Missy Stults, Sustainability and Innovations Director for the City of Ann Arbor, said on April 23 that “We believe that everyone should be able to live in healthy, safe, and energy-efficient housing, and we are delighted to collaborate with DTE to bring this exciting new program to Ann Arbor.” The statement was made as part of an announcement about a new pilot program called Insulate Ann Arbor. The initiative is a collaboration between the City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations and DTE Energy.Â
The program aims to offer rebates for insulation and air sealing upgrades in multifamily rental properties. According to Ann Arbor’s news release on the project, the goal is to improve comfort, reduce energy costs, and make buildings healthier, more affordable, and more sustainable. Funding comes from the DTE Energy Efficiency Program as well as the city’s Community Climate Action Millage. The program was created through a Heating Franchise agreement signed by both parties.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the staff at DTE and the city, and for all the renters, landlords, and property managers that helped to shape our rental work over the last few years, including the vision for Insulate Ann Arbor,” Stults said in the press release.
The pilot provides up to $75,000 or 50% of total project costs per multifamily rental property for air sealing or insulation projects. Income-qualified properties can receive increased rebates up to $250,000 or 90% of total project costs. Funding will be available until fully allocated, and interested properties can apply through a dedicated website. These projects also help properties comply more affordably with the city’s Green Rental Housing ordinance, as reported by the City of Ann Arbor news release.
Smaller rental properties seeking energy efficiency improvements can access support through the city’s Home Energy Rebates program. The Insulate Ann Arbor pilot is intended to make upgrades more accessible for multifamily property owners, while supporting lower energy costs and healthier living environments for residents. The initiative was shaped with input from renters, landlords, and property managers.
The pilot builds on an existing Heating Franchise agreement between Ann Arbor and DTE Energy—a Detroit-based diversified energy company serving electric and natural gas customers across Michigan—to advance local energy efficiency goals. The collaboration seeks benefits for both renters and property owners through targeted incentives, according to the release.
Stults leads sustainability efforts in partnership with city operations, residents, businesses, nonprofits, and others in Ann Arbor. She previously served as Climate Director at ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability before joining city government, according to her official biography.
