# Aggressive Energy Efficiency Programs Could Save Michiganders a Cool $13 Billion

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/07/aggressive-energy-efficiency-programs-could-save-michiganders-a-cool-13-billion/
- Published: 2019-07-30T17:28:47-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

_[By: Ariana Gonzalez](https://web.archive.org/web/20151218031445/http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/agonzalez/)_

Aggressive energy efficiency programs, Michigan homes, businesses, and industries
could save nearly $7 billion on their electricity and [natural gas](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/09/natural-gas-spends-big-dollars-to-convince-people-of-the-benefits-of-fracking/)
bills. That’s over the next five years. As well as a whopping $13 billion over the
next decade. More noteworthy, this was even said in 2014.

So by taking advantage of cost-effective, energy-saving opportunities analysts say.

That’s huge. In fact, it translates to $1,315 in savings over the next 10 years.
All for every man, woman, and child in the Great Lakes State. What’s more, Michigan
utility customers would save $2.55 for every $1 invested. Then in their many energy
efficiency options. That’s better than a 2-to-1 return!

#### **ENERGY EFFICIENCY’S POTENTIAL**

The analysis performed by GDS Associates found that Michiganders run their homes
and businesses using nearly 40 percent less electricity. All by using aggressive
energy efficiency programs; thereby making improvements to their building’s performance
through upgrades. That’s in areas like lighting, heating, cooling, insulation, and
windows.heating, cooling, insulation, and windows.

i mean look here

[Since](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/08/energy-efficiency-programs-save-uc-21-million-per-year/)
January 2009, the 10 UC campuses have initiated some 400 projects to improve the
efficiency of buildings, in some cases using technology developed by UC researchers.
Their goal: Cut energy use, costs and emissions to year 2000 levels by 2014.
 Lighting
controls are part of the green lighting equation. The results so far have saved 
campuses more than $21 million annually compared to what they otherwise would have
paid for energy. For a system that uses about 250 megawatts of power a year, about
the same as a medium size city, the impact of all the discrete fixes adds up.

#### ![Aggressive energy efficiency programs could save michiganders a cool  billion](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/weatherizing-thumb-342x480-13325-thumb-342x480-13326-e1564521458442.jpg?resize=142%2C199&quality=52&ssl=1 "Weatherizing-thumb-342x480-13325-thumb-342x480-13326 - The Green Living Guy")

When that technical potential was narrowed to take into account real-world barriers
things happened. I mean you need to embrace cost-effective energy efficiency measures
to get savings over the next 10 years. market penetration is essential. Finally 
the researchers concluded that lowering electricity use by 17% would be achievable.
It will save customers $2.55 for every dollar spent on energy efficiency programs.
The benefits for customers add up to $13 billion.

[For the entire Story from the Natural Resources Defense Council](https://web.archive.org/web/20150906042220/http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/agonzalez/aggressive_energy_efficiency_p.html)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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