In the last year, the
Great Lakes Bay Economic Development Partnership has been working on several programs that help residents and businesses locally make energy efficiency improvements or use solar energy systems.
Some of those projects are now coming to fruition in the areas covered, which are Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland and Saginaw counties.
The Solar Ready Communities initiative has been working to address barriers that exist to municipalities adopting solar energy systems. Permitting, planning and zoning improvements are underway with the help of the Clean Energy Coalition in four pilot communities: Midland, Saginaw, Thomas Township and Williams Township. Other communities will have recommendations available as of September.
Another initiative is aggregate solar purchasing, which allows commercial property owners to lower their costs on solar energy with bulk purchasing.
The EDC is currently recruiting commercial, industrial or nonprofit property owners to enter the purchasing program, with installations to be completed by the end of 2013. Small to medium solar energy systems will be purchased in bulk, reducing their energy costs long-term with support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Finally, a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) district program will be available in Great Lakes Bay communities soon, which helps provide financing for energy efficiency improvements through a loan model that's had success in other Michigan communities. One PACE district is already moving forward in Saginaw County.
Some of the organizations participating include the Arenac County EDC, Midland Tomorrow, and Saginaw Future.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Saginaw Future
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