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LANSING, Michigan – Today, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced a milestone in the rollout of Michigan’s Home Energy Rebates (MiHER) programs. Supported by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), MiHER will help Michigan households save thousands of dollars on energy expenses through home energy improvements and new, efficient appliances.
“The Michigan Home Energy Rebates programs will lower energy costs for Michiganders,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration and our hardworking congressional delegation, we have federal resources available to help families upgrade their homes with more energy-efficient home appliances, helping them stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter while saving working families up to $34,000. Let’s keep working together to make a real difference in people’s lives by lowering their upfront home energy upgrade costs and saving them money on their bills in the long run.”
MiHER kicked off today with a pilot launch involving 50 households in Marquette County and Holland, where the Upper Peninsula Power Company, SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company, and the Holland Board of Public Works have partnered with EGLE to jumpstart the programs. This pilot will test the programs to ensure a successful full launch. With this pilot, Michigan becomes the first state in the Midwest to launch both of the Home Energy Rebates’ two component programs.
MiHER is set to launch statewide in early 2025. The two component programs described below will serve up to 15,000 households across the state. These two rebate options cover both single and multifamily homes and target energy efficiency and electrification upgrades. Michigan renters and homeowners interested in the programs can learn more on EGLE’s MiHER webpage.
“Michigan’s Home Energy Rebates programs will offer families thousands of dollars to help them upgrade their homes, purchase efficient appliances, and lower their energy costs,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “These programs support the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan and will grow the state’s booming clean energy economy. EGLE is excited to prove these programs in Holland and Marquette County and launch statewide early next year. We urge contractors to sign up now to help us roll out the programs.”
Across the two programs, households are eligible for up to $34,000 in rebates. While all Michigan households – homeowners or renters – should pursue energy efficiency upgrades, MiHER will prioritize households with greater energy savings opportunities for incomes at or below 80% of their county’s Area Median Income (AMI), including residents participating in other federal assistance programs.
Eligible households across the state may apply through the MiHER webpage once the full programs begin in 2025. Households earning greater than 150% AMI are encouraged to consider energy efficiency and electrification upgrades to take advantage of the Home Energy Tax Credit.
Michigan households can find out about what clean energy federal, state, local, and utility dollars they are eligible for on the Michigan Energy Efficient Upgrade Savings Calculator.
EGLE’s Materials Management Division will administer MiHER alongside partners CLEAResult and Walker-Miller Energy Services. CLEAResult is North America’s largest provider of energy efficiency, energy transition, and energy sustainability services. Walker-Miller Energy Services, based in Detroit, is one of the largest African American- and woman-owned energy efficiency companies in the U.S. The department is developing a network of prequalified contractors who can work under the programs, offering rebates to eligible households, supporting the growth of clean energy jobs in communities across the state.
Contractors will be an integral part in the success of MiHER, enrolling families, assessing homes, conducting energy upgrades, and capturing energy savings. Contractors are also eligible to receive bonuses for qualified projects in eligible communities. Contractors are encouraged to sign up now to learn more about program requirements and how to become prequalified to participate in MiHER.
“The Michigan Home Energy Rebates program is a triple win! It’s going to help contractors and small businesses grow, benefits Michigan residents by reducing their energy consumption and costs, and helps reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change,” said Brynn Cooksey, owner and general manager of Air Doctors Heating and Cooling.
Governor Whitmer announced MiHER in May, celebrating Michigan’s national leadership in bringing home climate- and clean energy-related federal funding. Michigan received $211 million for MiHER through the IRA, which authorized the U.S. Department of Energy to establish Home Energy Rebates nationally, saving households up to $1 billion annually on energy bills and supporting more than 50,000 U.S. jobs.
“With winter approaching, we are thrilled that Michiganders can begin to take advantage of these rebate programs,” said Keishaa Austin, principal deputy director in the Department of Energy’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs. “By making home heating, insulation, weatherization, and so many other upgrades more affordable, not only will these programs help people stay warm, but they can help people save hundreds to thousands of dollars in the process.”
Upgrading appliances can make a big difference in lowering costs for families, as 86% of the energy used in a home comes from heating and cooling spaces, boiling water, cooking, and refrigeration.
These upgrades also support the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan (MHCP), the state’s roadmap to carbon neutrality. The MHCP includes recommendations to lower emissions from homes and businesses 17% by 2030, increase access to clean financing opportunities, provide incentives for efficient appliances, and more.
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With election day approaching on November 5, Michigan employers should be prepared to handle requests from employees seeking time off to vote. Although Michigan does not have a specific law mandating voting leave, employers can play a critical role in encouraging civic participation by creating policies that allow employees to exercise their right to vote.
Read More
"Net Zero" for Local Governments: Braiding Technologies to Deliver Efficient, Renewable Buildings
MIACCA and our NetZero Partners invite you to our 5th Annual Conference!
