Sign Up Now - Online Training for New Michigan Saves Contractor Portal
Michigan Saves is about to launch a new data reporting and management system. This system will give authorized contractors greater control over submitting forms to Michigan Saves and tracking the project status. Training for the new system will be done online in 1 hour webinar sessions from noon to 1:00 PM.
Click on a link below to sign up for your preferred date. There is limited availability for each session.
February 3: 12 - 1 pm - https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/576895184
February 7: 12 - 1 pm - https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/661467472
February 10: 12 - 1 pm - https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/895695169
Commercial Contractor Training and Orientation Event on December 1st for Detroit Program
What: Program training and recruitment event for commercial energy auditors and installation contractors for Michigan Saves Commercial Program in Detroit
Who: Commercial energy auditors, installation contractors, such as general, electrical, mechanical and plumbing contractors, and commercial refrigeration and kitchen equipment suppliers that have applied previously or are interested in becoming a Michigan Saves authorized contractor for the Detroit commercial program (click here for application packet)
When: December 1, 1–3:30pm
Where: Wayne County Community College - Eastern Campus - 5901 Connor Rd Detroit 48213. (map) Meeting to be held in the Cooper Room
Why:
- Provide customers access to affordable and accessible Michigan Saves financing, including extended terms, low rates, and special incentives for projects that achieve 20 percent savings (0 percent first year plus $1,500 incentive for energy assessment)
- Help to generate and close deals for small to mid-sized energy efficiency projects (from á la carte lighting or equipment replacements to comprehensive retrofit jobs)
- Distinguish your company and services by being on the list of Michigan Saves authorized contractors
Register here. No charge to attend. Light refreshments will be provided.
For questions about the contractor application packet or this event, please contact Todd Parker at registration@michigansaves.org.
Request for Qualifications RE-OPENED: Advanced PLUS Contractors for Michigan Saves Home Mortgage Program
Michigan Saves has re-opened the Request for Qualifications for the Michigan Saves Home Mortgage Program, and will select up to ten additional home performance contractors to participate. The RFQ is open to full service or general contractors ONLY. You must be able to provide all related services, ranging from energy audits to kitchen remodels, in order to be eligible. In addition, the RFQ seeks contractors with a detailed marketing plan for the program and an established network of real estate professionals to generate leads.
The Michigan Saves Home Mortgage Program program provides an affordable, easy approach to include the cost of energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements in a mortgage (new purchase or refinancing) or major renovation loan. It complements the existing unsecured loans through the Home Energy Loan Program. The program is available statewide but is being initially marketed in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Traverse City (DTE Energy’s natural gas service territory.) Applications are due by December 1, 2011.
Please contact Laura James, Michigan Saves Operations Manager, at (517) 484-4954 or ljames@michigansaves.org or Brad Mann with Building Science Energy Services at 517-281-6799, if you have any questions.
Commercial Contractor Training and Recruitment Event on October 13 for Detroit Program
What: Program training and recruitment event for commercial energy auditors and installation contractors for Michigan Saves Commercial Program in Detroit
Who: Commercial energy auditors and installation contractors (such as general, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing contractors) that have applied previously or are interested in applying to become a Michigan Saves authorized contractor for the Detroit commercial program (click here for application packet)
When: October 13, 9 a.m. – Noon Morning session fully subscribed! Afternoon session now open for registration. October 13, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Construction Education Training Facility, 31800 Sherman Rd, Madison Heights (map)
Why:
- Provide customers access to affordable and accessible Michigan Saves financing, including extended terms, low rates, and special incentives for projects that achieve 20 percent savings (0 percent first year plus $1,500 incentive for energy assessment)
- Help generate and close deals for small to mid-sized energy efficiency projects (from á la carte lighting or equipment replacements to comprehensive retrofit jobs)
- Distinguish your company and services by being on the list of Michigan Saves authorized contractors
Register here. No charge to attend. Light refreshments will be provided.
Note: An additional training session will be held in early November. Click here to sign-up for updates.
Real estate professionals: Register now for Events in Grand Rapids and Traverse City
The Home Mortgage Program can help you motivate buyers and move hard-to-sell properties!
