Energy Works Michigan
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| Founded | 2009 Ann Arbor, MI, United States |
|---|---|
| Type | 501(c)(3) |
| Location |
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Key people | Emile Lauzzana, Director |
| Website | energyworksmichigan.org [1] |
Energy Works Michigan (Energy Works) was a non-profit affiliate of the Ecology Center based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Energy Works employs seven staff members.
Energy Works was funded by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) [2] to administer the Michigan Renewable Schools Program (MRSP)[3], implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy measures at public, private and charter K-12 schools throughout the State of Michigan. Energy Works provides K-12 schools in Michigan with technical assistance and incentive funding.
Energy Works has partnered with 67 K-12 schools and districts throughout the State of Michigan. Energy Works will partner with approximately 90 additional Michigan K-12 schools beginning in September 2011.
Michigan Renewable Schools Program
[edit]Energy Works administers the Michigan Renewable Schools Program [4], a 5-year $8M program funded by the MPSC [5]. Energy Works provides public, private and charter K-12 schools in Michigan with technical assistance and incentive funding to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy measures.
Energy Works has partnered with 67 K-12 schools and districts throughout the State of Michigan. Energy Works will partner with approximately 90 additional Michigan K-12 schools beginning in September 2011. The program has received considerable interest from K-12 schools statewide.
The Michigan Renewable Schools Program [6] is a coordinated set of programs, including:
- Energy Efficiency Program: to implement energy efficiency building upgrades
- Renewable Energy Program: to install renewable energy systems, including solar photovoltaic (PV) and/or wind
- Educational Resources: to provide teachers with training and resources to make energy efficiency and renewable energy an integral part of their classrooms and school community
- Post-Secondary Program: to inspire high school students to pursue continuing education and career pathways in energy efficiency and renewable energy at a Michigan college or university
- Student Contests & Teacher Grants: to engage teachers and students in green initiatives that explore the challenges and opportunities of building a sustainable future
History
[edit]On November 19, 2010, the Michigan State Administrative Board approved the Michigan Energy Efficiency Grant in the amount of $4.4 million awarded to Energy Works by the MPSC [7]. The MPSC is an agency within the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth. The award is funding Energy Works to administer and expand the Michigan Renewable Schools Program [8]. The term of the grant is January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013. The availability of this funding will allow Energy Works to partner with approximately 90 additional Michigan K-12 schools in Michigan beginning in September 2011.
On April 22, 2009, the MPSC [9] issued an order approving $5.5 million in Michigan energy efficiency grants for all customer classes to three organizations, including Energy Works Michigan, Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker Schools, and Great Lakes Energy Service.
On April 22, 2009, the Michigan State Administrative Board approved the Michigan Energy Efficiency Grant in the amount of $3.5 million awarded to Energy Works, in partnership with Recycle Ann Arbor [10] and the Ecology Center, by the MPSC [11]. The award funded Energy Works to administer the Michigan Renewable Schools Program [12], a 2-year pilot program through May 31, 2011. During the pilot phase of the program, Energy Works partnered with 67 K-12 schools and districts statewide.
The grants are part of the Low-Income and Energy Efficiency Fund (LIEEF) [13], which provides energy bill assistance for low-income customers and promotes the efficient use of energy by all customer classes.