BetterBuildings for Michigan

In January of 2010, the BetterBuildings for Michigan initiative was created with a grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help jump-start the process of helping American homeowners become more energy efficient. BetterBuildings for Michigan is a program that uses a community approach to deliver energy efficiency improvements for homes by providing homeowners with access to incentives and affordable loans. The BetterBuildings for Michigan initiative provides basic services, incentives and upgrades that improve home energy performance, lower utility bills and make living spaces more comfortable.

DeWitt and Bath Townships have partnered with BetterBuildings for Michigan and Michigan Energy Options to give homeowners the opportunity to save money and make their homes healthier through a Home Energy Assessment and matched utility rebates and incentives.

The initiative provides a Home Energy Assessment by a local certified energy contractor, as well as the direct installation of energy-saving equipment such as new thermostats, low-flow showerheads and light bulbs. Altogether, the services and equipment provided during the assessment are valued at up to $1,000, and BetterBuildings for Michigan asks homeowners to invest a one-time $50 co-pay to take advantage of the program.

In Bath, the program is administered through a partnership of Michigan Energy Options, Bath Township, the Bath School District and the Michigan Energy Office. The partners aspire to improve energy efficiency and slash utility costs for homeowners within the district and township in 2012. Since the program's inception in DeWitt Township, over 100 households have participated and are taking the first steps toward saving money and helping Michigan become more energy independent.

For more information and an in-depth look at the program, click on dewittbbfm.org or bathbbfm.org.