The Michigan Public Service Commission has released preliminary numbers from the 2019 Energy Waste Reduction efforts. It is estimated that 1.5 million megawatt hours of electricity and more than 5 million cubic feet of natural gas were saved with the effort.
Saving energy comes at a cost to the electric companies with nearly $250.7 million estimated to be spent on waste reduction projects. Gas companies spent nearly $96 million.
Since 2008, utility companies are required to implement customer programs that lower energy use and reduce the future cost of service. Energy Waste Reduction programs are meant to “reduce the energy burden, improve health outcomes and strengthen the economic security of low-income customers and communities”, according to the Michigan Public Service Commission.
Examples of Waste Reduction programs target residential lighting; heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC); weatherization; energy education; appliance recycling; and pilot programs.
A link to the full report:
2019 Energy Waste Reduction Report to the Legislature (michigan.gov)
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
