Michigan homes may qualify for home energy grants.
The heating and electricity bills many Michigan homeowners face are often a strain on household budgets. Many Michigan homeowners cannot afford to use energy more efficiently or to make improvements to their home that would result in lower energy bills. If you are struggling with your energy bills, energy grants may be the answer. Does this Spark an idea?
LIEEF Grants
The Public Service Commission has given the Michigan Public Service Commission license to oversee the Low Income and Energy Efficiency Fund (LIEEF). This program provides grants to organizations that provide energy services to low income individuals. The main focus of the program is the prevention of service termination due to inability to pay, and to support education and repair that will result in more efficient energy usage. The grants are supported by Detroit Edison and the Customer Choice and Electricity Reliability Act. Approximately $14 million is allocated for these grants. Responses to the requests for proposals should be received by late April, with grant periods extending between October and December.
Michigan Public Service Commission
6545 Mercantile Way
Lansing, MI 48911
michigan.gov
Weatherization Grants
Part of the reason energy costs are so high for Michigan homeowners is because the some homes are not properly insulated resulting in loss of warm or cool air through leaks around fixtures. To resolve this problem, the Department of Human Services allocates monies for the Weatherization Assistance Program.
The program assists low income individuals who are in need of insulation, dryer venting, sealing of air leaks or similar repairs. The Department of Human Services estimates that these improvements result in a 20 to 25 percent reduction in heating costs. Those who qualify for the Family Independence Program or who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) qualify for this grant automatically. All applicants must consent to an inspection of their home by a qualified inspector, who will assess the best way to remedy the weatherization problems of the property.
Department of Human Services
235 S. Grand Ave.
P.O. Box 30037
Lansing, Michigan 48909
(517) 373-2035
michigan.gov/dhs
Michigan Energy $ense
Many Michigan homeowners aren't truly aware of why their homes are inefficient. The Clean Energy Coalition of Ypsilanti supports the Michigan Energy $ense program. This program provides monies for energy efficiency audits of homes, as well as for retrofitting homes with energy efficient fixtures. It also supports the building of new homes that comply with Energy Star standards. Individuals cannot apply directly but benefit when auditors and builders receive the grant monies.
Clean Energy Coalition
44 East Cross Street
Ypsilanti, MI 48198
icec-mi.org
Tags: Michigan homeowners, Department Human, Department Human Services, Human Services, Public Service, Public Service Commission