The Michigan Saves Home Mortgage Program is partnering with DTE Energy to make incentives available for energy-related home improvements.
- Rebates up to $2,500 are available at closing
- Improvement costs are rolled into the mortgage for very affordable financing
- Energy improvements such as roofing, insulation, and new appliances are eligible
- Non-energy improvements, including for the kitchen or bath, can also be included
Real estate professionals in Grand Rapids and Traverse City and surrounding areas can register now for an informational reception. The reception is free of charge and lunch will be served. Reserve your spot today!
Grand Rapids
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Wednesday, October 12
Grand Rapids Realtor Association
660 Kenmoor Ave.
Register
Traverse City
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Wednesday, October 19
Traverse Area Association of Realtors (TAAR)
852 S. Garfield Ave.
Register
Michigan Saves Recruiting Commercial Energy Auditors and Installation Contractors for Detroit Program
Michigan Saves is seeking to establish a pool of authorized commercial energy auditors and installation contractors, such as general, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing contractors, to implement energy audits and install qualifying energy efficiency improvements in commercial establishments in the city of Detroit that obtain financing through a Michigan Saves pilot program. Interested firms or individuals that specialize in these services for small to mid-sized commercial facilities in the Detroit market are encouraged to submit their qualifications and become an authorized contractor for Michigan Saves. The focus of the program is on the retail food sector (restaurants, grocery stores, and convenience stores). Michigan Saves strongly encourages energy auditors and contractors in Detroit to apply, but all qualified companies are eligible. Click here to obtain application form, minimum qualifications, and instructions.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis; to be considered for the initial list of authorized contractors, responses must be received by September 30, 2011. There is a $25 non-refundable application fee.
Real Estate Professionals: Register Now for August 18, 2011, Michigan Saves Home Mortgage Program Kick-Off Event
The Michigan Saves Home Mortgage Program makes it easy and affordable to package energy-saving improvements with other renovations and can help drive homes sales in the current market. The best time for your clients to make these home improvements is when they are buying a home. Join us in Ann Arbor on August 18, 2011, for a kick-off event for real estate professionals.
Why attend?
- Drive home sales and client satisfaction through this program
- Turn REOs, short sales, and other distressed properties into client’s dream home
- Learn about special utility rebates and incentives to help new homeowners save big on energy saving improvements
Refreshments and snacks will be provided. Event is free of charge.
When: August 18th 1–4 PM
Where: Builders & Remodelers Association of Greater Ann Arbor
179 Little Lake Drive (Lower Level), Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Reservation: Click here to reserve your spot.
For more information, contact: MortgageLoans@michigansaves.org
RFP for Market Research for Michigan Saves Commercial Energy Loan Program
(CLOSED) Michigan Saves is developing a statewide program for businesses to finance energy efficiency improvements. To support this effort, Michigan Saves is seeking to hire a consultant to conduct market research to identify barriers and opportunities for financing energy efficiency improvements, primarily in the retail food sector. The research will be used to inform the design, delivery, and marketing strategies of the program. The scope of the research is statewide, but the findings should be disaggregated by appropriately defined subregions, as determined by the consultant in coordination with Michigan Saves. The deadline for response is 5:00 PM on Monday, July 25, 2011. Please see the RFP for details.
RFP for Marketing and Customer Support for Michigan Saves Commercial Energy Loan Pilot Project in Detroit
(CLOSED) Michigan Saves is seeking to hire an entity or team to: (1) develop and implement innovative, effective marketing strategies to recruit businesses to take advantage of the pilot project; (2) help potential borrowers navigate through various programs and processes (toward this goal of closing loans to implement energy efficiency improvements); and (3) help recruit contractors/trades (energy auditors, electrical and mechanical contractors, and builders) to become authorized by Michigan Saves, with an emphasis on contractors located in and/or serving Detroit. The deadline for response is 5:00 PM on Monday, July 18, 2011. Please see the RFP for details.
