Northwest Michigan Council of Governments

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments’ Renewable and Energy Efficiency for Local Governments program was funded by the Michigan Public Service Committee and provided assistance to nine county governments and eleven townships, cities, and villages in northwest lower Michigan. This project helped them meet operational budget challenges through energy efficiency and conservation. This program was an effort to “go green” and “save green” through the implementation of technology and staff driven strategies that will help them save energy and protect the environment. 

 

EDUCATION MANUAL AVAILABLE

Through this program, an Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Practices and Policies for Local Governments manual was created. The manual can help governments with the process of planning and implementing energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy possibilities. It was designed to provide a framework from which to build a comprehensive energy management strategy or energy action plan. The manual is available for download or to request a hard copy, please contact staff at 231-929-5039 or via email at pattyodonnell@nwm.cog.mi.us.

 
Download/view/print the manual:  Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Practice and Policies for Local Governments

 

The video below provides a very general framework to begin the building of a comprehensive management strategy or an energy action plan.

 

 

 

Energy Efficiency for Local Governments –
Michigan Public Service Commission and Northwest Michigan Council of Governments

The Energy Efficiency for Local Governments project is beginning to see energy and cost savings results after one year in operation. The participants in the project included nine counties and thirteen cities, villages and townships. The local governments received at least $40,000 to $80,000 in funding for:

  • Technical assistance
  • 1-3 energy audits
  • Capital energy conservation and efficiency upgrades
  • Education
  • The development of a quantified energy action plan with a five year reinvestment strategy
  • The establishment of a dedicated energy savings account with at least 50% of the annual savings

Comparing the 2011 reports to the 2009 baselines with an average of 12% weather adjusted energy reduction, six out of the nine counties - Antrim, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse, Manistee, Missaukee and Wexford shows $113,257 in documented annual energy savings. The projected average after five years is 130% return on investment.