy use and utility bills.
Wednesday is national Energy Efficiency Day and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) urges Michiganders to pick up some simple energy efficiency habits that will lead to reduced usage year round, lower utility bills and long-term benefits in coping with climate change.
To mark the fifth annual event (#EEDay2020), Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has issued a proclamation encouraging Michigan residents to embrace energy efficiency habits as the cheapest, quickest and cleanest way to meet consumers’ energy needs and to make homes and workspaces healthier, safer and more comfortable.
Gov. Whitmer has set Michigan on a path toward 100 percent carbon neutrality by 2050 and energy efficiency measures are a large part of achieving that goal. Energy efficiency is a key pillar to combatting climate change.
“Michigan has felt the direct effects of climate change, with communities of color and low-income Michiganders suffering disproportionately. That is why I announced the MI Healthy Climate plan to put Michigan on a path toward 100 percent carbon neutrality by 2050,” Gov. Whitmer said. “In order to achieve that goal we all have to do our part, and energy efficiency measures are easy ways to create a cleaner environment. I hope we all take this day to make a plan on how we can each be more energy efficient and put Michigan on the path to a cleaner, safer and healthier Michigan.”
“Doing a lot of little things can add up to big savings in energy usage for businesses and a healthier lifestyle for residents,” EGLE Director Liesl Clark said. “EGLE’s energy efficiency programs allow small businesses, farms, local governments and school districts to plan for or reduce the cost of retrofitting facilities, which leads to long-term bottom line savings and helps Michigan reach its carbon reduction goals.”
A webinar Wednesday, EGLE’s Energy Efficiency Programs for Communities, will explain how EGLE programs support Michigan communities that are interested in advancing energy efficiency and clean energy for their own facilities or are taking steps to advance clean energy communitywide. Presented by partner Graham Sustainability Institute at the University of Michigan, the webinar will introduce attendees to Energy Services’ staff and goals as well as provide information about the Community Energy Management Program, which makes funding available to local communities.
Future webinars will address The Michigan Energy Code Adoption Process (1-2 p.m. Oct. 15) and Energy Benchmarking for Municipal Facilities (1-2 p.m. Oct. 22).
Energy Services offers grants to facilitate energy related implementation projects, improve energy management, support energy efficiency activities and accelerate the transition to renewable energy for communities, schools, manufacturers and small businesses around the state. Details about the programs and applications can be found on the Funding Opportunities webpage.
Energy efficiencies can also be realized in the transportation sector. Energy Services supports the build-out of a statewide electric vehicle charging network through its Charge Up Michigan Program, while EGLE’s Fuel Transformation Program facilitates the transition to electric and alternative fuel vehicles in the commercial sector.
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