"Michigan is powered by its small businesses, and we are pleased to help so many of them realize savings that put people to work," said Lauren Youngdahl Snyder, Consumers Energy's vice president of customer experience. "From grocery stores to nonprofits to restaurants, these Michigan small businesses save over $21 million each year through energy efficiency upgrades."
Consumers Energy's Small Business Energy Efficiency Program provides financial benefits to customers who voluntarily participate. Small businesses receive free assessments identifying ways to reduce energy use and are directed toward rebates for upgrades that reduce their energy use.
Since 2009 when the program began small businesses have received over $35 million in incentives from Consumers Energy. This year is expected to be the program's busiest yet. Over 50 trained electrical contractors, employing hundreds of Michigan workers, participate in the program.
Degage Ministries in Grand Rapids was the program's 10,000th participant, retrofitting over 300 light fixtures and installing 700 LED light bulbs through its facility this year. The nonprofit ministry, which provides shelter and other services for homeless people, will reduce its energy costs by an estimated $5,800 each year.
"We are so thankful for Consumers Energy's Small Business Energy Efficiency Program! Consumers Energy and the contractor they choose were amazing to work with. The changes have had a positive impact on our patrons who use our services daily," said Executive Director Marge Palmerlee.
"Not only does the environment feel safer and brighter, but the energy efficient lighting has proven to be cost efficient. The money that we are saving on light costs will go toward meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in our community."
For more go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com
Photo courtesy of Consumers Energy
