Michigan offers grants for advanced lighting demo projects

May 9, 2011
Michigan plans to fund 15-20 projects around the state that demonstrate the advantages of advanced lighting technologies.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has announced that the Michigan Energy Office (MEO) will make approximately $1 million available from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) funds to showcase advanced lighting technology demonstrations in communities throughout Michigan.

Proposals are due by 3 pm on Thursday, May 26, 2011. The official Request for Proposals contains complete eligibility guidelines and application details. The RFP and a list of frequently-asked questions can be found on the MEO website.

The grants are designed to encourage highly-visible upgrades to more energy-efficient indoor and/or outdoor lighting using one of several possible technologies: LED-based solid-state lighting; induction lighting; or plasma lighting, also known as high-efficiency plasma (HEP) lighting.

The competitive application process is expected to result in 15-20 project grants ranging from $30,000 to $100,000. The MEO estimates that grants will start on August 1, 2011, and run through June 30, 2012.

The MEDC lists several potential projects, including the replacement of street lighting, traffic and crosswalk signal lights, and parking structure/lot lighting, as well as interior lighting of public buildings. All incorporated cities, villages, townships and county jurisdictions in Michigan are eligible to apply.

“The energy- and cost-saving benefits, plus the maintenance savings due to the longer life of the lamps, are impressive with the newer technology lighting that’s now available,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael Finney. “These benefits are more important than ever to local governments in reducing operating expenses.”

“In addition, manufacturing of advanced lighting technologies is a growing industry in Michigan and has the potential to create a new source of jobs and investment for local and state economies,” said Finney.