RFP for BetterBuildings for Michigan Contractor Training Consultant
(CLOSED) The purpose of this request for proposal (RFP) is to solicit contractor and outreach training services for the BetterBuildings for Michigan program. The goal of this training is to increase uptake in additional energy efficiency upgrades as a percentage of energy assessments. Proposals must be received by July 18, 2011. Click here for more information.
Request for Qualifications: Advanced PLUS Contractors for Michigan Saves Home Mortgage Program
(CLOSED) Michigan Saves is seeking applications to select up to ten qualified home performance contractors to participate in the initial rollout of the Michigan Saves Home Mortgage Program. This program provides an affordable, easy approach to include the cost of energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements in a mortgage (new purchase or refinancing) or major renovation loan. It complements the existing unsecured loans through the Home Energy Loan Program.
The program will be available statewide but will be launched during the summer of 2011 in one or more pilot areas, expected to be in southeast Michigan (including Ann Arbor) and the Grand Rapids area. Other targeted areas for initial rollout may include Lansing, Northwest Michigan (Traverse City area), Kalamazoo, and Saginaw. Click here for the request for qualifications (RFQ). To be considered, interested contractors must complete the application in the RFQ on or before July 15, 2011. Early applications are encouraged. Additional opportunities may exist to expand the pool of contractors after the program is launched.
Please contact Laura James, Michigan Saves Operations Manager, at (517) 484-4954 or ljames@michigansaves.org or Brad Mann with Building Science Energy Services at 517-281-6799, if you have any questions.
Loan Cap Increased to $20,000 for Home Energy Loan Program
As of June 1, eligible homeowners in all areas of the state have access to maximum loan amount of $20,000 through the
Home Energy Loan Program. The increased amount makes deeper energy retrofits even easier for homeowners. Higher-cost items such as solar PV panels are also more accessible thanks to the increased loan cap. The $20,000 is being provided by seven participating lenders: Central Macomb Community Credit Union, Consumers Credit Union, Financial Plus Federal Credit Union, Genisys Credit Union, LAFCU, Lake Trust Credit Union, Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union, MSU Federal Credit Union, and U.P. State Credit Union.
Press Release
2010 in Review—Michigan Saves Highlights
It has been a big year for Michigan Saves. The nonprofit organization was given 501(c)(3) status, received major grant awards, and launched several programs and pilot projects. As 2010 comes to an end, the Michigan Saves team wants to highlight some of the organization’s accomplishments that will lay the groundwork for a busy and successful 2011.
Home Energy Loan Program Launches in 36 Counties
Michigan Saves officially launched the Home Energy Loan Program on September 16, 2010. Hundreds of stakeholders contributed to the year-long process of developing a home financing program that will accomplish the Michigan Saves goals of promoting investments in energy efficiency technology and helping consumers save money on energy bills. Since the launch in September, 72 loans have been approved, averaging $6,500 per loan, and 95 contractors are trained and authorized to offer the program to their customers. Our four participating credit unions currently serve 36 of the 83 counties in Michigan.
Statewide Coverage Planned for Early 2011
Thanks to the support of the Michigan Credit Union League and participation of several credit unions around the state, Michigan Saves will be able to expand coverage to the entire state in early 2011. We will send additional updates as details are finalized.
Contractor enrollment continues, so contractors who haven’t yet signed up can still do so. Visit www.michigansaves.org for more information on information sessions and trainings.
25 Percent of DTE Pilot Program Customers Use Michigan Saves Financing
The DTE Energy Whole Home Pilot concluded on November 30, 2010. This program offered DTE customers rebates scaled according to their estimated energy savings, as well as the Michigan Saves Home Energy Loan to finance the remainder of the cost. The pilot, intended to serve 100 homes over six months, actually served 106 homes over five months. One out of four homeowners took out a Michigan Saves loan, and those using the financing invested 26 percent more than those who did not, showing how effective a financing program can be in jump-starting the energy efficiency home-remodeling industry in Michigan. Average loan size for the pilot program was $7,767.
