DTE EnergySmarts | Winter 2024

WINTER 2024

Savings multiplied DTE program helps apartment owner and his tenants

DIY energy efficiency DTE has everything you need to get started

WANT REAL ENERGYSMARTS?

Get Smart. Subscribe to EnergySmarts magazine, for free. Read about

businesses like yours reducing energy use and improving operations, learn about energy efficiency programs and rebates available to help you plus find tools and resources to manage your energy use all year long.

Subscribe today.

WINTER 2024

CONTENTS 4 5 6 7 8 30

DE PA R T ME N T S

ON THE COVER

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

24

A CLOSER LOOK Here’s what you need to know about meter safety inspections.

SEASON’S SAVINGS Manage your energy use this winter with these 6 tips.

ENERGY JOURNEY DTE’s Multifamily Program helps apartment owner and his tenants.

SAVE THE DATE Sign up for the Michigan Energy Efficiency Conference and Exhibition.

5 QUESTIONS Byron Center Public Schools sets the curve for energy efficiency.

DID YOU KNOW? Here’s how heating season can affect your bill and what you can do.

F E AT U R E S

16 18 19 28

CleanVision is our ambitious goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Equipping businesses like yours to become more energy efficient will help us get there.

CLEANVISION DTE’s plan covers major investments in clean energy and the economy.

12

HOT SAVINGS Detroit firefighters tap into DTE’s Instant Discount program.

EDUCATION DTE offers limited-time energy training to real estate agents.

RENEWABLE ENERGY Northfield Trucking Co. commits to sustainability through MIGreenPower.

REFRIGERATION DTE is offering bigger incentives on energy-saving upgrades.

FREE SUBSCRIPTION: A FREE subscription to EnergySmarts for Michigan Business magazine awaits you online at dteenergy.com/subscribebiz.

22

INDUSTRY INSIDER Take energy management into your own hands with DTE’s web-based self-service options. dteenergy.com 33

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

OUR PRIORITIES FOR 2024

Published and distributed by DTE Energy, One Energy Plaza, Detroit, MI 48226 dteenergy.com

As we welcome the new year, many of us are ushering in a new spirit of optimism — full of new goals, intentions and resolutions — and an overall desire to make this year better than the last. That’s exactly how DTE is approaching 2024!

EDITOR Anne Santori

As we brave the coldest months of the year, I’m pleased to share our natural gas customers should expect lower bills throughout the winter, as our company’s natural gas buying strategy and market forces have combined to keep prices affordable.

DTE purchases natural gas throughout the year, which helps stabilize the cost of natural gas and insulates you from unexpected price changes. Because of that, DTE remains among the lowest-cost providers of natural gas in the Midwest.

While lower natural gas prices are a win for us all, it’s a smart move to review energy efficiency tips you could implement at your workplace. For example, by lowering your thermostat after working hours, you could save as much as 1% of your energy bill for every degree you dial down.

Safety is another top priority this year. We’re always striving to prevent incidents before they occur, which is why DTE and our network of vendors complete more than 100,000 natural gas meter safety inspections each year. This work helps ensure that Michigan businesses are safe places to work and have a reliable natural gas supply when they need it. If you are contacted by DTE to schedule a meter inspection, please make it a priority to call us for a free inspection at a time that works for you. The visit should take only 15 minutes.

Our most significant infrastructure goal is our statewide program to upgrade our gas pipelines. In 2023, we reached a milestone of replacing 1,900 miles of aging pipeline with new, environmentally friendly gas pipes. We will replace an additional 200 miles this year and every year through 2035 to ensure we can continue to serve you with safe, reliable and efficient natural gas for decades to come.

We’re also focused on expanding our natural gas footprint across the state. Last year, we received $7.3 million from the state of Michigan to extend natural gas service to the Mesick and Buckley communities in Northwest Michigan. Work is underway to transition these communities from propane heating sources to natural gas. The project will provide 1,000 residential customers and 100 small businesses access to natural gas, allowing them to save significantly on their energy costs.

From downtown Detroit to Mesick and beyond, we’re committed to meeting customers’ needs for safe and reliable natural gas service.

We thank you for remaining an engaged customer and wish you enormous success in the new year.

Sincerely,

EnergySmarts for Michigan Business welcomes your comments. Send inquiries, questions or comments to: EnergySmarts for Michigan Business 1590 WCB DTE Energy One Energy Plaza Detroit, MI 48226-9952 or email EnergySmartsMI@dteenergy.com PUBLISHING PARTNER Hour Custom Publishing 5750 New King Drive, Suite 100 Troy, MI 48098 248.691.1800 GENERAL MANAGER Edward J. Peabody MANAGING EDITOR Emily Doran ART DIRECTOR Kevin Martin COPY EDITOR Olivia Sedlacek ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jordan Jewell ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Rachel Beltowski PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Jenine Knox SENIOR PRODUCTION ARTIST Stephanie Daniel PRODUCTION ARTIST Jonathan Boedecker CONTRIBUTORS Eric Dick Paris Giles Becky Kalajian Wensdy Von Buskirk EnergySmarts for Michigan Business magazine is published by DTE Energy. © 2024 DTE Energy. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. EnergySmarts for Michigan Business is a registered trademark of DTE Energy. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, EnergySmarts for Michigan Business and Hour Media LLC cannot be responsible for content, opinions, practices or how the information herein is said. All materials submitted, including, but not limited to, images, logos and text that appear, are assumed to be the property of the provider, and EnergySmarts for Michigan Business and Hour Media LLC are not responsible for unintentional copyright infringement.

