ROYAL OAK – In a move to inform residents about the House energy package and ways to become more energy efficient, State Representative Marie Donigan (D-Royal Oak) hosted a town hall meeting Monday evening in Royal Oak.
"Improving energy efficiency is the fastest and most cost-effective way to move toward energy independence and reduce consumer costs," Donigan said. "We must upgrade our energy standards to ensure future availability of safe, reliable and affordable electricity for Michigan businesses and consumers. I organized this town hall to help Oakland County residents learn more about what we can do to help ourselves and Michigan become more energy efficient."
Joining Donigan at the town hall forum were Dr. Marty Kushler, Director of the Utilities Program for the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, and Gayle Miller, Legislative Program Coordinator for the Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club. Donigan and the guests provided attendees of the meeting with information about Michigan's energy crunch, and how the House energy package will help make both homes and the community more energy efficient.
In April, the House passed a three-part energy package that will, among other things, require that utility companies provide aggressive energy efficiency measures. The plan has the potential to eliminate the need for up to two new power plants and will also create thousands of jobs for Michigan residents who work for businesses that sell and install energy efficient products or run energy efficient programs.
"With the rising costs of oil, natural gas and coal, increasing energy efficiency is the surest way we can help keep electricity affordable for all," Donigan said. "This town hall meeting was designed as an interactive way to discuss the possible solutions to fix our energy crunch. If we really want to make a difference and change the way we look at and use energy, we need to do it together."