Many are familiar with the concept of braiding complementary funding sources to achieve local clean energy projects. This webinar will extend the metaphor to the physical realm: That is, braiding various "net zero" building technologies—envelope upgrades, heat pumps, on-site renewable electricity and storage, and EV charging—to achieve integrated, high-performance buildings. Learn about strategies to holistically improve the energy efficiency of local government buildings to reduce carbon, improve the health and safety of occupants, AND save your community money by significantly reducing monthly utility bills. Experts from skilled trade associations will explain how the integrated "net zero" approach to renovations and new construction projects can work for local governments, offering advice on getting started and engaging with relevant skilled trades professionals in your region. They will also share how you can turn this approach into persuasive funding proposals that will make these projects even bigger financial winners for your community. REGISTER HERE
Last December, our Codes and Coffee challenged contractors to "prove it" by signing up for ACCA's new Quality Installation (QI) certificates program using the measureQuick® app and smart tools. With QI certificates, contractors can prove they've used industry standards to stand out from the competition and delivered the comfort and performance their customers want.
Our guest panel will include Brian Feenie, ACCA's "chief encouragement officer" for implementing QI certificates in your business. Also joining us will be Peter Troast and Abby Yolda from Energy Circle to talk about the multitude of marketing resources created to support this implementation.
We will go over the following topics:
Important Code & IRA Rebate & Heat Pump Updates- Attend our Annual Meeting to Find out from EGLE When the Rebate Program Starts & Qualifying Equipment
Free to Members
Join us at X-Golf Lansing in Okemos on October 9th for our Annual Meeting. This event is free for MIACCA Members and their guests! We are offering this at a low rate for non members! This is also an excellent sponsorship opportunity to showcase your company and MIACCA support!
AGENDA (Come when you can!)
3 p.m.: MIACCA Member Meeting
4 p.m. Our program will focus on Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) updates & rebates, State updates and changes to codes and rules, Heat Pumps and other relevant topics. We will have industry experts to help you navigate these important topics:
Bureau of Construction Codes: Deputy Director, Keith Lambert
EGLE: Erica Richard
Sealed: Ryan Bevens & Pete Wilson
GreenHome Institute/Enertech Global: Rob Derksen.
Do not pass up this opportunity and secure your spot now!
MIACCA Members & Guests - Free | Non Members - $50
REGISTER NOW!
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsoring our event is a prime opportunity to get your company in front of members! Sponsorships are limited so secure yours today!
EVENT SPONSOR - $3,000. Your Logo will be prominently displayed on our event image and all digital promotions. Printed signage at our event, one Designated company golf bay where your Logo will be displayed the entire event along with logo rotated on all other screens. Complimentary admission for four of your clients or customers. One Available
ADULT DRINK TICKET SPONSOR - $2000. Your Logo will be on every adult drink tickets (2 per guest, business card size), Signage at the Bar, Logo will be rotated on 5 Golf bays and designated screens. Complimentary admission for two of your clients or customers. One Available
PIZZA, APPZ & SOFT DRINK SPONSOR - $1,500. Signage at all food and soft beverage stations. Logo will be rotated through on 5 Golf Bays and other designated screens through entire event. Complimentary admission for one of your clients or customers. 1 Available
SWEETS SPONSOR - $1000. Signage at all dessert stations. Signage on candy bowls at all guest tables. Logo will be rotated through on 5 Golf Bays and designated screens through entire event. 1 Available
GOLF BAY SPONSOR - $500. Your Logo slide rotated on 5 Golf Bay and other designated screens for entire event.
CLUB SPONSOR - $300. Logo placed on club sponsors slide on designated screens through entire event.
All of our sponsors will be digitally promoted and will have inclusion at our materials table. Sponsorships are limited so secure yours today!
SPONSOR NOW!
Our Generous Sponsors!
Golf Bay Sponsor
Club Sponsor
West Michigan Group
Governor Whitmer signed the new Executive Order 2024-EO-05 on July 18, 2024. With the new order comes some important changes to our industry. Two very important changes MIACCA would like to make you aware of are:
Board of Boiler Rules: This board has been abolished.
Board of Mechanical Rules: Replacing the former board members, the board will now consist of eleven appointed members:
(A) One member who represents the general public;
(B) One member who is an HVAC professional licensed under Article 8, MCL 839.5801 et seq.;
(C) One member who is a fire suppression professional licensed under Article 8, MCL 339.5801 et seq.;
(D) One member who is a refrigeration professional licensed under Article MCL 339.5801 et seq.;
(E) One member who is a professional mechanical engineer;
(F) One member who is a mechanical inspector of a governmental subdivision;
(G) One member who is a water tube or fire tube boiler manufacturer;
(H) One member of organized labor who represents the mechanical trades;
(I) One member of organized labor who represents a relevant trade in this state;
(J) One member who represents organized labor in this state that engages in the design, erection, fabrication, installation, operation, repair, or inspection of boilers; and
(K) One member who is a mechanical contractor with experience in boiler installation, piping, operations, and repair, or a member who represents owners and users of power boilers that operate at least 1,000 pounds-force per square inch.
