ESC recognizes Michigan facilities for energy efficiency

November 10, 2015

Media Contacts:

MAE: Judy Palnau, Media and Public Information Specialist, (517) 284-8300, palnauj@michigan.gov 
ESC: Jim Arwood, Executive Director, (602) 468-1702, jimarwood@cox.net 

Energy Services Coalition Shines Light On Michigan Success Stories

LANSING, MI - In recognition of significant energy waste reduction investments and proven energy cost savings at facilities throughout the state, the Energy Service Coalition-Michigan Chapter announced today five recipients of the Leaders in Efficiency award.

The honorees at the Energy Service Coalition Fifth Annual Awards event included the City of Roseville; the Michigan Agency for Energy/Michigan Public Service Commission; Monroe Metropolitan Wastewater Facility; the Village of Grosse Pointe Shores; and Wayne State University.

"Michigan's government is leading by example by actively seeking cost-effective ways to cut energy waste. It is only fitting that the state's energy experts demonstrate the effective use of multiple innovative tools for energy waste reduction," said Valerie Brader, MAE's executive director. "The Michigan Agency for Energy and the Michigan Public Service Commission are proud to be among this year's award recipients."

Collectively, the recipients have invested nearly $18.7 million as a result of setting in place energy efficiency improvements through performance contracting. The investments are saving more than $1.05 million annually.

The performance contract allows the customer to make energy and water cost-saving improvements to facilities and equipment, and pay for the improvements using future avoided energy costs.

"The performance contract is a great solution for public organizations that don't have the financial resources to implement energy saving solutions," said Jim Arwood, ESC executive director. "It is an investment in our public buildings that not only pays for itself, but it provides a strong catalyst for job growth in local communities."

The annual awards event attracts energy efficiency experts from around the state and this year the event was held at the offices of Michigan Agency for Energy/Michigan Public Service Commission - an award recipient. The event included presentations by Brader, and Cheri Holman, executive director U.S. Green Buildings Council - West Michigan Chapter.

Below is a list of project size and savings for each of the honorees at Energy Service Coalition (Michigan Chapter) Fifth Annual Awards:

  • City of Roseville: $3.4 million and $98,000 in annual savings;
  • State of Michigan Agency for Energy and the Michigan Public Service  Commission: $437,729 and $25,000 in annual savings;
  • Monroe Metropolitan Wastewater Facility: $10.3 million and $355,060 in annual savings;
  • Village of Grosse Pointe Shores: $3.2 million and $200,810 in annual savings;
  • Wayne State University: $1.4 million and $368,581 in annual savings

The Energy Services Coalition is a public/private partnership promoting the benefits of, providing education on, and serving as an advocate for the widespread use of energy performance contracting in public and private facilities.

For more information about the ESC, please visit www.energyservicescoalition.org.

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About Michigan Agency for Energy

The Michigan Agency for Energy (MAE), coordinates analyzes, advises on and advocates for the state's policies, programs and proposals related to energy.  MAE also provides energy related information and assistance to state departments and agencies. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/energy.

About Michigan Public Service Commission

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) administers policies and regulations to ensure that energy and communications services are provided in an efficient, reliable, and safe manner to adequately meet the needs of Michigan residents. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/mpsc.

About Energy Services Coalition - Michigan Chapter

The mission of the ESC-Michigan Chapter is to increase the use of performance contracting in the State of Michigan to support infrastructure modernization, sustainability, economic development and national security. Benefits of Energy Savings Performance Contracts include: self-funds building improvements and deferred maintenance through cash-neutral projects, creates local jobs and stimulates local economies and the savings are guaranteed. For more information visit www.energyservicescoalition.org.