EnergySmarts for Michigan Business reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. DTE Energy and EnergySmarts for Michigan Business and Hour Media LLC make no endorsement of any company listed in this publication.

For a free subscription to EnergySmarts for Michigan Business, subscribe online at dteenergy.com/subscribebiz.

Bob Richard President and COO, DTE Gas 4

A CLOSER LOOK By Jordan Jewell

What to know about meter safety inspections If DTE asks to check your indoor natural gas meter, respond ASAP. Each year, DTE and its network of vendors conduct more than 100,000 natural gas meter safety inspections to keep customers safe. These inspections are required by the state of Michigan and must be completed for DTE to continue service.

Here’s what business owners need to know about indoor natural gas meter safety inspections.

Why does DTE need to inspect my natural gas meter?

The purpose of these inspections is to check that the indoor gas meter and its equipment are functioning properly. By completing these inspections, DTE hopes to prevent problems before they arise.

How will I know when it’s time for an inspection?

Indoor gas meter inspections should be completed every three years. If your gas meter is located inside your business, DTE will need your permission to come into your business every three years and access the meter. Businesses will be notified via mail, calls, texts and emails that it is time to schedule their appointment, and a DTE representative might even stop by to chat with you. (DTE reps always wear identifying badges and do not ask for payment.) If you’re ready for your inspection, call 877.853.9434 to schedule it. An adult must be present at the time of the inspection.

How long does an inspection take?

Can my business remain open during the inspection?

Businesses can absolutely remain open at the time of the inspection. DTE is dedicated to being efficient to minimize any disruptions to your business and typically performs these inspections in about 15 minutes. However, technicians may require extra time if they detect any natural gas meter leaks that need to be addressed; most repairs are performed free of charge.

How much does an inspection cost?

Indoor natural gas meter safety inspections are free of charge for all DTEowned meters and service pipes located inside your business. However, if you do not respond to your final letter requesting access for the inspection, DTE will be forced to terminate your service. Service restoration can cost up to $6,000 because of the complex processes and equipment required to reestablish a connection to your property safely. To avoid costs, and the inconvenience of going without natural gas, customers should respond to their inspection notice immediately.

who isn’t wearing a badge, as they could be an imposter. Additionally, DTE never asks for payment for a standard safety inspection. If you are unsure whether the person is from DTE or RECONN, please ask the representative to wait while you call 877.853.9434 to confirm.

Who performs these inspections?

DTE employees or representatives of DTE’s approved vendor RECONN will complete the inspection. Inspectors always have a DTE or RECONN badge that indicates that they are a DTE employee or an official DTE vendor.

Do not allow anyone into your business

How can I schedule my gas meter inspection?

Once you are notified by DTE that your business needs an inspection, please call 877.853.9434 or email GFOMeterAssemblyCheck@dteenergy.com to make an appointment.

What is DTE looking for during an inspection?

Technicians look for corrosion and leaks when conducting indoor meter safety inspections. If they detect corrosion, they will use paint to reduce it. If inspectors detect a leak, they’ll repair the equipment.

dteenergy.com 5

SEASON’S SAVINGS By Jordan Jewell

Warm up and save Here are 6 tips to manage your energy use this winter.

Even when it’s freezing outside, you can keep your business cozy while saving energy with these six easy tips.

every 4 feet with a hanging strap that is at least an inch and a half wide.

1.

Clear the way and insulate wherever you can.

Move rugs, drapes and furniture to ensure they are not blocking airflow from your registers.

For a more comfortable and energy-efficient business, seal air leaks and add insulation.

Installing weather stripping on doors and caulking around windows, as well as fixing and replacing any damaged or missing insulation, can help keep your business warm.

Check the ductwork in your building for any air leaks, especially at the joints. If you find a leak, start by sealing it with a mastic sealant or metal tape. Connections at vents and registers should be well sealed where they meet the floors, walls and ceilings. Leaks, holes and poorly connected ductwork can result in air loss.

Wrap ducts in insulation to keep them from getting too cold in the winter. Flexible hanging ducts should be supported 6

2.

Stay on top of maintenance.

Furnace maintenance can be one of the most important tasks for saving energy in the colder months.

Changing filters regularly and having your furnace inspected before there is a problem might save your business from costly repairs and headaches.

4.

Know your sensors.

Occupancy sensors automatically turn lights on when you or your customers enter the room and turn off or dim the lights when the room is empty.

Occupancy sensors can also be used outdoors to illuminate your parking lot or entrance when people are around, which is helpful as the days get shorter. Daylight sensors also detect illumination from the sun and adjust the brightness of interior lights accordingly.

Photocell sensors are used on outdoor lights to detect when daylight is available and prevent light from being used when it’s unnecessary.

3.

Find the right light.

When lighting your business, pay attention to lumens and watts. Watts indicate how much energy the bulb will consume to emit light, while a higher number of lumens indicates a brighter light.

5.

Program your thermostat.

Installing a Upgrade to LEDs, which use 70% to programmable thermostat 90% less energy than incandescent allows you to customize the bulbs while providing the same heating of your building. amount of light.

Business owners can adjust

their thermostats to make the building a few degrees cooler when the business is empty. Consider turning the thermostat down at least 3 degrees whenever the building will be closed, but first check the recommended settings for your building to avoid frozen pipes and other heating or cooling issues.

6.

Schedule a complimentary energy consultation.

An energy consultation can help business owners find ways to cut energy costs. A DTE specialist will come to your business and provide a personalized assessment that highlights where your business uses the most energy. You might also receive complimentary energy-saving products based on your DTE account type and eligibility.

To see if your business qualifies and to schedule a free consultation, call 855.234.7335.

SAVE THE DATE

Mark your calendars!