The new State Executive Order abolishes these members: Public utility, chief mechanical inspector of the governmental subdivision who enforces the building officials and code administrators building code, chief mechanical inspector of a governmental subdivision who enforces the international conference of building officials building code,
The order also abolishes: The seats of a representative from each of the work classifications described in MCL 339.5807(2):
(a) Hydronic heating and cooling and process piping. (b) HVAC equipment. (c) Ductwork. (d) Refrigeration. (e) Limited heating service. (f) Limited refrigeration and air conditioning service. (g) Unlimited heating service. (h) Unlimited refrigeration and air conditioning service. (i) Fire suppression. (j) Specialty.
The new order essentially combinine the Board of Boiler Rules and Board of Mechanical Rule. While it may help increase board participation and does broaden the Board of Mechanical rules by adding boiler worker perspectives, it does remove a valuable resource board for contractors specializing in the intricacies of the boiler industry.
MIACCA feels the removal of representatives from the above work classifications a, c, e, f, g, h and j is invalid as it eliminates valuable input from these specific experts. The addition of three labor organization representatives is not valid and gives us pause for concern as these organizations have more pull, deeper pockets and more voices at the table for union advocacy. MIACCA feels the order's decision to remove the utility company representation seat is valid.
If you have any questions, email M.J. at mjdsmith@miacca.org.
MIACCA will continue to monitor these changes, on your behalf.
We want to see you at our upcoming events this fall – we'll be bringing our heat pump experts to you in Lansing and Gaylord. These day-long events will give you the opportunity to connect with other contractors and attendees alike to talk all about heat pumps in Michigan. Our partners want to help support you and your business with these two opportunities to connect with contractors, guest speakers, and more. Attendees will have a chance to engage with experts and manufacturers on topics spanning from IRA funding and even earn your Graduate designation.
No need to attend both events, we are bringing the same great opportunities to you around the state. Please register and join us at the Summit that is most convenient for you.
Michigan Heat Pump Summit – Lansing
Learn more about Michigan Heat Pump Summit - Lansing today!
When: September 11, 8:30am - 4pm
Where: Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, Michigan State University.
Michigan Heat Pump Summit – Gaylord
Learn more today about Michigan Heat Pump Summit – Gaylord today!
When: September 12, 8:30am - 4pm
Where: Kirtland University Center M-Tec.
You will need to register separately if you plan to attend both events.
As a Michigan licensed installer, you're eligible to receive a $500 check for each new Energy Star propane furnace, water heater, or boiler installation,
when replacing an existing electric/oil unit or in a new construction.
And, your customers automatically receive a rebate check!
Click Here to Get Your Rebate Today!
Today the long-awaited decision by the Michigan Supreme Court regarding the commonly referred to 'adopt and amend' case was released. It did not go in favor of small business.
The MSC decision creates complex new mandates for small business owners regarding paid sick leave, increases the minimum wage, and phases out the tipped wage system.
Read SBAM President & CEO Brian Calley's statement.
Barring a legislative solution, beginning on February 21, 2025, all employers in the state of Michigan will be subject to the following rules:
Minimum wage increase
Elimination of the tipped wage
New accrual based sick leave requirements
SBAM is hard at work to try and roll back some of these radical changes. Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
In the meantime, please visit our website to understand the new requirements and to tell your legislators to demand action to mitigate the negative impact of this decision on consumers, workers, and small businesses.
Thne in to a special SBAM's Small Business Briefing with Brian Calley on Thursday, August 1st at 3pm ET for more details on the impact of this decision.
The Boiler Division is now issuing violations for not meeting the CO Detector requirements referenced in the National Boiler Installation Code (NBIC) that was adopted by the Bureau of Construction Codes under Administrative Rule R 339.5203.
NBIC Part 1 1.6.9 states: "The owner or user shall install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector/alarm in equipment rooms where fuel fired boilers and/or fuel fired pressure vessels are located in accordance with the authority having Jurisdiction."
The Boiler Division is issuing a written notice of violation to the boiler certificate holder, and not the holder of the boiler installation permit, if the boiler room is not equipped with a carbon monoxide detector/alarm. An unresolved violation notice could result in the Boiler Division suspending or revoking a boiler certificate needed for the operation of a regulated boiler.
It is important for MICCA's licensed boiler installers know about these changes and to start using the reference standard to keep its customers from receiving a written notice of violation.
Because of MIACCA's continued due diligence to educate our members, we are able to provide you this enforcement information that has yet to be made widely known by the Bureau of Construction Codes.
Here is a helpful article from Smart GasDetection Technologies with further information about these requirements.
If you have any comments or questions, please contact M.J. at mjdsmith@miacca.org
