Summers in Newaygo County bring outdoor adventures—but also rising temperatures that make reliable cooling a necessity. Cooling is essential for comfort, protecting vulnerable residents, and meeting future energy needs. Cooling connects directly to how local and state governments regulate energy use. Recent legislative changes and evolving local policies are shifting how residents cool their homes and pay for energy. People are also adjusting their interactions with new cooling technology.

This blog explains how energy laws, building codes, and local policies affect cooling costs and home comfort. Keep reading to learn how building codes, energy laws, zoning rules and assistance programs help Newaygo County stay cool and affordable.

Energy Codes That Impact Cooling

Energy efficiency in Newaygo County starts with the Michigan Uniform Energy Code.All buildings in the county must follow this code. It aligns with national standards in the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The code was updated in 2015 and again in 2021. Builders must focus on how homes retain energy, especially for heating and cooling. Cooling requirements include proper insulation, sealed ductwork, and effective vapor barriers.

According to the Michigan Residential Code, ducts running through unconditioned spaces must be insulated (R-6 or R-8, depending on the location) to minimize energy loss. Vapor retarders or foil wraps are also required to prevent condensation in humid climates. The City of Newaygo Zoning Ordinance further enforces energy-conscious construction practices. These codes ensure that both new builds and renovations are equipped to stay cooler with less energy use.

Statewide Energy Laws: Big Changes That Affect Local Homes

In recent years, Michigan’s legislature has taken bold steps to transition to clean energy. In 2023 and 2024, lawmakers passed a package of legislation that redefines the future of utility infrastructure in the state. According to the Michigan Public Service Commission, Public Act 235 requires utilities to generate 50% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2030, 60% by 2035 and reach 100% clean energy by 2040.

Alongside that, Public Act 229 strengthens Energy Waste Reduction (EWR) goals, requiring utilities to offer programs that help customers reduce their energy use. These changes could significantly benefit cooling efficiency in homes across Newaygo County. Homeowners may soon have access to more rebates for upgrading air conditioners, smart thermostats or insulation. In the long term, cleaner energy sources and reduced peak load demand during hot summer months could help keep electricity rates more stable and affordable.

Local Rules and Zoning: What Newaygo County Controls

Michigan sets the main energy policies, but counties and townships shape how they’re implemented locally. Local governments influence land use and zoning decisions. They determine where and how residents adopt energy-efficient technologies like solar panels and geothermal systems. These technologies are increasingly important for managing home cooling needs.

Adding to the complexity is a growing conflict between local autonomy and state mandates. A law passed in 2023, Public Act 233, gives the state authority to approve utility-scale renewable energy projects even if local governments object. In response, State Senator Michele Hoitenga introduced Senate Bill 898, which would restore local control over wind, solar and battery storage siting decisions. This ongoing debate will continue to shape the energy landscape for cooling infrastructure in rural counties like Newaygo.

Cooling Costs and Assistance Programs

As the demand for cooling increases, so do household energy bills. To help low-income residents manage these costs, Michigan offers assistance through the Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund (LIEAF), which finances programs like the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP). According to the Michigan Public Service Commission, LIEAF provides the funding, while MEAP distributes financial help to eligible households, helping cover energy bills and prevent shut-offs. However, it’s important to note that traditionally, MEAP dollars are spent out by summertime, which can leave households with fewer resources to manage the peak cooling season.

An article by The Huron Daily Tribune highlights Consumers Energy programs like the Winter Protection Plan and senior discounts. These programs help manage energy costs and indirectly support summer cooling. In Newaygo County, many residents live in older homes with outdated HVAC systems that use more energy. Consumers Energy and other utility providers offer protection plans, energy audits, and cost-saving programs year-round. These resources help households lower energy use and reduce bills across all seasons.

Hydroelectric Power: Local Energy Generation

Newaygo County isn’t just a consumer of electricity—it’s also a producer. The Hardy Dam, on the Muskegon River and operated by Consumers Energy, generates about 31.5 megawatts of renewable hydroelectric power. According to Consumers Energy’s Hardy Dam project summary, the dam has provided clean energy to Michigan residents since 1931 and plays a vital role in the company’s renewable energy portfolio. While it doesn’t exclusively power local air conditioning systems, Hardy Dam helps support the grid during peak summer demand, contributing to a more reliable and sustainable energy supply for communities like Newaygo County.

Having renewable infrastructure like Hardy Dam within the county helps diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This contributes to a more stable and cleaner grid—especially helpful during energy spikes caused by widespread air conditioning use in the summer.

Why Energy Laws Matter More as Summers Heat Up

Traditionally, Michigan’s residential energy use has been dominated by heating needs due to long winters. But that’s changing. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), air conditioning accounted for 19% of residential electricity use in U.S. homes in 2020, while space heating accounted for 12%. National trends show that cooling is becoming a more significant component of household energy use. As summers grow hotter and air conditioning becomes more widespread, it’s clear that cooling now represents a substantial—and increasing—portion of residential electricity demand.

With more frequent heatwaves and rising temperatures, the ability to keep homes cool is becoming essential. Legislative choices—both at the state and local levels—play a central role in whether Newaygo County residents can afford this basic comfort. From energy-efficient construction and modern HVAC requirements to solar panel allowances and utility rebates, policy decisions are shaping how people stay safe during extreme summer heat.

Balancing Local Character with Energy Goals

As Newaygo County navigates its energy future, one of the most divisive topics is who gets to make the decisions: local governments or state agencies. Residents and officials are worried that large-scale wind and solar projects, approved by Lansing without local input, could change the rural character of Newaygo County communities. According to Senator Hoitenga’s website, she and other lawmakers have proposed additional legislation—Senate Bills 322 through 324—to restore local zoning authority and scale back the state’s 2040 clean energy mandates.

Supporters of the new state laws argue that scaling up renewable energy is essential for reducing long-term costs and preventing climate-related energy spikes. Critics believe the state should work closely with local governments to strike a balance between progress and preservation. This debate will directly affect how Newaygo County can deploy new cooling technologies and whether future projects align with local values.

Moving Forward: Local Steps to Improve Cooling Affordability

Newaygo County doesn’t need to wait for state officials. Local leaders can take steps to improve cooling right now. First, townships can revise ordinances to allow rooftop or ground-mount solar panels for residential use. This change empowers homeowners to generate their own electricity and lower cooling costs. Second, the county can partner with utilities like Consumers Energy to expand rebates and promote energy education. Local officials can also work with lawmakers to balance state energy goals with local control. These actions make summer cooling more affordable, sustainable, and focused on community needs.

Staying Cool, Staying Local

Cooling costs in Newaygo County go beyond summer—they reflect the county’s long-term energy future. Home construction, power sources, and energy decision-making all depend on legislation. State laws bring opportunities for clean energy and lower cooling costs. But local control still matters to many residents and leaders. Newaygo stands at a turning point in shaping its energy future. By staying informed and involved, the community can influence policies that support cooling, lower costs, and encourage local growth.

TrueNorth’s emPower: Keeping Homes Cool and Bills Manageable

TrueNorth Community Services’ emPower program, supports low-income households across Michigan with energy assistance and self-sufficiency services. The program receives $11.2 million in funding from the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) for the 2023–2024 season. It offers direct financial aid to help families pay for heating, cooling, and other energy bills during extreme weather months. In 2023–2024, emPower served 8,350 households with direct assistance across Michigan. It also answered 24,653 energy-related calls and enrolled 1,789 households in affordable payment plans to prevent shut-offs. Beyond bills, emPower connects families to services like credit-building, budgeting help, and employment resources. This holistic support helps families stay cool during heatwaves and build long-term financial stability.