
Polar Vortex Strains Utility Systems
This edition of the monthly newsletter comes during an unusally cold period for the Midwest. As reported in the Detroit Free Press this week, the current bout of frigid temperatures had utility companies and Gov. Whitmer calling on gas and electricity customers to dial back their energy consumption. Check out the full story here.
MEECA’s 5th Annual Banquet & Awards Celebration
March 6th is not that far away. Dont’ forget to sign up for the EE industry’s premier networking event of the year! Click here to learn more about registration and sponsorship opportunities.
EE in the News

Building Operator Certification Training
The Michigan Energy Office is offering a $400 discount to public and nonprofit building operators who attend building operator certification (BOC) classes this year. In addition to MEO’s discount, participants may also be eligible for utility rebates and a veteran’s discount. The BOC Level 1 class will be held in Kalamazoo starting in March, in Flint starting in May, and in Escanaba starting in July. Register here for the Level 1 courses and/or the supplemental courses. The BOC Level 2 class will be held starting in September at the Consumers Energy Training Center in Okemos. Register here for Level 2. People interested in the MEO and other discounts should email Karin Gredvig at kgredvig@mwalliance.org. More information on the BOC program is available at http://boccentral.org/.
PACE Continues to Expand in Michigan
Jackson and Emmet Counties have joined the growing ranks of Michigan jurisdictions that have adopted Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing. In related news, MEECA member Levin Energy Partners has been entirely rebranded to Lean & Green Michigan with the departure of founder Andy Levin to serve in the U.S. Congress. Bali Kumar recently assumed the role of CEO at Lean & Green Michigan.
Utility Leader named as Crain’s Newsmaker
Consumers Energy CEO Patti Poppe was selected as a Crain’s Detroit Business “newsmaker of the year” for her leadership on clean energy issues. Visit this link for more about Ms. Poppe’s selection.
EIA Natural Gas Forecast
The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects relatively flat natural gas prices, continued record production through 2020. See the full write-up in EIA’s January 2019 Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO).
New Report Highlights Exemplary Utility EE Programs
ACEEE’s new report “The Leaders of the Pack” is the organization’s fourth national review of EE programs. It highlights 53 models worthy of emulation in 14 program categories. To see which programs from Michigan made the cut, click here.
Fun factoids from the American Energy Society
* Globally, PC gamers use about 75 billion kWh of electricity each year, equivalent to the output of 25 electric power plants.
* During the winter months, about 40 percent of US households set their thermostats at 70 degrees and leave it unchanged.
House Re-Imagined
MEECA board member Doug Elbinger with Newman Consulting Group LLC recently published a piece on updates on the market for manufactured, modular, passive homes. He features an 800 square foot modulTWO home from the startup company PassivDom that can be sited anywhere and is completely autonomous. Doug’s article is available here.
It’s time for the nation to amplify its energy efficiency efforts
Edward Rightor, retired director of Strategic Projects at The Dow Chemical Co., is calling for the US to ramp up EE efforts. Read his recent op-ed in the Midland Daily News.
Public Policy Corner
House and Senate Energy Committees Announced
Assignments to the Michigan House Energy Committee and Senate Energy & Technology Committee were recently announced. For complete membership lists of all standing committees, visit this link for the House and this link for the Senate. MEECA looks forward to working with all of the committee members to strengthen Michigan’s energy efficiency industry.
Interview with Michigan’s Top Utility Regulator
MPSC Chair Sally Talberg spoke with Andy Balaskovitz of Midwest Energy News about the ongoing transition of Michigan’s energy system. Talberg, who received MEECA’s Public Servant of the Year award in 2017, concluded, “Its an exciting time. The pace of change is pretty remarkable with the cost reductions we’re seeing in renewable energy and other technologies.” To read the full interview, click here.
A Tale of Two Governors (who both supported energy efficiency)
MEECA member Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance reports on outgoing Governors Snyder (Michigan) and Dayton (Minnesota) to highlight the broad political appeal of energy efficiency in the Midwest. The full blog can be found at this website.
Welcome to our Newest Members!

Quality, pride in workmanship, supplying superior service to meet your needs. These are all traditions that date back to 1879 when James DeForest Candler founded his roofing company. They are traditions that remain foremost in the products and services that we provide in our second century of business.
Today, J.D. Candler Roofing Company is a multifaceted organization specializing in complete installation and roof asset life cycle management of industrial, commercial and institutional roofing systems.

International Radiant & Mechanical Systems, the leading supplier of heating and ventilation equipment in metro Detroit has years of experience and success in tackling the most difficult heating and ventilation projects. Our staff ensures our customers receive the best service possible. The loyalty of our customers, vendors and employees contributes to our growth and future capabilities.