WPS begins collecting Michigan energy efficiency funds

From a news release issued by WPS:

Green Bay, WI – In July, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPS), along with all other utilities that operate in Michigan, will begin collecting funds from its Michigan customers for energy efficiency programs as indicated by Michigan Act 295 voted into law in 2008. In the program, utilities are required to collect money to fund their own energy efficiency projects or to forward the money to a third party, selected by the state, who will administer energy efficiency programs.

WPS will forward the money it collects to the third party administrator, as yet unnamed by the State of Michigan.

"I know it seems like just another charge for customers to pay," said Jenny Short, WPS spokesperson. "But there can be benefits in the long run."

Short explained that while WPS-Michigan residential customers would see average additional charges of about $1.05/month, the increases in energy efficiency attained by people who take advantage of the new programs should allow utilities to avoid building costly new facilities in the future.