Program: Unclassified salaries
Appropriation: |
Federal Funds: |
$551,400 |
|
Special Revenue Funds: |
$4,004,400 |
|
GF/GP: |
$1,059,900 |
|
Total: |
$5,615,700 [3] |
Program: Executive director programs
Appropriation: |
Special Revenue Funds: |
$1,720,200 |
|
GF/GP: |
$46,700 |
|
Total: |
$1,766,900 [4] |
Program Description:
This appropriation funds Unclassified Salaries and Executive Director programs that provide support services to the Director of Consumer and Industry Services. In other words, they are the Director’s staff.
Recommended Action:
With the elimination of approximately 14 percent of the Consumer and Industry Services budget (as described below) comes the ability to downsize these appropriations commensurately. This is an estimate only, and a detailed analysis of the impact of program reductions is needed to determine the actual savings. Savings: $1,033,564.
Program: Energy office positions
Appropriation: |
Federal Funds: |
$2,179,100 |
|
Special Revenue Funds: |
$ 476,500 |
|
Total: |
$2,655,600 [5] |
Program Description:
This appropriation funds the energy office positions. The Energy Office’s functions include promoting energy efficiency among Michigan’s businesses, public institutions, and residents. It distributes brochures on the efficient use of lighting, heating, cooling and automobiles. It also advocates the use of alternative fuels and “renewable” energy such as solar and wind power.[6]
Recommended Action:
The energy office should be eliminated. The private sector already has sufficient incentive to maximize energy efficiency — its own self-interest.
The for-profit utility, DTE Energy Company, is constantly investing in new energy-conserving products and services such as solar, biomass, and fuel-cell technologies. [7] Such investments may enable DTE to reap greater financial rewards for doing so. In addition, there are also nonprofit organizations that work to help people conserve energy. Urban Options of Lansing, Michigan, provides energy saving tips for lighting, windows, refrigerators and freezers, water heating, cooking appliances and dishwashers, washers and dryers, and even home computers. For a fee of $90, Urban Options will come to your home and provide a Home Energy Check Up based on your home’s energy saving needs. [8] Another nonprofit is the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, which runs an “Energy Initiative Program” to ensure that nonprofits in the area use energy wisely. [9] Savings: $2,655,600.