Michigan Gov. Whitmer Signs Law Allowing Homeowners to Install Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Michigan Homeowners’ Associations Can No Longer Block Energy Efficiency Upgrades
LANSING, MI – Homeowners’ associations across Michigan just lost the right to block energy efficiency elements in their neighborhoods like rooftop solar panels.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation today, July 8, 2024, that was previously adopted by both the state House and Senate to invalidate any HOA provisions against a litany of energy efficiency home improvements. The law covers a range of both high- and low-tech home upgrades from rooftop solar panels and home EV chargers to clothes lines and rain barrels.
HOA officials also can’t require fees to install energy efficiencies, nor demand post-installation reports or monitor homeowners’ energy usage, under the new law.
The bill sponsor said the governor’s signing of this bill makes it easier for homeowners to make updates to their homes to save on their energy bills.
“Simply put, Michigan homeowners shouldn’t face artificial barriers to lowering their energy consumption, saving more of their hard-earned money and helping to keep Michigan’s environment healthy,” said Rep. Ranjeev Puri, D-Canton, in a statement.
In addition to solar panels, EV chargers, clothes lines, and rain barrels, the law additionally covers air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, reflective roofing, energy-efficient appliances, windows, and insulation, solar water heaters. HOAs can no longer block homeowners from installing these elements.
Whitmer said signing this legislation into state law is a part of working to make “a real difference in people’s lives.”
Last year, Puri told fellow representatives that each of the outlined upgrades has been prevented by an HOA within Michigan – often in his district – and his constituents have not been happy about it. The dilemma came up during every coffee hour he hosted, Puri said.
In November last year, the Democrat-controlled state House passed the bill 56-54 along party lines. The situation repeated itself last month when the Democrat-controlled state Senate passed the bill 20-18 along party lines.
The new state law creates a new act called the Homeowners’ Energy Policy Act. It will take effect in 90 days.