Happy Energy Efficiency Day 2018: Michigan Spotlight

Happy 3rd annual national Energy Efficiency Day! More than 300 companies, organizations, utilities, and local governments representing millions of people across the country have signed up to formally participate in Energy Efficiency Day today—and thousands more will join in celebrating smarter energy use. In Michigan, we have a lot to celebrate as energy efficiency has quickly become the cornerstone of the state's clean energy future. In addition to being the most affordable energy resource, energy efficiency has brought the state vital economic development and bill savings for families across the state. It's no surprise then, that Michigan itself has proclaimed today Energy Efficiency Day!

Let's look at the numbers. 

Michigan has 84,052 energy efficiency jobs in the state. Of those jobs, over half are related to building materials and insulation, followed by ENERGY STAR appliances and efficient lighting, HVAC services, and other jobs related to maintenance, business, and non-profit organizations. 

What may surprise you is the proportion of energy efficiency jobs compared to all other construction and energy sector jobs. Energy efficiency jobs make up 16 percent of all construction jobs and 20 percent of all energy sector jobs! Also, interestingly, 11 percent of Michigan residents employed in the energy efficiency sector are veterans. If you aren't working in the industry yourself, there's a high likelihood you know someone who is! You can learn more through the Clean Jobs Midwest report and website. 

And then there's the bill savings.

Michigan’s two biggest electric utilities, DTE and Consumers, submit plans every few years describing how they will meet required levels of energy efficiency savings set by the passage of 2008’s energy legislation. Since 2008, the cumulative effect of the efficiency programs run between 2009 and 2016 is a net electric bill savings of $3.3 billion! The most recently approved and expanded plans will produce an additional $3 billion dollars in additional electric bill savings for families across Michigan by 2021. These savings make it easier for families to pay their grocery or car bills and make their homes more comfortable and affordable to live in. 

The benefits of energy efficiency today are great and the future is even brighter. So, join me in celebrating Energy Efficiency Day by tweeting (#EEDay2018), playing along in the hashtag game, or learning more at www.energyefficiencyday.org!