Residential Energy Efficiency and Retrofit Grants for Upper Peninsula Vulnerable Households

The Residential Energy Efficiency and Retrofit Grants for Upper Peninsula Vulnerable Households program is administered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy through its Materials Management Division and Energy Investment and Deployment Section. The program is part of a broader effort to improve environmental quality and public health while addressing climate change impacts through energy efficiency investments. This specific initiative functions as a pilot program designed to evaluate how energy efficiency interventions can support vulnerable populations, particularly medically vulnerable residents, across different types of electric utilities in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The primary purpose of the grant program is to fund energy efficiency audits and retrofits for up to thirty residential households that meet strict income and vulnerability criteria. The program aims to improve energy resilience, enhance household comfort, and reduce utility costs for low income homeowners. It prioritizes individuals who rely on electricity dependent medical devices or who fall into vulnerable categories such as young children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, or those recently experiencing homelessness. The program also seeks to understand how energy improvements can reduce financial strain and utility arrearages. Funding is structured to provide individual household awards ranging from approximately five thousand dollars up to fifty thousand dollars, with a total program allocation of one million five hundred thousand dollars. Eligible expenditures include a range of health and safety improvements and energy efficiency upgrades such as insulation, air sealing, duct work improvements, heat pumps, and combined solar and storage systems. All funded measures must be recommended through a compliant energy audit, demonstrate lifecycle cost effectiveness, and contribute to improved energy efficiency, comfort, or air quality within the home. Eligibility is limited to income qualified homeowners residing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula who receive electric service from Alger Delta Cooperative Electric Association, Marquette Board of Light and Power, or Upper Peninsula Power Company. Applicants must own and occupy their home as a primary residence and meet established income thresholds based on household size. Additionally, households must include at least one medically vulnerable individual or meet other vulnerability criteria. Priority is given to applicants with members dependent on life sustaining electrical medical equipment. The application process involves several stages beginning with submission of an initial application that includes self attestation of income and homeownership. Selected applicants must then provide documentation verifying eligibility and obtain a program compliant energy audit within a specified timeframe. Following the audit, applicants submit detailed work scopes, cost estimates, and supporting documentation for approval. Final award decisions are made based on eligibility, feasibility, and alignment with program priorities. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and awards are issued on a first come first served basis until funding is exhausted or the maximum number of households is reached. The application deadline is September 30, 2026, although earlier submission is encouraged due to limited funding availability and rolling review. The anticipated grant period runs through August 31, 2027, with possible extensions if installation delays occur. Applicants may receive assistance from a designated case manager organization, Superior Watershed Partnership, which can support application preparation and submission. Questions regarding the program can be directed to the department via email or through the case manager contact information provided.

Ensure all eligibility documentation is complete and accurate; prioritize cost effective measures identified in audit; submit early due to first come first served funding; demonstrate ability to complete project within timeline