Kaufman in the News
Consumers Energy Efficiency Program
September 22, 2015
"Michigan Interfaith Power & Light (Michigan IPL) is the
leading faith-based nonprofit organization in Michigan. We have
nearly 300 houses of worship that are members from 24 different
denominations. We have been given a grant by Consumers Energy to
perform energy efficiency work on 95 houses of worship in the Grand
Rapids, Kalamazoo and Lansing areas - the houses of worship must be
Consumers customers. We have done similar projects for DTE Energy in
Detroit, and CLEAResult in the UP and Western Michigan.
The program includes the following:
- A professional audit (walk through)
- Determining main areas of energy loss
- Hiring a contractor to address these areas
- Making energy efficiency improvements at the house of worship, including installing new lighting and light fixtures, thermostats, aerators, LED exit signs, etc.
In total, this represents a $2,000 to $3,000 investment in each
House of Worship. The cost to you is ZERO. Consumers Energy is paying
the total cost of this project. What is the catch? None.
Every religion promotes Stewardship of the Earth. How can you
be a good Steward of the Earth if your own building is highly inefficient?
Once you decide to sign up, send the following information by
replying to this email:
- Name of house of worship
- Address of house of worship
- Contact person name
- Contact person phone
- Contact person email
- Consumers account number
One of our favorite examples of how effective energy efficiency can be comes from Pilgrim Baptist Church in Detroit. Pilgrim is a hub for food distribution to low-income people and, because of the financial struggles of its members, the church's future was in jeopardy. Then the ministers signed up for an energy-efficiency program run by Michigan IPL and DTE. The reduction in their utility bills made it possible for the church to stay open and continue to do its vital work in the community. I love this story because it is such a win-win: the church saves money on utilities, which means it has more money for doing important community ministry. That is the kind of result that Michigan IPL is working to achieve across the state and we hope your congregation will join us in this effort."
Cathy Marshall,
[email protected]
Deputy Director
Michigan Interfaith Power & Light