State Launches Energy Financing Program For Business

DETROIT (WWJ) - Governor Rick Snyder has launched the Michigan Saves Business Energy Financing program to help businesses save money by making their businesses more energy-efficient.

Julie Metty Bennett is Executive Director of the Michigan Saves program and she tells WWJ's Beth Fisher the purpose of the program.

"The goal of the program is to help reduce costs for businesses so that they can use that money to hire more workers, expand operations. It's really about saving these businesses money," she said.

Metty Bennett says Hiller's Market in Northville is one of the first businesses to take part with low-interest loans.

She says they hope to help one thousand Michigan businesses with the program, adding that those that cut energy costs by 20-percent will receive two thousand dollars.

"That program is helping businesses reduce costs by upgrading their equipment and making their buildings more energy-efficient," she said.

Hiller's vice president, Justin Hiller, explains some of the improvements they've made.

"We put anti-sweat controllers inside of all the freezer doors so they have sensors that keep track of how many times the doors open and close, and will base the amount of refrigerant it uses -- just off the usage," said Hiller. "So it's far more efficient when the store is dark at night."

Hiller says they're looking at saving 25 percent in energy costs and will make improvements in other stores.

Metty Bennett says the state already has a home energy loan program.

You can find out more about the Michigan Saves program, here.