Sign up to attend or present at the 25th annual Michigan Energy Efficiency Conference and Exhibition.

It’s that time of year: DTE and The Engineering Society of Detroit are once again planning the Michigan Energy Efficiency Conference and Exhibition, set for May 7 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.

executive director of The Engineering Society of Detroit.

This premier event — the only one of its kind in Michigan — is designed to inform commercial and industrial businesses of all sizes about technology, products and services that can assist them in successful energy management. It’s also a prime opportunity to network; hundreds of people from a variety of industries attend the conference every year, and dozens of companies set up booths in the exhibition hall.

“It’s a privilege to see this conference celebrating its 25th anniversary,” says Carmen Welch, director of energy efficiency programs at DTE. “Much has changed in the landscape of energy efficiency over these 25 years. Each year, we see new technologies and approaches to energy efficiency, so there is always something new to learn, and this conference is the place to be for that.

In short, the event covers “all things energy efficiency related,” says Robert Magee,

“I’m proud that DTE and ESD are at the forefront of providing education and

Dozens of companies set up booths in the exhibition hall at the 24th annual Michigan Energy Efficiency Conference and Exhibition in Novi in May 2023.

The conference is hitting a major milestone this year: 2024 marks the event’s 25th anniversary.

sharing best practices in this annual forum and know this is helping Michigan businesses reduce their energy use and accomplish their overall energy goals.”

This year’s all-day event will include the following: • A luncheon and a concurrent keynote presentation. Last year, Brian Calley, the president and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan, spoke about the role of small businesses in the state’s economy and communities.

• A variety of educational 30-minute presentations. In 2023, presentation topics included integrating energy efficiency into a small business, financing associated projects with DTE rebates and low-interest loans from Michigan Saves, and much more.

Multiple session leaders also presented case studies of organizations that had taken control of their energy use and achieved substantial savings.

• Dozens of exhibitors offering energyrelated products and services.

• Major awards recognizing energy efficiency initiatives.

TOOLBOX

To learn more about the conference or sign up as a presenter or attendee, visit esd.org. dteenergy.com 7

5 QUESTIONS By Becky Kalajian

BCPS has received ~$72,500 from DTE for energy efficiency projects

Grade A energy student Byron Center Public Schools sets the curve for energy efficiency.

Just southwest of Grand Rapids, Byron Center Public Schools (BCPS) has emerged as a star pupil of energy efficiency.

The district’s brand-new, $43 million intermediate school boasts efficiencies such as in-floor heating, snow melt systems, hospitalgrade air filtration and high-efficiency boilers with variable speed motors.

Behind the scenes, real-time data monitoring and analysis happen for six buildings that house more than 4,500 students.

The push to embrace cuttingedge energy efficiency and data monitoring has been led by District Services Coordinator Doug Gallup, who has honed his skills over 13 years through trainings and partnerships with DTE and others.

5 QUESTIONS, continued on page 10

Byron Center Public Schools’ brand-new, $43 million intermediate school is highly energy efficient. Photo courtesy of Doug Gallup.

8

“The message I broadcast about DTE is that they are there to help a school or business plan — and execute — energy efficiency projects that save energy and help them qualify for rebates. They just make the process easy.”

—DOUG GALLUP, DISTRICT SERVICES COORDINATOR FOR BYRON CENTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

dteenergy.com 9

5 QUESTIONS, continued from page 8

Inset photo: Doug Gallup of Byron Center Public Schools.

Photo courtesy of Doug Gallup.

Gallup’s passion for energy efficiency best practices and on-demand data has boosted his district’s average ENERGY STAR® rating, a federally devised energy performance scale that rates buildings from 1 (worst) to 100 (best). In 2010, the district averaged 61, but it has since risen to an impressive 88 out of 100, with the new building at times reaching 100.

Efficiency Program for Business.

“We measure everything,” says Gallup, whose facilities team is equally data driven and enjoys a bit of friendly competition between the buildings, sharing numbers and innovations on a weekly, if not daily, basis.

“Doug is one of my best advocates,” she says about Gallup, who shares his story often with professional organizations around the state. “The whole attitude within that district is what makes this particular project stand above the rest.”

Since he began applying for gas and electric grants and rebates in 2010, Gallup has captured more than $1 million for the school district. As a DTE gas customer, the school district has received about $72,500 in rebates for completed projects, says Dru Ross, an energy advisor for DTE’s Energy 10

Gallup’s enthusiasm for data and his willingness to learn have made “all the difference,” says Ross, who has worked with him for many years on different projects.

Here, Gallup discusses the energy-efficient features at the new school, his passion for energy efficiency and more.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

1.

What are some features that set the new school apart from your older buildings?

For starters, we used 4-inch brick block concrete, in-floor heating and highefficiency boilers with variable speed motors. Our big air units have energyrecovery wheels [that aid in increasing HVAC efficiency]. Other features include: • Capping the building is a 30-year flat roof topped by a 50-year roof.

• Snow-melting capabilities to reduce salt pollution.

• Adjustable lighting from 5,000 [lumens] down to 3,000 for students with special needs.

• Bipolar ionization with MERV 13 filters

Using energyefficient equipment is a priority at Byron Center Public Schools. Equipment photos courtesy of Doug Gallup.

for hospital-grade air quality.

• Smart building safety features such as lockdown buttons, security cameras, child-guard windows, a single point of entry and wing walls for student security.

2.

In addition to the gas rebates, how else did DTE help you in the design and build process?

DTE has been a great help in retrofitting our older buildings with ENERGY STAR® appliances and installing high-efficiency gas boilers and a gas generator into the new school. They made sure I hit all the parameters and built them into the design.

