Collaboration for Energy Upgrades
Consumers Energy, in collaboration with Manistee County Habitat for Humanity and a local developer, has equipped an affordable housing complex in Onekama with free energy efficiency upgrades. The initiative aims to reduce long-term costs for both residents and property managers, ensuring accessibility for years to come. This partnership provides a model for future collaborations across Michigan to address the critical need for affordable housing while advancing clean energy goals.
Lauren Snyder, vice president of customer experience for Consumers Energy, emphasized the importance of clean energy, highlighting its environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness for customers. Vanessa Buhs, Executive Director of Manistee County Habitat for Humanity, stressed the significance of energy-efficient utilities in sustaining affordable housing.
The 8-unit complex, renovated by owner Alex Zyskowski, received energy-efficient appliances and upgrades such as refrigerators, water heaters, mini-splits, air sealing, and attic insulation. These enhancements not only save energy and money for residents but also reduce long-term maintenance costs, contributing to the affordability of rent prices.
Zyskowski expressed gratitude for the partnership, which made it economically feasible for him as a private developer to implement energy-efficient upgrades. The collaboration ensured that residents of the complex, now at full capacity, met income criteria set by Manistee County Habitat for Humanity.
Randy Zakrajsek, President of Manistee County Habitat for Humanity’s Board, commended the progressive approach to affordable housing and anticipated more projects like this across the state. Consumers Energy’s involvement aligns with their Clean Energy Plan, which aims to eliminate coal as an energy source by 2025 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
For further reading, please visit the original article here.
