Grandholm Launches State Consumer Resource Website

LANSING, MI - Wednesday, July 09, 2008 - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm recently unveiled a new feature on the state website designed to provide consumers with information they can use to help them save money. The feature - www.michigan.gov/savemoney - is part of the governor's continued efforts to help protect consumers' pocketbooks.

"We are combining information throughout state government into one easy-to-find location on our website to help Michigan citizens save money," Granholm said. "At a time when consumers are feeling pinched financially, this feature gives them information to help stretch their dollar on everything from gas to groceries."

The website highlights information on ways consumers can save money on gas by adopting alternative forms of transportation and suggested driving tips. The site includes a variety of tips from how to stretch your gas dollar, to finding the best deal on gas in your neighborhood, to finding car pool and local public bus systems information. There is a resource called "the cost to commute calculator" that gives information on how much your commute costs and how much you can save by car pooling.

The site also provides information on how citizens can save money in the home, on education, and on health care. Consumers can improve their fuel economy by controlling the factors that burn more fuel. Following these steps will help improve gas mileage, extend vehicle life, and make travel safer:

• Keep your engine tuned, maintain tires at the correct pressure, change the air filter regularly, and use energy-saving motor oil.
• Avoid aggressive driving such as rapid acceleration and braking. It can lower fuel cost up to 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent around town. This can save as much as 49 cents per gallon.
• Watch your speed - high speed creates more wind resistance. Driving faster than 60 miles-per-hour can cost an additional 30 cents per gallon for every 5 miles per hour increase.
• Be aware that running electric accessories like air conditioners can also reduce fuel economy by 5 to 25 percent.

Last month, the governor attended a gas pump inspection in Plymouth as part of the continued efforts by the state to protect consumers by ensuring that Michigan citizens are getting both the quality and quantity of gas they pay for at the pump. Granholm also announced the introduction of legislation in the state House of Representatives that would give the attorney general full authority to investigate price-fixing and gas-gouging at Michigan's gas pumps.