LANSING, MI (AP)-- Residential customers of municipal utilities could pay installments on their monthly bills to finance improvements that make their homes more energy efficient under legislation headed to Governor Rick Snyder.
Environmental groups are hailing the bill that would permit residential financing programs already available to city-owned utilities' business customers. The Senate approved the measure unanimously Tuesday after it won overwhelming backing from the House in June.
The Michigan League of Conservation Voters says the bill will help families save money, reduce energy usage and protect the "air, land and water."
Municipal utilities could add charges on residential customers' bills for low-interest, longer-term loans for things like weatherproofing and updating appliances.
Supporters say customers may not owe more because of savings from their energy-efficiency efforts.