Fourteen Michigan communities receive grants for advanced lighting technology

Advanced lighting can save a city a lot of money thanks to lower costs to operate them and less maintenance needed on them--the only problem is, advanced lighting tends to be a tad bit expensive.

Thankfully for 14 Michigan communities the Michigan Economic Development Corporation recognizes that fact. To help offset their costs for installing new, more efficient lighting, over $1 million in grants were recently handed out.

The Advanced Lighting Technology Demonstration Grants were awarded from the Michigan Energy Office through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) for projects that create and retain jobs, save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"The energy and cost savings benefits, plus the maintenance savings due to the longer life of the lamps, are impressive with the newer technology lighting that's now available," says Michael Finney, MEDC president. "These benefits are more important than ever to local governments in reducing operating expenses. In addition, manufacturing of advanced lighting technologies is a growing industry in Michigan and has the potential to create a new source of jobs and investment for local and state economies."

Local units of government were invited to apply for the funding if they were willing to demonstrate the benefits of advanced commercial lighting technologies, especially if manufactured in Michigan, in their facilities. These lighting technologies include: Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), also known as Solid State Lighting; induction lighting; and plasma lighting, also known as High Efficient Plasma Lighting (HEP). Eligible projects for funding were ones that replace or retrofit existing lighting fixtures.

The Michigan Energy Office will require that funded grantees regularly collect, track, and report metrics data related to energy savings, cost savings, jobs created and/or saved, and emissions reductions.

The 14 Advanced Lighting Technology Demonstration Grant winners are: City of Wyandotte ($100,000); Village of Mackinaw City ($100,000); City of Mt. Pleasant ($99,743); City of Roseville ($81,074); City of Hazel Park ($50,150); City of Farmington Hills ($81,405); City of Houghton ($38,000); City of Bay City ($75,600); Clinton County ($87,121); City of Wayland ($100,000); City of Frankenmuth ($76,656); City of Iron River ($31,680); City of Detroit ($100,000); and Grand Traverse County ($45,000).

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Michael Finney, MEDC