Michigan Energy Efficient Upgrade Savings Calculator

Michigan Energy Efficient Upgrade Savings Calculator

by | Jun 10, 2024 | Environmental

EGLE Main GovD banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2024
Jeff Johnston, EGLE Public Information Officer, JohnstonJ14@Michigan.gov, 517-231-9304
Alana Murphy, Rewiring America Senior Communications Associate, alana@rewiringamerica.org

New online resource will help homeowners and renters calculate energy upgrade savings from the Inflation Reduction Act, state and local programs

Rewiring America launches Michigan Energy Efficient Upgrade Savings Calculator

In Detroit today, Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit Rewiring America launched a Michigan-specific calculator to help homeowners and renters estimate how much they can save with clean energy incentives and tax credits created by the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and other state, local, and utility programs. The programs cover heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, induction stoves, electric vehicles (EV), EV chargers, and other zero-emissions technologies.

The Michigan Energy Efficient Upgrade Savings Calculator is hosted on the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s website.

Rewiring America, whose focus is upgrading homes, businesses, and communities from inefficient fossil fuel-powered appliances to high-efficiency/high-performance electric alternatives, estimates that American households can receive $10,600 on average in federal incentives to help convert from fossil fuel-powered appliances and technology to electric-powered replacements that in turn can save households an average of $2,000 a year on energy bills.

By inputting a few details about their households, Michigan residents will get personalized estimates of how much they can save on efficient electric appliances and energy-saving technologies.

“Right now, there are game-changing dollars available for families to make clean energy improvements because of the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, our hardworking congressional delegation, Governor Whitmer, and our partners in the Legislature,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “Our steps toward a prosperous clean energy future for all Michiganders include both collective and individual actions. This new calculator equips homeowners and renters to make informed decisions about important household upgrades that will save them money on their energy bills, make their homes more comfortable, and engage them in our efforts to address climate change together.”

Michigan is part of the first cohort of states to have its own version of the Rewiring America calculator, with state and local incentives integrated.

“Michigan is ahead of the game in bringing the benefits of the energy transition to families across the state,” said Rewiring America CEO Ari Matusiak. “We look forward to continuing to work in partnership to make these important home upgrades more affordable and accessible to all. With this calculator, households in Michigan are only a few clicks away from the next steps on their electrification journey.”

In other states, the tool already has helped nearly 800,000 Americans understand their eligibility for federal electrification tax credits.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer demonstrated the tool at its official launch today during the Clean Economy and Community Impact Summit, where the Governor; State Chief Climate and Energy Strategist Kara Cook; and other state, federal, business, and community leaders discussed the clean energy economic transformation taking place in the state.

“If we face climate change with climate action, we can lower costs, create jobs, and make more American energy using American workers,” said Governor Whitmer. “The new Rewiring America calculator will show Michigan families how much they can save using incentives from the Biden-Harris administration’s clean energy programs. You can save money on your next home upgrade, whether it’s a furnace, water heater, stove, rooftop solar, or so much more. You can drive down your monthly bill by up to 20%, better protect the air your kids breathe, and support jobs and investment in your local community. I urge every Michigander to take advantage of these cost-saving programs and improve your quality of life.”

The summit focused on the economic transformation underway nationally, in Michigan, and in communities such as Detroit due to the unprecedented public investments from the federal Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and CHIPS and Science Act. These investments, together with Michigan’s historic Clean Energy and Jobs Act, put Michiganders in the driver’s seat to build a clean energy economy that delivers for communities, workers, and businesses.

To build the calculator, Rewiring America received $5 million in funding and a team of 12 Google.org fellows via the philanthropy’s Impact Challenge on Climate Innovation. As part of the pro bono initiative, Google engineers, program managers, user experience designers, and other professionals dedicated six months to assist the nonprofit. The fellows collaborated on technical challenges such as using generative artificial intelligence to speed up public data collection and language translation for RWA’s incentive interface.

The Inflation Reduction Act is the largest investment in climate action in U.S. history. The law is helping American consumers save money while boosting domestic manufacturing and energy independence. In the U.S., 42% of energy-related emissions come from the cars we drive, how we heat and cool our homes, how we heat our water, cook our food, dry our clothes, and how we power it all. Achieving a carbon-neutral economy requires replacing these machines with alternatives powered by clean energy.

Michigan is a national leader in attracting climate- and clean energy-related federal funding. According to Climate Power, Michigan is the No. 1 state in landing clean energy projects from the IRA and in the top five for job creation and overall investment. Tools like the Michigan Energy Efficient Upgrade Savings Calculator will help Michigan families make the most of these federal dollars.