3.

Discuss continuous commissioning, the idea that analysis and remediation of problems should be ongoing. What does that look like for BCPS?

We benchmark our schools every year; we ENERGY STAR®–rate all our schools. The way we do this is through an integrated software service from KODE Labs, a Detroitbased company that helped create ondemand commissioning. Within 15 seconds, I can get all the data on all my equipment: my HVAC, heat pumps, boilers. We log in all our utility bills. Anything that is measurable, we will monitor.

In fact, data analytics showed one school was ENERGY STAR®–rated at 29. We went in and noticed ovens were turned on hours before they were needed. Data also showed that we could bring our buildings to [the] optimal temperature in 23 minutes instead of two hours before.

Most importantly, continuous commissioning has enabled our maintenance to be predictive instead of reactive. We can plan better.

4.

Why is your team so passionate about energy efficiency?

We always push the envelope. The numbers don’t lie, and we believe in what we do because it serves our taxpayers, our students and staff, and the environment.

5.

What do you tell other districts about the DTE program?

The message I broadcast about DTE is that they are there to help a school or business plan — and execute — energy efficiency projects that save energy and help them qualify for rebates. They just make the process easy.

TOOLBOX

To reach a member of the outreach team for the DTE Energy Efficiency Program for Business, call 866.796.0512, option 3, or email dtesaveenergy@dnv.com. dteenergy.com 11

FOOD SERVICE By Wensdy Von Buskirk

Hot savings Detroit firefighters tap into DTE’s Instant Discount program.

DTE offers several types of programs with the goal of helping customers trim energy usage and costs. Three of these programs offer savings immediately — at the point of sale — no paperwork required.

DTE’s Instant Discount programs — for food service, lighting and HVAC — help customers get a cheaper price when they buy energy-efficient appliances and equipment. Plus, they continue to save on energy bills into the future.

“It’s a win-win-win,” says Mark Kowal, senior trade ally manager with Energy Solutions, which helps DTE implement the Instant Discount programs.

12

Distributors who participate in the DTE Instant Discount programs provide the savings to the customers at the time of purchase/ checkout. Those customers include restaurants, schools, universities, and any other business or institution that buys through an equipment distributor — including the Detroit Fire Department.

Fire sale Senior firefighter Ron Ward found out about DTE’s Food Service Instant Discount Program when he visited FOOD SERVICE, continued on page 14

“[DTE’s Instant Discount program] helps me offset some costs for our customers and gives them a few extra bucks in their pockets. It’s a nice incentive to be able to offer.”

—MARTY CLOS, OUTSIDE SALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR PEOPLE’S RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT CO.

Thanks to DTE’s Food Service Instant Discount Program, the firefighters at Engine 41 were able to purchase a fryer at a reduced price.

dteenergy.com 13

FOOD SERVICE, continued from page 12

People’s Restaurant Equipment Co. in Detroit looking for a pan lid and noticed a commercial-grade Cook Rite deep fryer.

“I made a joke: ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if we had one of these?’” Ward recalls. “The guy said, ‘There’s an instant rebate,’” and pointed out that the fryer was available at a great price.

Ward thought the sales rep was kidding, but it turned out to be true. DTE’s instant rebate brought the price down within the department’s budget, and Ward was able to purchase the fryer on the spot for Engine 41.

14

Word spread quickly, and soon three other firehouses took advantage of the deal.

“That program is the best thing that’s happened to our firehouse in a long time. It just makes everything so much easier for us,” Ward says. “Any given day, we don’t know what we’re doing. We’re going on medical runs, car accidents, people trapped in elevators, fires. We have enough time to drop something in the fryer to feed us to keep us motivated and keep going.”

Firefighters work 24hour shifts and cook big lunches and dinners to share.

“Our firehouse meals are pretty much any meal you could possibly think of,” Ward says. “Everybody has a recipe from their past, or their parents or grandparents, and they pass them along to the next guy.”

The fryer has opened a ton of options, Ward says, from french fries and chicken or fish to the occasional deep-fried Snickers or Twinkies.

refrigerators, indoor motion sensors and exterior lighting, and rooftop and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) units for heating and cooling. A complete list of available discounts for food service, lighting and HVAC is available at dteenergy.com/ instant-discounts.

Any DTE customer in good standing may be eligible for these discounts.

Businesses considering new equipment or upgrades should visit DTE’s website and use the Distributor Locator Tool to find a participating distributor.

The program has been a great experience for Marty Clos, who handles outside equipment sales for People’s Restaurant Equipment Co., which has been in business since 1918.

Partnering with DTE’s Food Service Instant Discount Program is one way distributors like People’s can make sure customers are getting a great deal. Whether those customers are purchasing a state-of-the-art walk-in cooler, a small fridge for their break room or a fryer for firehouse meals, the program helps them save on energy usage and costs.

“They get an instant rebate up front,” Clos says, “and they get savings on the back end on their utility bills.”

TOOLBOX

To learn more or find a distributor, visit dteenergy.com/instant-discounts.

“It helps me offset some costs for our customers and gives them a few extra bucks in their pockets,” he says. “It’s a nice incentive to be able to offer.”

“I think every firehouse should have a deep fryer,” he says.

Thanks to DTE’s Food Sevice Instant Discount Program, every firehouse and qualifying business can.

The new fryer has opened up a lot of food options for the firefighters, who need quick meals so they can get up and go fast.

How to save DTE’s Instant Discount programs encompass a wide range of equipment related to food service, lighting solutions, and heating and cooling.

Current discounts, available at programparticipating distributors, include markdowns on electric ovens and dteenergy.com 15

CLEANVISION By Emily Doran

Framework for the future DTE’s plan covers major investments in clean energy and the economy.

