Deadline nears to participate in Sturgis Saves program

There’s still time to participate in the Sturgis Saves program, but it’s rapidly running out. The program provides incentives and improvements that encourage energy efficiency, lower utility bills and more comfortable living spaces.

The City of Sturgis, the St. Joseph County Economic Development Corporation and Building Science Energy Services are working together to bring to Sturgis — and now the surrounding area — the program offered by BetterBuildings for Michigan.

The program initially offered for city residents has been expanded to include residents in townships surrounding Sturgis. (Please see the map for information on the new boundaries of the program.)

Participating homeowners will receive Home Energy Check-up and a variety of energy saving improvements such as a programmable thermostat, a low-flow showerhead and pipe wrap, among others.  

Through Michigan Saves, Sturgis and now area township residents may be eligible for zero percent annual percentage rate loans to help complete energy related home improvements, such as insulation, air sealing, windows, heating and cooling system upgrades.

There also are options for additional rebates based on the amount of energy saved with home improvements that can be detailed for homeowners.

Funding through the program is available until July 31. To sign up, call 877-851-0737 or go here and click on the assessment registration button.

Anyone who wants to improve their home’s energy efficiency, lower their utility bills or create a more comfortable living space through energy improvements can benefit from the program, says Megan Atkinson of Building Science Energy Services.

“We’ve had many requests throughout the duration of the program to offer this to residents in the surrounding townships,” Atkinson says. Now thanks to the decision by the Sturgis Board of Commissioners, those requests can be granted.

The program is supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and developed by the Michigan Energy Office, among others.

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media
Source:  Megan Atkinson, Building Science Energy Services