Recently, EGLE received $210.8 million for the state’s Home Energy Rebate Programs, which will be available to families this fall. The Home Energy Rebate Programs will provide funding to lower the up-front cost of whole-home energy efficiency upgrades in single-family and multifamily homes, aiding retrofitting and electrification efforts. The Home and Appliance Electrification Rebates will help finance the up-front cost of efficient electric technologies and appliances in single-family and multifamily homes. People can sign up for program notifications.

For more information on clean energy and climate-related federal funding opportunities, visit EGLE’s climate and energy funding opportunities webpage.
Honoring the 80th Anniversary of D-Day

Honoring the 80th Anniversary of D-Day

by | Jun 10, 2024 | Regional News

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Friend ­­––

Last week, our nation — along with allies from across Europe — honored the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.

On June 6, 1944, Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy to beat back the Nazi army and gain a foothold in continental Europe. It ultimately marked the turning point in World War II that led to victory for the Allied Forces. D-Day was a historic moment for our country and the entire free world.

It was an honor to join President Biden and a bipartisan group of my fellow senators in France to mark this hallowed occasion and pay our respects to the servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice so that future generations of Americans could live in freedom.

This anniversary is also personal to me. My father didn’t invade the beaches at Normandy, but he crossed them four months later when he was deployed to France with the U.S. Army. My mother — who grew up in France — was forced to live under Nazi occupation for several years. They met during the war, fell in love, and came back to Michigan to start our family.

 

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Click HERE to watch more.

 

My mother and father taught me to never take our freedoms for granted. They told stories of Nazi oppression and the brave men and women who gave everything to fight against it. They were powerful reminders of this history and of the sacrifices made to save democracy and liberty around the world.

Let’s honor those sacrifices – and the thousands of Americans we lost on D-Day – by continuing the fight for freedom that is the bedrock of our country.

 

Thanks for reading,

Gary Peters
United States Senator for Michigan
Beginning College During a Pandemic

Beginning College During a Pandemic

by | Jun 10, 2024 | Feature Writers

Learning with Lex: Beginning College During a Pandemic.

By Lexi McKinney | June 10, 2024 | Feature Writers

For context, I write to share my life as a senior in college, ready to pursue a career in Journalism and Media Studies with a Specialty in Broadcasting and a minor in Communication. The last few years have been a rollercoaster for me as I balance a job in advertising and sales, my last few semesters of college, and my favorite part (being an intern) while reflecting on how I got this far when a pandemic shifted the direction of my education in the blink of an eye.

Where do I even begin? First and foremost, I remember sitting in my AP Psychology class, eavesdropping on the students around me, discussing a virus that could take the world by surprise. I refrained from reading between the lines because senior year of high school trumped any barrier that tried to get in my way. Hearing of this Coronavirus meant shutdowns, political quarrels, and uncertainty. Only a few weeks later, the world would feel like a never-ending episode of House – chaotic, messy, and complicated except this episode lasted way longer than 60 minutes.

I woke up to text messages flooding my phone explaining that senior year of high school was ending almost immediately, and with that news, college was awaiting me. The uncertainty ate at me daily as I waited to log onto Zoom meetings to start my first year. I expected college to be a mix of going out and about, meeting new friends, and being in a classroom, learning from hands-on experiences. This was the furthest thing from my reality.

My routine seemed more of a daily chore than anything else. Professors who specialized in lectures at the university began to adapt while sharing their knowledge through long PowerPoint presentations, and at least three students per class complained that the Zoom meeting was lagging. Many of my assignments were pass/fail because they could not flunk you for not understanding all materials when trying to figure out how to survive when the world was flipped upside down was a top priority.

This first semester felt like I was teaching myself how to learn all over again because navigating through a computer screen and attempting to lock down my laptop to take exams was just strange. I completed lectures back-to-back in my bedroom four to five days a week and somehow managed to move forward against the odds. At the time, I had patience because there was no social sphere anymore. In lecture, I dreamed of going out for a car ride even if it was only to pick up groceries, because it felt normal again.

The biggest challenge during this time was not the materials for me. Passing a Sociology class or writing three papers for an English course was the easy component. It was the uncertainty of how I was supposed to work, devise a plan to land a role for a competitive internship, compose a solid resume, and graduate on time because nearly all students lost motivation when it came to finishing a college degree remotely.

I remember completing the first year of college hanging on by a thread. I was tired and so driven to be successful there was no time to worry about anything else. The months blurred together, the seasons were just reminders of deadlines, and patience thinned after the numerous attempts to be in a classroom again. While the career I chose is flexible, I struggled to understand if college would ever be the experience I dreamed of.