DTE’s commitment to providing customers with clean, reliable, affordable energy isn’t new, but the energy company regularly reviews and updates its strategies to meet customers’ and communities’ changing needs.

With the approval this past summer of its 2022 CleanVision Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), DTE is actively recommitting to — and expanding on — its pledge to reduce emissions and invest in renewable energy resources to support a healthy environment and economy for future generations.

Among other highlights in the IRP, DTE has identified more-ambitious targets to hit on the way to net-zero emissions

16

by 2050. Those revised targets include reducing carbon emissions 85% by 2032 and 90% by 2040.

There’s more work to be done between now and those dates, but DTE has a comprehensive plan to reach its goals and is already well on its way to getting there.

Clean goals Integrated Resource Plans are comprehensive proposals for how energy companies will meet customers’ electrical needs five, 10 and 15 years into the future. State law requires that energy companies submit an IRP to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) at least once every five years. DTE’s

facilities will also reap the rewards from the boost in renewables.

DTE will also add 1,810 MW of energy storage by 2042, which would more than double its current storage capacity.

most recent IRP, created with extensive input from community and technical stakeholders and approved by the MPSC this past summer, is a 20-year plan detailing how DTE will transform the way it generates electricity for its 2.3 million electric customers in Southeast Michigan.

Per the IRP, DTE will add an additional 15,400 megawatts of renewables to its electrical portfolio by 2042. That’s enough power to fuel about 4 million homes. In practice, that means that DTE, which is already Michigan’s largest producer of and investor in renewable energy, will be pouring even more resources into wind and solar power. Residential customers won’t be the only ones who will benefit from this investment — thousands of Michigan-based businesses and industrial

As part of its transition to cleaner energy sources, DTE intends to accelerate the retirement of its last two coal-fired power plants. One part of that goal is to retire the Monroe Power Plant in phases, finishing the process in 2032 — eight years ahead of the original schedule. DTE also plans to convert the Belle River Power Plant to an on-demand natural-gas peaking resource, wrapping up that switch in 2026 to end the use of coal there two years early.

Economic effects Beyond benefiting the environment, DTE’s clean energy transformation will positively impact the economy. Through this work over the next 10 years, DTE will invest $11 billion into Michigan’s economy, supporting more than 32,000 jobs in communities across the state, while reducing the future cost of the plan for the company’s customers by a projected $2.5 billion. These savings will translate to long-term value for customers.

In short, DTE’s latest IRP outlines a responsible transition to a balanced and diverse mix of cleaner energy sources over the next 20 years. Coupled with DTE’s work to modernize the electric grid, that portfolio is poised to provide clean, reliable, affordable energy to customers for years to come.

DTE will add 15,400 MW of renewables and 1,810 MW of energy storage by 2042

To make these transitions smoothly and responsibly, DTE plans to retrain impacted employees for new roles and partner with the local communities that have hosted the plants for years. Those partnerships will entail sharing information, answering questions, listening to feedback and identifying economic development opportunities in the affected areas.

TOOLBOX

Learn more about DTE’s 2022 CleanVision IRP at dtecleanenergy.com.

dteenergy.com 17

EDUCATION By Eric Dick

DTE offers energy training to real estate agents Limited-time program helps agents learn about energy efficiency and build brand distinction.

After the assessment, the energy advisor can provide the business owner with a list of participating contractors who could complete the work, or the business owner can work with their own contractor or make the upgrades themselves.

Real estate agents who complete the training receive a marketing kit that includes a program certificate, marketing materials such as a list of energy tips, and promotional items such as tape measures and flashlights.

Commercial real estate professionals looking to elevate their brand and help their clients save energy and money have a new, no-cost opportunity through DTE. The Commercial Real Estate Energy Consultant program, available for a limited time, is patterned after DTE’s similar initiative for residential real estate agents. A one-hour training explains where in a building to look for opportunities to make energy-efficient upgrades and outlines the available DTE rebates and incentives to help a buyer or seller cover the cost. The training is available online or on-site.

Andrea Campau, principal marketing analyst at DTE, says the residential program was well received among real estate professionals, which prompted the decision to incorporate the commercial sector, too. “They were happy to have that extra knowledge for a bit of brand distinction for themselves to say, ‘Hey, I’m knowledgeable about energy efficiency, the property is in the DTE service territory, I’m familiar with the incentive and rebate programs — let me share that information with you,’” Campau says.

With commercial real estate, when a property is sold is when a buyer is most likely to make improvements, says Kirstin Policastro, program manager at global consulting and technology services provider ICF, which is working with DTE to administer the program. And because buyers already have a trusting relationship with their real estate agent when they’re evaluating a property and the factors that will affect their bottom line, there is no better time to highlight ways to save energy.

“We thought we would meet them in the middle at that pinch point there and provide access to the programs that are available for DTE customers,” Policastro says.

18

The Commercial Real Estate Energy Consultant training course is available in two forms of delivery. Agents may enroll in a self-paced training, available 24 hours a day, or real estate firms may enroll their teams for in-person or group virtual training sessions.

For owners of small and midsize businesses, a bevy of DTE rebates and incentives are available for energy efficiency upgrades. A business owner may qualify for free upgrades such as screw-in LED lights, faucet aerators and thermostats. Discounts are available on food service equipment, additional lighting upgrades, and eligible heating and cooling units. Rebates are available on a host of other measures, including vending machine controllers, hand dryers, and refrigeration improvements such as automatic door closers on walk-in freezers and door gaskets on display coolers.

