We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.

logo
  • Engineers & Specifiers
  • Contractors & Installers
  • Wholesalers & Distributors
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Subscription
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • PRODUCTS
    • Bath & Kitchen
    • Fire Protection
    • HVAC
    • Hydronics/Radiant
    • Plumbing
    • PVF
    • Tools
  • PROJECTS
    • Commercial
    • Green Building
    • MRO/Retrofit
    • Remodeling
    • Residential
  • HOW TO
    • Design
    • Fire Protection
    • Legal Matters
    • Management
  • BUSINESS
    • Buying Groups
    • Technology
    • Associations
  • CODES & STANDARDS
    • ANSI
    • ASHRAE
    • ASSE
    • Regulations
    • Green Building
    • IAPMO
    • ICC
    • NFPA
  • RESOURCES
    • MerchStop
    • Media Kit
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Classifieds
    • Digital Editions
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
Home » Michigan bill includes Geothermal Heat Pumps as Renewable Energy

Michigan bill includes Geothermal Heat Pumps as Renewable Energy

January 8, 2014
No Comments

WASHINGTON — Michigan seal State Rep. Aric Nesbitt (R-66th District) introduced Michigan House Bill No. 5980, which will amend the state’s Renewable Energy Standard— Michigan 2008 PA 295, the “Clean, Renewable, and Efficient Energy Act.”

Michigan enacted Public Act 295 in October 2008, requiring the state’s investor-owned utilities, alternative retail suppliers, electric cooperatives and municipal electric utilities to generate 10 percent of their retail electricity sales from renewable energy resources by 2015. In addition to renewables, the standard allows utilities to use energy optimization (energy efficiency) and advanced cleaner energy systems to meet a limited portion of the requirement.

HB 5980 includes geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) as part of its expanded definition of “Renewable Energy,” making them available for utility Renewable Energy Credits.

An energy source, “that naturally replenishes over a human, not a geological, time frame and that is ultimately derived from solar power, water power, or wind power. Renewable energy resource does not include petroleum, nuclear, natural gas, or coal. A renewable energy resource comes from the sun or from thermal inertia of the earth and minimizes the output of toxic material in the conversion of the energy….”

Among other sources such as biomass, solar and wind energy, the new definition of renewable energy includes, “Thermal energy produced by a geothermal heat pump.”

The measure’s definition of “Energy Efficiency” calls it a means to reduce customer energy use through “installation of measures” and “changes in energy usage behavior.”

“A decrease in customer consumption of electricity or natural gas achieved through measures or programs that target customer behavior, equipment, devices, or materials without reducing the quality of energy services.”

“A decrease in the total amount of electricity or non-natural gas consumed for an end use or end uses achieved through measures such as geothermal, including ground source, reclaimed water, or groundwater.”

Michigan Electric Cooperative Association Director of Energy Efficiency Programs Art Thayer was instrumental in promoting HB 5980 in the State House.

“Art worked hard to make sure that legislative language offered by GEO that specifies GHPs got into the bill,” said Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) President Doug Dougherty. “Introduction of HB 5980 is a big step toward gaining utility involvement in the promotion and installation of GHPs, and expanding our markets in Michigan.”

Visit www.geoexchange.org

Engineers & Specifiers Green Building Industry Community News
  • Related Articles

    Michigan Capitol Overhaul Includes Geothermal

    Geothermal pool and water heating saves energy and increases efficiency

  • Related Products

    Directory Listing - Premium

    Directory Listing - Free

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular

  • Making an Impact through Integrity and Respect

  • 2019 Engineer of the Year

  • Rebranding The Art of Plumbing

  • More Than A Plumber’s Wife: Meet Ellen Rohr

Right-Rail Promo

Featured Video

Ags video

Boiler Protection from American Gas Safety

Industry Events

  • 21Jan

    NAHB International Builders' Show

    Las Vegas, NV
  • 21Jan

    KBIS Convention

    Las Vegas , NV
  • 22Jan

    20th Annual Crystal Vision Awards Breakfast

    Las Vegas , NV
More Events

Subscribe to our newsletters & stay updated

Subscribe & Learn More

  • Tw12 2019 cover
    Learn More
  • Pe12 2019 cover
    Learn More
  • Phc12 2019 cover
    Learn More
  • Es06 2018
    Learn More
Subscribe

More from PHCP Pros

  • Editorial Team
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Advertise

Follow Us

© 2019 All Rights Reserved

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development | ePublishing