WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Energy delivered $41 million to Michigan through the State Energy Program from funding allocated under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  Michigan has now received a total of $82 million through the program to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across the state.

“This stimulus funding will help Michigan continue to be a leader in the research and development of clean energy while creating green jobs across the state,” Stupak said.  “Northern Michigan has much to gain from continued investment in clean energy, such as new avenues in biomass use for alternative energy production.  As we strengthen our core industries, this funding will also benefit new projects to grow the clean energy sector in Northern Michigan and across the state.”

Michigan’s funding will be targeted to several goals designed to stimulate local and state economies and create jobs.  The four goals are to reduce energy consumption in public buildings 20 percent by 2012, establish green communities, create markets for renewable energy systems, and create sustainable jobs in energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors.  These goals are designed to stimulate local and state economies and create jobs. 

ARRA funds will also be used for implementing energy efficiency in the private sector.  The state will work with two major utilities to conduct onsite energy audits in 500 homes and businesses.  The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth (DELEG) will partner with electric utilities and Michigan’s Weatherization Program to gather and analyze data on energy conservation measures in buildings and energy efficiency in homes.

DELEG will administer the ARRA funds for the state.  

The Recovery Act appropriated $3.1 billion to the State Energy Program to help promote energy efficiency and clean energy deployment, as well as to support local economic recovery. States use these grants at the state and local level to create green jobs and address state energy priorities. Activities eligible for State Energy Program funding include energy audits, building retrofits, education and training efforts, transportation programs to increase the use of alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles, and new financing mechanisms to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy investments.

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