June 30, 2005

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today awarded $6 million in grants to 11 organizations to promote energy efficiency.  The grants come from the Low-Income and Energy Efficiency Fund established last year.  This round of grants is devoted to promoting energy efficiency among all customer classes in Michigan.

After issuing a Request for Pre-Proposals, the Commission on Feb. 17, 2005 invited organizations to submit final proposals.  By the March 11 deadline, 24 organizations submitted proposed programs, seeking a total of more than $25.5 million.

After reviewing the proposals, Commission awarded the following grants today:

·         Automation Alley Technology Center - $550,000 to install two building integrated solar power electric systems, an integrated energy management system, and a battery back-up system in Michigan.

·         Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker School District - $265,000 for the installation and grid tying of two wind turbines and a solar panel on the property of the Laker School District located in the upper thumb area of Michigan.

·         Grand Valley State University - $1 million to build a pilot plant that converts animal biomass into methane gas.  It will be used to generate electricity.

·         Michigan Department of Environmental Quality/Next Energy - $185,000 for the development of analysis to identify appropriate sources and quantities of energy efficiency and renewable energy feedstocks/technologies available and to optimize net economic benefits to Michigan’s economy.

·         Michigan State University/Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering - $2 million to construct an anaerobic digester, including an anaerobic membrane bioreactor, an evaporator, reverse osmosis equipment, an expanded facility for struvite production, a constructed wetland, and provisions for visitors.

·         NextEnergy Center - $150,000 toward the development of an interactive fleet user’s Web site in Michigan that will assist in determining and evaluating fuel economy improvements, emission reductions for various types of powertrain technologies, and alternative fuel vehicles.

·         Northwestern Michigan College (Michigan Technical Education Center) - $450,000 for the “Northern Michigan Energy Demonstration Center-Renewable Energy Training Laboratory” that will focus on the training of students for residential energy efficiency and renewable energy systems.

·         Ovonic Fuel Cell Company LLC - $400,000 for the development of a prototype “Ovonic Regenerative Fuel Cell” to be used by customers that require reliable backup power through an uninterruptible power supply system.

·         Traverse City Light & Power - $400,000 to demonstrate how an integrated renewable energy district heating and wind power plan can be developed, implemented, and administered on a community scale in a cost effective manner, providing economic and environmental benefits.

·         U.P. Steel - $530,000 to assist in development of a pilot mill using a new microwave/electric arc furnace steelmaking technology.

·         West Michigan BioDiesel LLC - $70,000 for the purchase of items to assist with safe and efficient production using recycled vegetable oil for feedstock at its plant.

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

Case No.   U-13129