Untitled Document
What’s New
On April 6, Governor Granholm issued a Directive calling for the creation of a 21st Century Energy Plan that focuses on providing Michigan with “reliable, safe, clean, and affordable energy.” Since then, PIRGIM has worked diligently with other energy advocates at the Michigan Public Service Commission to make sure that energy efficiency programs are the foundation for the plan. Energy efficiency programs are proven to be the cheapest, cleanest, and safest resource can save energy at less than half of the cost of energy from a new power plant. The final report and recommendations are expected to be released in January.
This summer, PIRGIM and other coalition partners proposed a visionary and effective energy plan for Michigan to Governor Granholm and the Michigan Public Service Commission in this Letter.
How You Can Help:
Sign a petition to support gas mileage standards.
Brief Summary
With skyrocketing energy prices, increased reliance on foreign and out-of-state oil and natural gas, and increasing environmental destruction caused by our current energy path, the time is now to stop wasting energy in Michigan. Michigan’s current energy path is supported by the coal, utility, and other industries whose leaders mistakenly believe that the solution to our energy problems is more dirty power plants. These special interests have blocked meaningful policy changes and have been successful in securing huge subsidies for the fossil fuel industries long after they should have been able to compete without them.
Meanwhile, they have created and maintained barriers to prevent Michigan from using less energy. Yet, surveys repeatedly show strong support among Michiganders for energy efficiency, renewable energy and for decreasing our reliance on out-of-state fossil fuels. More.
On March 15, PIRGIM released a report showing that by passing energy-saving appliance standards, Michigan’s Consumers would save over $2.5 billion. Read the press release.
On March 7, PIRGIM Director Mike Shriberg testified before the Michigan Public Service Commission about the need to restart Michigan’s energy efficiency programs. Read PIRGIM's statement.
Learn about PIRGIM's work with the Energy Star Program.
Additional Resources:
Read Our Report, Responding To Michigan ’s Energy Crisis
The 21st Century Energy Plan
Energy Office of Michigan
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Appliance Awareness Standards Project
Urban Options