In fact, the options are so numerous that DTE offers a free, no-obligation assessment in which a qualified energy advisor will visit the business and provide a personalized report of recommended energy efficiency upgrades and the available DTE incentives and rebates.

The assessment, Policastro says, is the first step in building a relationship between DTE and the business customer. The real estate professional provides that introduction.

For agents, the Commercial Real Estate Energy Consultant program is an opportunity to establish even more trust with their clients and build their brand. By being knowledgeable about energy-saving upgrades and DTE incentives, commercial real estate agents can demonstrate they are not merely interested in making a sale but are also invested in helping their clients lower their energy usage in the months and years to come. Once training is completed, real estate agents can connect their clients directly with a qualified energy advisor to address future energy concerns. And they help contribute toward a business’s sustainability efforts and in a wider sense help become a force for change.

TOOLBOX

For more information, visit dteenergy.com/commercialrealestate or email Andrea Campau at Andrea.Campau@dteenergy.com.

RENEWABLE ENERGY By Becky Kalajian

“We loved the idea that [with MIGreenPower] a portion of our energy is attributed to wind and solar, without having solar panels literally on the roof of the facility.”

—LEIGH ANN FREDERICK, PRESIDENT OF NORTHFIELD TRUCKING CO.

90+ corporations and 1,400+ small businesses have joined MIGreenPower

Leigh Ann Frederick of Northfield Trucking Co. is committed to sustainability. Top photo courtesy of Frederick; inset photo by Jamie Morgan.

Environmentally driven Northfield Trucking Co. commits to sustainability through MIGreenPower.

People often smile when Leigh Ann Frederick tells them what she does for a living.

The third-generation trucker and president of Northfield Trucking Co. in Romulus says she embraces being unique in her maledominated industry.

“I definitely had to prove myself, but it’s made me a stronger person and

leader,” says Frederick, whose company of 87 employees and 40 contractors specializes in local pickup and delivery, milk runs, just-in-time freight and refrigerated freight.

In a way, Frederick started her career at age 14 when she began helping her late father with calculating fuel tax and figuring out the paperwork for his jobs.

“He was very tough on me; he wanted me to learn what it was like to be in the industry,” she says. “But it came naturally to me, and I truly have a passion for it.”

Frederick’s passion extends to the environment. Her shop recycles all the fluids, paper and metals that it can; her RENEWABLE ENERGY, continued on page 20 dteenergy.com 19

RENEWABLE ENERGY, continued from page 19

“Our customers are starting to ask us about our sustainability practices, so it’s a huge benefit to advertise that we are partnered with DTE to attribute the facility’s electricity use to clean energy.”

—LEIGH ANN FREDERICK, PRESIDENT OF NORTHFIELD TRUCKING CO.

facility is lighted by LEDs; and she is currently researching a transition to electric trucks.

“With the business, our carbon footprint tends to be a little bit higher than what other companies have, so my husband and I are always trying to get creative about recycling and other sustainable practices,” she says.

A recent job this past fall delivering solar panels sparked a conversation about increasing Northfield’s commitment to clean energy.

“I heard about another trucking company installing solar panels, so I reached out to DTE for information regarding available programs,” she says. “That’s how we first heard about MIGreenPower.”

Exceeding expectations MIGreenPower is an option for all DTE electric customers to access renewable energy at no additional cost.

“We loved the idea that a portion of our energy is attributed to wind and solar, without having solar panels literally on the roof of the facility,” she says.

Signing up for MIGreenPower allows customers like Frederick to allot 5% to 85% of their energy use to these wind and solar parks.

That’s on top of the 15% renewable energy DTE already provides for all customers, so enrollees who select the maximum 85% allotment are attributing 100% of their electricity use to these clean energy sources.

“Our customers are starting to ask us about our sustainability practices, so it’s a huge benefit to advertise that we are partnered with DTE to attribute the facility’s electricity use to clean energy,” she says.

The program was designed for those who want to do good and green up their electricity use without directly installing solar panels, says Knox Cameron, DTE’s director of Renewable Solutions.

So far, more than 90 of the

state’s largest corporations DTE can and 1,400 small businesses generate enough have opted in to since its clean energy to MIGreenPower 2017 launch. power 750,000+ “It has exceeded expectations,” Cameron says. homes “Year over year, we double our

The program is part of the energy company’s wideranging plans to increase investment in solar parks, wind parks and other renewable energy resources; cut carbon emissions in half over the next 10 years; and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

This year, DTE has increased generation 20

from solar by nearly 10 times by adding almost 2.2 million solar panels; by 2040, the company’s solar panel portfolio will comprise more than 11 million. Along with DTE’s 20 wind projects in operation, the energy company is now able to generate enough clean energy to power more than 750,000 homes.

enrollment numbers.”

Investing in the future The ease of the program got Frederick’s attention, along with the benefits.

Another advantage is being able to promote her company as one that cares about sustainability.

Frederick appreciated the ease of onboarding with MIGreenPower and says that her conversation with a DTE representative was “amazing.”

“He made me feel comfortable; there wasn’t any such thing as a silly question,” she says.

“Plus, he was very efficient. It was done in a moment.”

MIGreenPower is now one of the largest voluntary renewable energy initiatives in the country; it has tripled the amount of renewables capacity across the state, Cameron says.

“MIGreenPower directly supports additional renewable energy development while enabling DTE to retire coal plants in Trenton, River Rouge and St. Clair,” he says.

Two plants remain online: Belle River — slated to cease the use of coal later this decade — and Monroe.

Enrolling in MIGreenPower was a no-brainer for Northfield Trucking Co. Photo courtesy of Northfield Trucking Co. Once a customer is enrolled, DTE retires renewable energy certificates on their behalf. These certificates reflect the amount of clean energy generated to support a customer’s enrollment.

