L’ANSE — Baraga Electric Utility and L’Anse Electric Utility have teamed up to bring energy efficiency improvements to the Ripple Recovery Residence, a safe place for women to live who are in recovery from substance use disorder.

“A lot of people recovering from drug addiction need time and support to get their lives back together,” said Amy Poirier, Foundation Coordinator for Great Lakes Recovery Centers, Inc. “The Ripple Recovery Residence supports women and their young children for up to a year, helping the women find work and live a healthy lifestyle.”

The utilities from Baraga and L’Anse provided a donation to replace old appliances with new, energy efficient ones. The gift, totaling over $4,000, allowed the Great Lakes Recovery Centers to purchase a new clothes washer and dryer, microwave, and water heater to be installed at the Ripple Recovery Residence.

“These are our locally owned, not-for-profit utilities, and I’m proud to see them finding new and creative ways to help build up our community,” noted Bob LaFave, village manager of L’Anse. “This donation will reduce the Ripple Recovery Residence’s overall energy costs, so money that would have gone towards electric bills can be directed towards providing more resources for the women residing there.”

All of the new appliances purchased through the donation are ENERGY STAR certified. According to the ENERGY STAR website, an appliance receives ENERGY STAR certification by meeting strict energy efficiency requirements set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These products help save energy and money without sacrificing performance.

“Drug addiction is hurting communities across the nation, and unfortunately it’s also hurting people right here in our area,” added LeAnn LeClaire, village manager of Baraga. “It’s inspiring to see Baraga and L’Anse work together to help those in our community who most need it.”