December 12, 2006

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today issued an order approving $13 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 Chairman J. Peter Lark. "The improvements made as a result of these grants will help reduce energy costs for years to come."

The Commission on September 15 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 - $9,000,000 for statewide distribution to low-income households for energy efficiency upgrades, with up to 20 percent of the grant available for energy education.
  
  
• Bay de Noc Community College (M-TEC) - $700,000 for purchase and distribution of energy savings kits to low-income rural households in Michigan.
  
  
• Habitat for Humanity - $279,000 for energy efficiency upgrades to low-income homes in Michigan , scheduled for construction in 2007.
  
  
• Newaygo County Community Services - $450,000 for weatherization of low-income homes in the mid-Michigan area.
  
  
• Nova Development Group - $1,450,000 for energy efficiency upgrades and installations for low-income, multi-family dwellings throughout Michigan.
  
  
• Nonprofit Facilities Assistance Center (United Way Community Services for Southeastern MI ) - $500,000 for matching grants to non-profit facilities for energy efficiency upgrades, energy efficiency audits, and energy efficiency weatherization education.
  
  
• Warm Training Center - $200,000 for energy education for consumers who receive energy assistance.
  
  
• Urban Options, Inc. - $421,000 for weatherization of low-income clients' homes, with a focus on heating systems, energy kits, and energy education throughout Michigan.

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