As Frederick continues to develop Northfield Trucking Co., she plans to keep investing in sustainability practices and initiatives.

To enroll in MIGreenPower or learn more, email the program team at migreenpower@dteenergy.com or visit dteenergy.com/migreenpower, where you can also calculate the environmental impact made by joining the program, such as how many trees your enrollment is equal to planting.

“Sustainability is very important to the success of future generations,” she says, “so we will continue to embrace the changes that come along.” dteenergy.com 21

INDUSTRY INSIDER By Paris Giles

DIY energy efficiency Take energy management into your own hands with DTE’s web-based self-service options.

Improving energy efficiency at your business might feel overwhelming.

Thankfully, for business owners looking for ways to make improvements — big or small — the self-service tools on the DTE website can be a valuable first step.

DTE recently launched new, easy-to-navigate webpages that house energy efficiency tips and information about discounted equipment, rebate programs and even financing opportunities. DTE prides itself on treating customers like partners and situating them firmly in the driver’s seat, so the energy efficiency webpages feature a host of self-service tools to help business owners accomplish their energy efficiency goals.

“Our programs support customers who are generally really busy,” says Jeremy Cappello, program lead for DTE’s Small and Medium Business Program. “The goal of self-service is for the customers to go and educate themselves about the programs and then even schedule an appointment — all on their own time.”

That’s one of the newest additions: a selfscheduling tool to arrange for an energy advisor to visit your business to assess where efficiency improvements could be made. Sometimes, small upgrades can be made on the spot at no cost (such as putting in screw-in LED light bulbs or programmable thermostats), and more-substantial changes may qualify for cost-saving rebates.

22

“DTE hopes the selfscheduling option will prove a convenient way to make smart energy moves on your own time and terms.”

—JEREMY CAPPELLO, PROGRAM LEAD FOR DTE’S SMALL AND MEDIUM BUSINESS PROGRAM

“The assessment is a really good starting point for customers to learn about what types of opportunities are available to them,” Cappello says. “Business customers can still call or email if preferred, but DTE hopes the self-scheduling option will prove a convenient way to make smart energy moves on your own time and terms.”

Melissa Grace, the program manager for DTE’s Small and Medium Business Assessment Outreach Team, says the option to schedule an initial assessment online has been a game changer and a time-saver for all involved.

“With the self-scheduling tool, customers can go online themselves and schedule when they’re available so we’re not taking up too much of their time unnecessarily,” she says. “[That also helps ensure] that the appropriate person is available for us to come on-site and do the walk-through.”

Small-business customers can schedule a complimentary energy assessment at dteenergy.com/smallbusiness.

DTE’s other energy efficiency webpages — accessible from the main hub, dteenergy. com/getstarted — have their own self-service options as well.

Shop the Business Marketplace. Each business has unique needs, but lighting is universal. Save significantly on an array of discounted energy-efficient lighting by buying directly from the DTE Business Marketplace at dtebusinessmarketplace. com. Shop screw-base bulbs, flat panels, linear tubes, outdoor floodlights and wall pack options from brands such as General Electric Co., Philips and Lithonia Lighting.

sensors in restrooms and hallways, service HVAC equipment biannually, add power strips with occupancy sensors to power down idle equipment and clean refrigeration cooling coils. Visit dteenergy.com/efficiencytips to learn more.

Connect with a contractor. For mom-andpop shops and large-scale operations alike, contractors can be an important part of the energy efficiency journey. Visit dteenergy. com/findacontractor to find participating contractors who are familiar with DTE’s programs and rebate application processes.

Discover easy energy efficiency tips. Find fairly simple changes you can make to improve your business’s energy efficiency.

Here are a few examples: Install motion

Browse energy solutions by business type. DTE’s Business Energy Advisor is a free online library of sorts, browsable by business type or technology and packed with data and proven solutions. Searching by business type will reveal dozens of entries — including restaurants, retail spaces, office buildings, churches and grocery stores — and a breakdown of how each sector uses energy and how efficiency could be improved. Each page offers simple, low-cost changes that businesses can make alongside more sweeping, long-term solutions. Visit dteenergy. bizenergyadvisor.com to learn more about energy efficiency in your industry.

Read about businesses like yours. Stay in the know about how Michigan businesses have made real energy efficiency changes with the help of DTE’s programs. At no cost, sign up for the Business Customer Connections or Community Connections e-newsletter or subscribe to this quarterly magazine. Visit dteenergy.com/ energysmarts to get started.

Using the self-service tools on DTE’s website — especially the energy assessment scheduling tool — is a great way to start exploring the topic of energy efficiency.

You’re invited to consider your energy efficiency needs, browse the available options and, when you’re ready for a partner, connect with DTE to be assigned a single point of contact to walk alongside you on your energy journey.

TOOLBOX

Check out the energy efficiency hub and self-service options at dteenergy.com/getstarted.

dteenergy.com 23

ENERGY JOURNEY By Wensdy Von Buskirk

Savings multiplied DTE program helps apartment owner and his tenants.

When Jerry Fawaz first heard of DTE’s Multifamily Program, he thought it was too good to be true. The program is designed to help owners of multifamily units make upgrades to save on energy usage and costs through rebates when they switch to qualifying energy-efficient HVAC equipment, lighting, water heaters and more.

roof. Potentially eligible properties include triplexes, co-op housing, condos, apartments, senior living facilities and dorms.

The upgrades can help owners reduce energy bills — savings they can pass along to their tenants. Tenants may also benefit from more comfortable and environmentally friendly living spaces.

