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2015: The Year for Energy Efficiency?
Energy Efficiency Provides Solutions
At the MEECA Meet & Greet held on January 14th, 2015 in the R.E.Olds Transportation Museum, we ran down our ranking of energy issues
that will get the most attention in this year's energy policy discussions -- energy efficiency comes in a sobering fifth.
MEECA's members know that energy efficiency should be first! Because we know that expanding deployment of energy efficiency is a solution to the energy issues we see legislators and
stakeholders focusing on.
MEECA's ranking of energy issues and solutions provided by energy efficiency are:
1. EPA Clean Power Plan
The least
costly, most beneficial building block available to utilities for compliance with the proposed Clean Power Plan is expansion of
our energy efficiency programs.
2. System Generation Capacity
Concern expressed about forecasted generation shortfall can be alleviated by lowering the base-load and flattening peak demand, both of which are best accomplished by expanding energy
efficiency.
3. Customer Utility Choice
There is no question that cost-recovery of building and maintaining electric generation assets is a significant concern for Michigan's utility companies. Michigan's Energy Optimization programs
have proven to successfully delay investment into new generation. Expanding energy efficiency is a way to further protect rate-payers from shouldering investment into what could otherwise be
unnecessary generation.
4. Renewable Energy
Why build any unnecessary electric generation, including that from renewable sources? Expanded energy efficiency deployment will minimize the amount of investment into utility-scale renewable energy.
5. Energy Efficiency
By focusing on eliminating energy waste and expanding energy efficiency throughout Michigan, the policy discussions that are just now coming to a head would be more focused on rate-payers and helping
them better manage their energy consumption.
MEECA will continue to work hard to see that Michigan's 98th Legislature, policy makers and stakeholders put energy efficiency first in the loading order. Doing so would move us towards the
goal of eliminating energy waste and can certainly make 2015 the Year for Energy Efficiency.
 Sincerely,
Brindley Byrd
Executive Director
brindley@meeca.info
517-203-9180
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Powering the New Middle Class
Energy Efficiency is the Biggest Energy Sub-sector
During the 2015 State of the State, Governor Rick Snyder reiterated his call to improve education and training for the skilled trades. He intends to fulfill his commitment to the Skilled Trades Training Fund (STTF) in the 2016 fiscal year
when registration for employers to receive STTF funding opens again in October.
Michigan's energy efficiency industry is powering the new middle class by employing more workers than any other Energy Cluster sub-sector. The Workforce Development Agency (WDA) identifies four
sub-sectors in what is called the Energy Cluster:
1. Energy Efficiency
2. Utilities
3. Alternative and Renewable Energy
4. Oil and Gas Exploration, Extraction, Wholesaling.
Of these, Energy Efficiency employs over 46,000 (55%) of the 84,000 Energy Cluster workerforce.
MEECA will make sure the Governor and newly formed Workforce and Talent Development Committee, chaired by Rep. Joel Johnson understand the role the energy efficiency workforce plays in securing
Michigan's energy future.
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Make Plans to Attend the 2015 Michigan C&I Energy Conferences
Two Great Events. One Great State.
- Network one-on-one with energy efficiency experts
- Develop an energy efficiency strategy
- Attend informative breakout sessions
- Understand rebate and financing options
- Attend for FREE
Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities start at $150.
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MEECA Membership Continues to Grow
Powered by the Strength of 75 Members
During January, MEECA gained three new members who want to see that Michigan has the most robust energy efficiency industry in the nation.
- Lean & Green Michigan -- An Institutional Member
providing support for PACE financing.
- GreeningDetroit.com -- An Institutional Member
providing support to the energy efficiency industry through their web-based communication platform.
- Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation (WECC) -- An
Institutional Member providing utility program support services.
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MEECA Keeping PACE in Michigan
Register TODAY for PACE Training
MEECA has partnered with Lean and Green Michigan to provide a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) contractor
training on March 11, 2015 in Williamston, Michigan from 10am to 2pm.
Attendees will receive live training on how to maximize the benefits of Lean & Green PACE financing for their business, a light breakfast, a PACE training manual (electronic and paper), and
marketing materials that can be used to incorporate PACE financing in project proposals.
The cost of the training is $125 for MEECA members or $150 per person for non-MEECA members.
These payments can be made via Paypal. For non-MEECA members, the $150 Lean & Green Michigan registration fee can be applied toward becoming a MEECA member.
Training Details:
Lean & Green Michigan and MEECA Training
Wednesday, March 11, 2015, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Keller Plaza - Energy Cafe
120 East Grand River
Williamston, MI
*Please note: This venue is located in downtown Williamston on the southeast corner of Putnam and Grand River. Google Maps will take you to the wrong location if you only search for "120 E. Grand
River."
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Director Zimmer Supports Adoption of the 2015 International Residential Code
Chapter 11 -- Energy Efficiency Not Part of Recommendation
Late last year, Michigan's Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) convened a public meeting to hear comments as to why Michigan should adopt the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC).
MEECA's executive director, Brindley Byrd made a statement recommending adoption of the 2015 IRC as Michigan's next model residential code. Citing that increased energy performance ensures the health
of occupants. Read full statement here.
On January 16, 2015, Mike Zimmer, the newly appointed director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs stated in a letter to BCC that, "I believe the final recommended draft of the
Residential Code rules should be updated to include the 2015 of the IRC..."
Had his recommendation ended here, MEECA and the many advocates wanting to see the elimination of energy waste in the new construction industry would have been very pleased.
Click here to read more...
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The Voice For Michigan's Energy Efficiency Contractors
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