As I sit here today, I remind myself how many times I assumed that I would not pass a test, get an A in a class, or accomplish the goals I had from a young age. It felt like the longest mile, but if I did quit, there’s no telling where I would be now. What is beautiful about perseverance is seeing yourself outgrow old obstacles, which motivates you to want more. While this is a condensed version of what seemed like a million years, in my next article, I plan to explore my own experiences while learning in general during a pandemic. On a deeper note, I will explore the raw and honest memories of the classes I was required to take while sharing if the college experience was worth all the investments.

Final Week Previews

Final Week Previews

by | Jun 10, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Final Week Previews.

Written Sunday June 9th at 5:45 PM

We’re into the final week of the season. Here is the Girls Softball State Quarterfinal and Girls Soccer State Semifinal Previews.

Softball

LAKE ORION vs Lakeland @ Marysville

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting matchup of two teams that have very strong softball traditions. The Eagles are coming off a sweep of Troy Athens (15-0) and Bloomfield Hills (8-3) by a combined 23-3 which gave them their first regional crown since 2012. This will be Lakeland’s biggest test of the postseason as they face a Dragons team that has been battle tested and been put through the gauntlet. Lake Orion beat Stoney Creek and Macomb Dakota by 5-4 scores in the district and regional finals respectably. The winner of this State Quarterfinal matchup will see either Hartland or Ava Bradshaw and South Lyon in the State Semifinals at Michigan State.

PREDICTION: This will be the Eagles toughest test in the postseason. Lakeland has played against fellow Lakes Valley Conference rivals South Lyon and South Lyon East. The tough schedule favors the Dragons and that’s why they’ll be heading to Michigan State for the second straight year and likely see Bradshaw and the Lions. PICK: LAKE ORION.

Soccer

ADAMS vs Plymouth Salem @ Troy

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting matchup between two teams that have made surprising runs this postseason. Plymouth Salem had a big district final win over Livonia Stevenson in the district final. The Rocks had to see Plymouth and Plymouth Canton have deep runs but this season was their time to shine and it’s their first regional crown since 1995. Adams had to go through Rochester and Troy to get to this point. The Highlanders seen Stoney Creek make a deep run last season but it’s their time. The winner will see Hartland or Grand Haven in the State Finals at Michigan State.

PREDICTION: This should be a good one, I see the Highlanders winning this one being it’s a shorter drive from Rochester to Troy unlike Plymouth to Troy. I see Adams winning in a classic. PICK: ADAMS.

National Recognition to 21 Main Street OC Communities

National Recognition to 21 Main Street OC Communities

by | Jun 10, 2024 | Regional News

Main Street America Gives National Recognition to 21 Main Street Oakland County® Communities

Post Date:06/07/2024 10:51 AM

 

 

  • Berkley, Clawson, Farmington, Ferndale, Franklin, Highland, Holly, Ortonville, Oxford, Lake Orion, Rochester and Royal Oak earned accredited status.
  • Auburn Hills, Birmingham, Clarkston, Hazel Park, Lyon Township/New Hudson, Lathrup Village, Oak Park, Pontiac and South Lyon received affiliate status.
  • More than $88 million in new public and private investments have been made to Main Street Oakland County downtowns.

Pontiac, Mich. – Twenty-one out of 28 Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) communities have been recognized by Main Street America for their commitment to improving their downtowns using preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.

This annual accreditation process has two tiers of national designation: accredited and affiliate. The accredited status is Main Street America’s top tier of recognition. It proves a community has met the six Community Evaluation Standards, such as strategy-driven programming, and baseline requirements, including a revitalization budget. Affiliate communities have shown efforts toward meeting those standards.

Berkley, Clawson, Farmington, Ferndale, Franklin, Highland, Holly, Ortonville, Oxford, Lake Orion, Rochester and Royal Oak earn accredited status.

Auburn Hills, Birmingham, Clarkston, Hazel Park, Lyon Township/New Hudson, Lathrup Village, Oak Park, Pontiac and South Lyon received affiliate status.

In 2023, more than $88 million in new public and private investments have been made to MSOC downtowns, helping to establish 185 new businesses generate almost 250 jobs and restore 123 buildings. In that same year, Main Street America honored John Bry, MSOC program coordinator with the Mary Means Leadership Award, the organization’s highest honor.

Established in 2000, Main Street Oakland County is the first and only county in the U.S. to operate a full-service, countywide Main Street coordinating program.

 

About Main Street America

Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Our network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Since 1980, communities participating in the program have generated more than $107.62 billion in new public and private investment, generated 175,323 net new businesses and 782,059 net new jobs, rehabilitated more than 335,675 buildings, and levered over 35.3 million volunteer hours. Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.