THE STORY

Consumers Energy is a Michigan-based utility dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy while supporting the well-being of the communities it serves. A key part of that commitment includes improving energy affordability and comfort for residents of income-qualified multifamily housing. To advance these goals, Consumers Energy partnered with Franklin Energy to design and deliver a program tailored to the unique needs of multifamily properties and the residents who live in them.

THE GOAL

Income-qualified multifamily properties often face barriers to participating in traditional energy efficiency programs, including limited capital, aging infrastructure, and complex eligibility requirements. Consumers Energy sought a partner that could help remove these barriers by delivering comprehensive energy-saving solutions at scale. The goal was to improve resident comfort, reduce long-term energy costs, and ensure underserved communities could fully benefit from energy efficiency investments.

THE SOLUTION AND RESULTS

Franklin Energy implemented a comprehensive income-qualified multifamily program that combined enhanced incentives with hands-on technical support for both new and existing properties. The program offered direct installation of energysaving measures in residents’ homes, along with prescriptive and custom incentives designed specifically for multifamily buildings.

Working closely with Consumers Energy and trusted trade partners, Franklin Energy supported a wide range of improvements—from proven efficiency upgrades to more advanced weatherization and electrification measures, including electric baseboard heating retrofits and cold-climate heat pumps. This tailored approach allowed property owners to address building-specific needs while improving comfort and reducing energy burdens for residents.

Over multiple years, the program consistently exceeded savings targets while serving hundreds of properties across Michigan. The long-term partnership has delivered substantial electric and gas savings, expanded the use of high-efficiency technologies such as smart thermostats, and helped ensure that income-qualified households benefit from reliable, cost-effective energy solutions designed to last.