February 24, 2005

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today approved $5 million in low-income energy efficiency grants from the Low-Income and Energy Efficiency Fund.

The Commission on Jan. 14 invited organizations to submit proposals to provide energy efficiency assistance to low-income households.  Eleven organizations submitted proposals by the Feb. 4 deadline.

The MPSC today approved the following grants:

• Detroit Housing Commission -- $250,000 for weatherization of low-income homes in Detroit.

• Family Independence Agency -- $1,050,000 for statewide distribution to low-income households for energy efficiency upgrades and education.

• METRO Neighborhood Housing and Community Development -- $1,050,000 for improving the energy efficiency of urban homes located in 10 statewide communities by providing energy audits, efficiency upgrades, and energy efficiency training to all participants in the program.

• Michigan Community Action Agency Association -- $1,050,000 to provide weatherization inspections and services and weatherization and client education programs.

• Bay de Noc Community College (M-Tec) -- $450,000 for development and implementation of a revolving loan fund for purchase and installation of energy efficient upgrades for low-income housing facilities.

• United Way Community Services (Nonprofit Facilities Assistance Center) -- $450,000 for energy efficiency audits, energy efficiency/weatherization education, and grants and matching grants to non-profit facilities for energy efficiency upgrades.

• Michigan (H.E.A.T.) Home Energy Analysis Team LLC (Nova Development Group) -- $400,000 for energy efficiency audits, upgrades and installations for low-income, multi-family dwellings throughout Michigan.

• Urban Options -- $300,000 for energy education, audits, and low-interest loans to homeowners for efficiency upgrades and purchases of Energy Star appliances.

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

Case No. U-13129