December 20, 2005

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today issued an order approving $10 million in low-income energy efficiency grants to eight organizations.

“These grants will help reduce energy costs for low-income families and seniors just as we enter another heating season,” said MPSC Chair J. Peter Lark.  ”The improvements made as a result of these grants will help reduce energy costs for years to come.”

The Commission on October 10 issued a request for proposals for low-income energy efficiency grants.  Based on its review, the MPSC awarded the following grants:

• Michigan Department of Human Services - $4,500,000 for statewide distribution to low-income households for energy efficiency upgrades, with up to 20 percent of the grant available for energy education.

• Habitat for Humanity - $250,000 for energy efficiency upgrades to homes scheduled for construction in 2006 for low-income families in Michigan.

• Bay de Noc Community College (M-TEC) - $750,000 for purchase and distribution of energy savings kits to low-income rural households in Michigan.

• Michigan Community Action Agency Association (MCAAA) - $2,000,000 in total for statewide distribution to provide weatherization upgrades for low-income households, with up to 20 percent to be spent on client weatherization education.

• Nonprofit Facilities Assistance Center - $500,000 for matching grants to non-profit facilities for energy efficiency upgrades, energy efficiency audits, and energy efficiency/weatherization education.

• Nova Development Group - $1,350,000 for energy efficiency upgrades, and installations for low-income, multi-family dwellings throughout Michigan.

• Urban Options - $400,000 for weatherization of low-income clients’ homes, with a focus on heating systems, for 11 counties located throughout the state.

• Warm Training Center - $250,000 for energy education for consumers who receive energy assistance.

These grants are part of the Low-Income and Energy Efficiency Fund. The purpose of the fund is to provide shut-off and other protections for low-income customers and to promote energy efficiency by all customer classes.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Labor & Economic Growth.

Case No. U-13129