August 16, 2010 – Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth Acting Director Andrew S. Levin today announced that Genoa Township in Livingston County has successfully installed five Windspire® wind/solar hybrid turbines, completing the township’s $94,919 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant project.

"The five Windspires will provide clean energy for the township hall and even generate energy that can be sold back to the utility to benefit Genoa’s citizens," said Levin. "Investing in energy-saving projects throughout Michigan boosts the state's energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, reduces energy costs for communities, and creates jobs."

The Windspire® wind/solar hybrid turbines are located behind the Genoa Charter township hall at 2911 Dorr Road.  The Windspire® wind energy conversion turbine is manufactured in Manistee Michigan with domestic materials. The turbines are capable of generating more power than the township hall requires, feeding power back to the electrical grid. When power is fed back to the grid, a "net” meter attached to the system spins backwards and reduces the town’s energy bill by the amount of energy generated. Monday evening, township supervisor Gary McCririe together with a DELEG representative will turn the system on at a brief ceremony at the township hall.

The state Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) are funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). DELEG's Bureau of Energy Systems (BES) awarded the EECBG grants to projects that will create and retain jobs, save energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Michigan has obligated $17.6 million to 129 EECBG funded projects across the state. Designed to assist smaller communities, these projects support energy efficiency measures such as replacing high-energy systems in municipal buildings and street lighting, creating or expanding community recycling programs, and installing small-scale renewable energy generating systems.