April 10, 2008

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today released three Requests for Proposal (RFP). The RFPs are for low-income energy assistance grants, low-income energy efficiency grants, and Michigan energy efficiency grants for all customer classes. The grants are funded by the Low Income and Energy Efficiency Fund (LIEEF).

Up to $55 million is available for low-income energy assistance grants; up to $10 million is available for low-income energy efficiency grants; and up to $15 million is available for energy efficiency grants for all customer classes. The energy efficiency grant for all classes will make available up to $12 million for the development, improvement and application of energy efficient technologies, and creation or expansion of the market for such technologies; up to $2 million for the promotion and increased use of ENERGY STAR-qualified compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs); and up to $1 million for green community programs that encourage community-based renewable energy and energy efficiency programs.

The deadline for proposals is 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 1.

"By this action, the MPSC is making available much-needed assistance to help low-income customers with their bills, to help low-income customers make their homes more energy efficient, and to promote the development and application of energy efficient technologies," said MPSC Chairman Orjiakor Isiogu.

The purpose of the LIEEF is to provide shut-off and other protection for low-income customers and to promote energy efficiency by all customer classes. The distribution of monies from this fund is contingent upon the passage of, and will be consistent with, the 2009 appropriations bill.

The RFPs and complete instructions on how to submit proposals are located on the MPSC's Web site: michigan.gov/lieefund.

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