GLIN==> Local Energy Efficiency Program Helps South Marquette Residents Save Money

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7, 2011

Contact:  Natasha Koss
906-228-6095
natasha at superiorwatersheds.org

City of Marquette and the Superior Watershed Partnership Launch Energy Saving Program for South Marquette Residents

MARQUETTE - South Marquette is the location of an exciting new program offering homeowners significant opportunities to save money on their energy bills.

The program, BetterBuildings for Michigan, is a partnership between the City of Marquette and the Superior Watershed Partnership.  The program launched first in south Marquette with all the residents south of Highway US 41.  Next year, a designated neighborhood in north Marquette will be able to take advantage of the program.

It starts with a comprehensive home energy assessment. Homeowners who choose to participate in the program can pay $25 and in return receive up to $700 worth of value via a home energy assessment and basic home improvements including a blower door test, the installation of compact fluorescent light bulbs, faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads, pipe wrap, and a programmable thermostat.

Additionally, homeowners who commit to more extensive energy efficiency improvements as part of the BetterBuildings for Michigan program in south Marquette can qualify for zero percent APR interest loans up to $20,000.00 through the Michigan SAVES Home Energy Loan program.  A number of rebates are also available.  Eligible homeowners can receive up to $3,000 in incentives (not to exceed 50% of the total costs of the improvement).

The program, which launched October 19, is part of a statewide effort to save homeowners in Michigan money on their energy bills while increasing the comfort of people’s homes.  Furthermore it is designed to help create and sustain jobs in the field of energy efficiency.

Bob O’Neill received an assessment on his property on Division Street.  His praise of the program will encourage others to call and sign up.  “This is a great opportunity you won’t get anywhere else,” said O’Neill.  “Most of the time these kinds of things are too good to be true; this time that’s not the case.”

South Marquette resident Karen Schmidt applauded the program and the contractors.  “The contractor for my home assessment was extremely knowledgeable about home construction, the science of energy transfer, heating and electrical, and the latest in energy efficient products and rebates through the BetterBuildings for Michigan Program,” exclaimed Schmidt.  Schmidt said she plans to take advantage of the program and make additional energy improvements once she sees the final report.

Home energy assessments will be performed by Michigan Energy Options and Home Evaluation Services, both from Marquette. The two weatherization specialists have more than 30 years of experience in the business and have assessed and weatherized hundreds of homes in the region.

Statistics already show that homeowners who take significant steps in weatherizing their homes can save up to 44 percent on their energy bills, and homeowners in the neighborhoods targeted by the program are already signing up.

“Because this is a state program (through the Michigan Energy Office) offered with federal dollars, these are Marquette residents’ tax dollars coming back to them,” explained Program Manager, Natasha Koss.  “It’s a great opportunity not to pass up.”  Between grant funding, rebates, and technical assistance, the BetterBuildings for Michigan Program in Marquette is valued at over $1 million.

If you live in the South Marquette region south of US Highway 41 and want to participate in the program, you can do so by calling the Superior Watershed Partnership office at 906-228-6095 or online at www.marquettebbfm.org<http://www.marquettebbfm.org/>.

The program is a limited time offer and will run until 1/31/12 or until funding runs out.

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Natasha Koss, CFRM
Program Manager
Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Trust
Lake Superior ● Lake Michigan ● Lake Huron
2 Peter White Drive
Presque Isle Park
Marquette, Michigan 49855
Phone: (906) 228-6095 Ext. 14
Fax: (906) 228-6863
Website: www.superiorwatersheds.org<http://www.superiorwatersheds.org/>

[cid:image001.jpg at 01CC9D43.8E8767B0]

The mission of the Superior Watershed Partnership is to protect and improve the natural resources of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on a watershed basis; by promoting responsible individual and community actions that ensure a sustainable environment, encourage a sustainable economy and help improve quality of life.

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P Please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to.


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