Efficiency First

Efficiency First members from the Michigan Chapter are helping with the launch of a statewide energy improvement financing program to help Michigan residents, businesses and institutions pay for energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades. Michigan Saves will work with privated lenders to finance the installation of energy measures with no upfront cost to utility customers, who will pay back the cost of the measures over time using utility bill savings.

“Michigan Saves knows that customers want an easy-to-understand, hassle-free process that offers real savings,” said Sally Talberg, the program’s Operations Manager. “Michigan Saves is developing sensible, flexible financing packages, establishing a network of qualified contractors, and helping link potential customers to energy audit services to make energy efficiency accessible throughout the state,” she added.

“Michigan Saves will be a contractor-driven program, and Power Marketing and Research is working closely with Michigan Saves to develop a marketing toolkit that will help contractors promote and communicate the benefits of the program,” said Debra Power, President of Power Marketing and Research.  ”Our key message to homeowners is that the program is sasy, affordable and smart.”

Scott Phillips, who chairs the Michigan Chapter of Efficiency First, has asked Efficiency First Members to support the program through a beta test to ensure that the program application process for contractors is easy and streamlined. “I would like to see the Michigan Chapter help get the program launched and gain momentum quickly,” he said.

Learn more about Michigan Saves at michigansaves.org.