Michigan Saves Commercial Energy Loans in Detroit Now Available
Michigan Saves teamed up with Enterprise Detroit to offer Detroit businesses and nonprofit organizations affordable, low-interest loans up to $150,000 to make energy efficiency upgrades. These loans are available as part of a pilot program to businesses and nonprofits participating in DTE Energy’s Your Energy Savings programs. Enterprise Detroit will walk you through the loan process. Click here to learn more.
Governor Granholm and Other Officials Attend BetterBuildings for Michigan Kick-Off Event in Ferndale
The BetterBuildings for Michigan program has launched. This three-year, $30M program supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) uses a community approach to deliver energy efficiency improvements for homes and businesses by providing access to incentives and affordable loans. The program was developed by several organizations including the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG); Michigan Saves; the City of Grand Rapids; the Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit; and the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office.
On December 9, Governor Granholm joined the mayor of Ferndale and others to officially kick off the program. The first neighborhood “sweep” is now under way in Ferndale and there are plans for 26 more sweeps in communities around the state over the two years. For more information about the program, see www.betterbuildingsformichigan.org.
Coming in 2011
We have a lot planned for Michigan Saves in the coming year. With the addition of new lender partners, the Home Energy Loan Program will be able to expand to statewide coverage. The commercial program will also expand thanks to a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. BetterBuildings will implement sweeps in 15 neighborhoods across the state, and will begin to incorporate special assistance for low-income families through a grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission. Michigan Saves will look at the performance of financing for residential-scale renewables through pilot programs for geothermal and other technologies. In addition, Michigan Saves will be expanding the board of directors in preparation for independent management beginning October 1, 2011, when the original grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission expires.
Michigan Saves featured by Glenn Haege
November 19, 2010 – Michigan Saves appeared in the Detroit News today as the feature of an opinion column from Glenn Haege. Glenn will be interviewing Michigan Saves program director Jeff Williams between noon and 2:00 PM Sunday Nov. 28 on his“Handyman Show” on WJR-AM (760).
Building Science Energy Services Selected as Quality Assurance Provider
November 2010 — Michigan Saves has signed an agreement with Building Science Energy Services (BSES) to provide quality assurance review for all projects financed by the Michigan Saves Home Energy Loan Program. BSES was selected from a pool of seven bids submitted in response to a request for proposals issued by Michigan Saves. The BSES proposal laid out a detailed framework for providing thorough quality assurance, including contractor mentoring, in an economical and flexible manner across the state.
BSES staff have experience as contractors, auditors and trainers, bringing a depth and breadth of energy efficiency and building science expertise to the program. BSES specializes in providing field mentoring and hands on experience, outreach programs to contractors, train the trainer programs, quality assurance, sales generation and other services to help contractors develop their technical and business skills. For Michigan Saves, BSES will provide technical review of project work plans and site inspections on a sample of projects.
Specific quality assurance protocols for Michigan Saves, which will include paperwork checks, technical file review, and site visits for a sample of completed projects, are nearly complete. Once the protocols are in place, Michigan Saves will begin outreach to inform our contractor network about the quality assurance process.
Business Loans Now Available in Detroit
November 2010 — Michigan Saves has teamed up with Enterprise Detroit to offer Detroit businesses and nonprofit organizations affordable, low-interest loans to make energy efficiency upgrades. These loans are available as part of a pilot program to businesses and nonprofit organizations participating in select Your Energy Savingssm programs offered by DTE Energy. Click here for more information.
Contractor Enrollment Open
Michigan Saves is now enrolling energy auditors and installation contractors for the Michigan Saves Home Energy Loan Program, which makes energy improvements easy and affordable. Sign up now!
Who: Michigan Saves is looking for energy auditors and installation contractors to participate in the Michigan Saves Home Energy Loan Program.
What: Contractor enrollment and training for Michigan Saves Home Energy Loan Program.
When: Contractor enrollment is now open (click here to get started). After application is approved, contractors must attend a half-day training session, available on a rolling basis.
Where: The Michigan Saves Home Energy Loan Program is available statewide.
Click here for training schedule (you must have approved application to attend) and periodic information sessions to learn more about the program and enrollment process.
Questions? Contact Todd Parker with Michigan Saves at (517) 484-6474 , or send an e-mail to registration@michigansaves.org.