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A last minute change to an energy reduction competition means there won’t be a cash prize after all.
For the last couple of years, Houghton County has been competing for the Georgetown University Energy Prize of $5 million.
The Houghton Energy Efficiency Team has led the effort to reduce energy usage during that time by winterizing homes and distributing LED light bulbs.
At the Houghton City Council meeting Wednesday, HEET Energy Manager Melissa Davis announced that the prize has been changed from $5 million in cash to $5 million in available financing to develop an energy efficiency “dream project” for the community.
The winners were expected to be announced soon but Davis said it would be preferable for any loans to be financed locally.
The news isn’t derailing HEET’s efforts to reduce local energy usage.
Davis outlined options for communities to use biomass and other renewable energy solutions to stir economic growth and lower energy costs.
She is requesting that local municipalities form an Energy Subcommittee to look into these options.
HEET is also holding monthly discussion groups and has several interviews available on www.newpowertour.com/energy.
