Two Ypsilanti neighborhoods approved for energy improvement breaks

Two Ypsilanti neighborhoods will soon be eligible for several incentives to help improve energy efficiency in residents' homes.

Residents in the Prospect Park and East Prospect Park neighborhoods can partake in the Michigan Better Buildings program, which was established to promote energy efficiency throughout targeted neighborhoods statewide.

Michigan received $30 million for the program, which is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Energy.

Residents in selected neighborhoods can pay $25 and receive a full home energy audit, 10 compact fluorescent light bulbs, faucet aerators, a programmable thermostat and a low-flow shower head.

Participating residents can also qualify for low-interest loans and rebates on energy efficiency equipment like solar panels or water heaters.

The Ypsilanti City Council approved the neighborhoods' participation last week. The neighborhoods were selected because they met several criteria for the program that included proximity to public transit, high home ownership, mixed income housing and a commitment to establishing a green community.

City and Better Building staff will promote the program through several avenues, including going door-to-door in the neighborhoods.

For more information visit http://www.regionalenergyoffice.org/.