Energy Waste Reduction and Renewable Energy Plan Summary Report

2023 Annual Summary for the Energy Waste Reduction and Renewable Energy Plan

Pursuant to the “Clean, Renewable and Efficient Energy Act,” of 2008, also known as Public Act 295 (PA 295), amended by Public Act 342 (PA 342) in 2016, the Zeeland Board of Public Works (ZBPW) is providing this annual summary of our Energy Waste Reduction (EWR) and Renewable Energy (RE) Plans for calendar year 2023. Michigan utilities are required to assist customers in improving electric efficiency through Energy Waste Reduction programs, increase the amount of renewable energy in the utility’s generation portfolio, and provide an annual summary to customers showing the results of these efforts.

ENERGY WASTE REDUCTION

In 2023, the ZBPW saved over 2,679 megawatt hours of electricity through the Zeeland BPW’s Energy Smart Program™. Those energy savings in-turn reduced greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 1,350 metric tons, based on the BPW’s actual 2023 power supply portfolio and fuel mixture. A total expenditure of $402,009 for the 2023 calendar was utilized to attain these savings. The Zeeland BPW anticipates a greater expenditure of funds for the 2024 calendar year.

The program offered many opportunities for customers to save energy and money. Those opportunities included:

• Residential incentives for purchasing ENERGY STAR® appliances, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and LED light bulbs.
• Incentives were offered to residents for recycling old, inefficient refrigerators, freezers, room air conditioners, and dehumidifiers.
• Business customers were offered incentives for upgrading to equipment with greater energy efficiency, including lighting, motors, air systems, refrigeration, HVAC units, and building management systems.

To learn more, see the Energy Smart section of the Zeeland BPW’s website at www.zeelandbpw.com or www.mienergysmart.com.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Although the Renewable Portfolio Standard required by Michigan’s Public Act 342 sunset at the end of 2021, the Zeeland BPW voluntarily achieved the 15% criteria established by PA342 in previous years. For the 2023 reporting period, the Zeeland BPW acquired 76,046 megawatt hours of renewable energy, which equates to 17.2% of the utility’s total system needs.

The Zeeland BPW currently acquires its renewable energy from the following sources:

• Wind – In 2023, the ZBPW received from the Beebe Wind Farm operated by Exelon Wind in Ithaca, Michigan 5,385 MWh of renewable wind energy. In addition, the Pegasus Wind Project produced 32,463 MWh of renewable wind energy for the system.
• Solar – In 2023, the ZBPW received renewable solar energy from the Assembly I & II Solar Projects (28,436 MWh) and the Invenergy Calhoun Solar project (9,762 MWh).

COST TO CUSTOMERS

PA 295 Section 45 – as Amended by PA 342

• The 2023 itemized monthly charge to a residential customer for implementing the Energy Waste Reduction program requirements is $0.50 per month.
• The Michigan Public Service Commission’s annual report on energy waste reduction and renewable energy can be viewed at the following website: www.michigan.gov/mpsc.