This page tries to answer common questions about the Energy Challenge Awards. If you have a question that is not answered here or need more information, please email energy@a2gov.org.
Our business doesn't own its building. Can we apply?
Yes. To be eligible for a Renewable Energy award, you need to demonstrate that your business is using 50% renewable energy. One way to do that is with your business's utility bills. If you don't pay for electricity and natural gas separately from other tenants, we may consider other forms of documentation, but please contact us prior to applying.
What do you mean by "total energy use?"
Qualifying for an Energy Challenge Award requires calculating your business's "total energy use." That means all energy used on site by the business, which typically is electricity for appliances, lighting, etc., and natural gas for heating. You can look up past electric and natural gas use on DTE Energy's website.
These requirements are really tough. Are you out of your minds?
Ann Arbor's Energy Challenge calls for the entire Ann Arbor community to use 20% renewable energy by 2015. To reach that goal in our buildings, we need half of all Ann Arbor businesses and residences to qualify for the Energy Efficiency Award, and one-third of the total to also qualify for the Renewable Energy Award. These are big goals and they require significant action.
I want to use renewable energy (or be more energy efficient), but don't know where to start. Can you help?
The Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association and the EnHouse both run beginning seminars on renewable energy and energy efficiency. The EnHouse can also refer you to qualified energy auditors.