Updated at 4:20 p.m.
Michigan will receive $32.8 million in federal grants to reduce energy consumption in homes and businesses, U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced Monday.
Chu, who visited Battle Creek, said Michigan will use the money to help reduce energy consumption in public buildings by 20% by 2012, and create new markets for renewable energy systems, particularly wind energy.
The grant will pay for energy audits of 500 homes and businesses, conducted by the state’s two largest utilities, DTE and Consumers Energy. The audits will be used to develop energy efficiency methods to be used statewide.
The money could also be used to offer grants or loans to small businesses use more renewable energy sources.
The money will come from a $3.1 billion portion of the federal stimulus plan aimed at helping states reduce energy consumption and shift to renewable energy.
“This funding will provide an important boost for state economies, help put Americans back to work, and move us toward energy independence,” Chu said in a prepared statement. “It reflects our commitment to support innovative state and local strategies to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy while insisting that taxpayer dollars be spent responsibly.”
Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who accompanied Chu in Battle Creek, said the federal grants will help the state diversity its economy by promoting the renewable energy industry and create jobs.
Michigan will coordinate a state energy policy through the governor’s office, the Legislature, energy companies and consumers, according to the statement. Gov. Jennifer Granholm plans to announce further details for the use of the money.
Chu was in Battle Creek to promote President Barack Obama’s United We Serve initiative to encourage community service.
By CHRIS CHRISTOFF • FREE PRESS LANSING BUREAU • June 22, 2009
Original story can be found here.
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