ANN ARBOR – The Michigan House of Representatives voted today to pass a bill that makes energy efficiency upgrades more accessible for customers of municipal utilities. House Bill 5397 passed with nearly unanimous, bipartisan support by a vote of 108 to 2.
State Representatives Goike (R – Ray Township) and Franz (R – Onekama) voted against the bill. The Michigan League of Conservation Voters said the vote marked progress on a priority issue for Great Michigan, a coalition of almost 40 environmental and conservation groups across the state including Michigan LCV.
?Michigan?s conservation community told state legislators that strengthening Michigan?s energy efficiency programs was a top priority this legislative session, and today we saw progress toward that goal,? said Jack Schmitt, Deputy Director for Michigan LCV. ?More Michiganders should have access to programs that make it easier to save energy and save money. State representatives did the right thing by passing a bill to accomplish that.?
Commercial and industrial utility customers already have access to on-bill financing programs. This bill would provide financing to residential municipal utility customers for energy saving home improvements such as updating appliances and weatherproofing. Increased access to energy efficiency programs can result in significant cost savings. A recent report from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) showed that for every dollar invested in energy optimization, customers see $3.83 in avoided energy costs.
?Time is ticking to increase Michigan?s energy efficiency and renewable energy goals before they expire next year,? Schmitt said. ?State senators and Governor Snyder should move this bill into law and keep energy policy at the top of their to-do lists. Michigan needs a clean, renewable energy plan on the books this year.?
House Bill 5397 now moves to the Michigan Senate.