“I said, ‘Wow.’ I just could not believe it. It was a dream come true,” Fawaz says. “I tell people, and nobody believes me.”

To be eligible, properties must use DTE as their natural gas or electric provider and must have three or more units under one

Fawaz has owned a 32-unit apartment building on West Warren Avenue in Dearborn for 40 years and prides himself

Fawaz qualified for DTE’s program and couldn’t be happier with the results.

He saved money on long-term building improvements, and his renters have seen a 30% drop in heating and cooling costs.

Building community

on keeping it nice for his residents.

“I maintain the property and keep the rent low,” he says.

When a DTE representative reached out to explain the Multifamily Program, Fawaz was skeptical at first.

“Finally, I said, ‘OK, we’ll go to the building and see what you’re talking about,’” Fawaz recalls.

A DTE energy advisor met Fawaz for a site visit to evaluate ways the program could help him trim energy usage and costs.

Through DTE’s Multifamily Program, Jerry Fawaz has gotten rebates on energyefficient upgrades at his rental property in Dearborn.

24

According to energy advisor Clifford “Kip” Waddell, the building’s outdated electric radiator heating left much room for improvement.

“Baseboard heating is very inefficient,” Waddell explains.

ENERGY JOURNEY, continued on page 26

dteenergy.com 25

ENERGY JOURNEY, continued from page 24

DTE helped Fawaz upgrade to highefficiency heat pumps, weatherize the attic and secure funding to fix the air ventilation.

26

DTE Multifamily Program checklist Follow this easy process to get rebates on energy-efficient lighting, HVAC equipment, water heaters, furnace and boiler tune-ups, and more:

catalogs. If you have questions, contact DTE’s program team at 866.796.0512 or dtemultifamily@ michiganefficiency.com.

for you. For larger development projects, the timeline for submission may be extended.

✓ Verify eligibility. Your property

✓ Reserve your funds. Before you

must be a DTE customer in good standing, with three or more units under one roof.

start your project, submit a reservation application. A member of DTE’s program team will confirm receipt and provide preapproval.

and required documentation must be submitted within 60 days after work is done, or by Nov. 30, 2024 — whichever comes first.

✓ Meet the specs. Equipment must

✓ Install the equipment. Complete

meet specifications. Visit dteenergy. com/multifamily to review the incentive worksheets in the program

your project within 90 days of receiving a reservation letter that confirms DTE is holding incentives

DTE assisted Fawaz in upgrading to high-efficiency heat pumps with an ENERGY STAR® water heater.

They also weatherized the attic, sealing gaps in the building’s envelope and installing insulation. In the process, they learned that tenants’ bathroom fans were vented into the attic, which can cause mold.

They secured extra funding through DTE’s Health and Safety Program to vent air outside properly.

Fawaz received rebates all along the way.

“I couldn’t believe it, and the tenants could not be happier,” he says.

Concierge service Any building owner or manager can reach out to DTE to find out whether they are eligible. As with Fawaz, the process begins with an energy audit. Once potential energyefficient improvements are discovered, DTE provides a report to the building owner. DTE also provides a list of participating contractors online (dteenergy.com/eed), if needed.

Fawaz chose Air Comfort Pro of Brownstown to do the work.

Renters have seen a 30% drop in heating and cooling costs

As DTE works toward its goal of netzero emissions by 2050, multifamily property owners and their tenants can benefit along the way.

“Energy efficiency equals dollar savings,” Waddell says.

✓ Follow up. Final applications

✓ Enjoy your rebate! Many owners don’t realize the array of rebates available through DTE’s Multifamily Program. Start the process today and enjoy your energy savings!

Program numbers for 2024 This year, income-qualified multifamily properties can save: $5,000–$6,000 on air-source heat pumps $2,000 on ENERGY STAR® heat pump water heaters $800 per 1,000 square feet on attic insulation $800 per 1,000 square feet on building envelope air sealing *Market-rate customers also are eligible for rebates and savings. Visit dteenergy.com/multifamily to review both program catalogs.

Ultimately, it’s a win-win.

“Jerry is an exceptional landlord,” Waddell says.

“He genuinely cares about his tenants and does anything he can to keep their rates low. You can tell when you walk through the property with him [that] his tenants appreciate him.”

TOOLBOX

If you own or manage a multifamily property, request a free energy assessment at dteenergy.com/multifamily.

Questions? Contact the program team at 866.796.0512 or dtemultifamily@michiganefficiency.com. dteenergy.com 27

REFRIGERATION By Eric Dick

Stay cool with refrigeration rebates DTE is offering bigger incentives on some energy-saving upgrades.

If you run any sort of food-service business, you might find that refrigeration accounts for a significant portion of your energy bill.

Finding ways to trim your energy usage can help you save — but how do you get started?

discuss energy-saving opportunities and create a personalized report of recommended — but optional — upgrades.

DTE’s Small and Medium Business Program is here to help with a complimentary energy assessment and bigger rebates on commercial refrigeration measures so you can make energy-saving upgrades. To complete the assessment, a DTE energy advisor will visit your place of business,

If your business relies on refrigeration, the energy advisor may suggest making energy-efficient upgrades in that area.

DTE offers a host of refrigeration-related rebates to help cover the cost of eligible upgrades, and some of those rebate amounts have more than doubled recently.

28

Refrigeration rebates

Perhaps some door gaskets on a display cooler or freezer are leaking, which not only wastes energy but also can fog glass and deter a sale because people won’t buy what they can’t see. The per-linear-foot rebate on door gaskets is now $5, up from $2.

Replacing fluorescent lighting with LED lighting might improve visibility, and LED lights generate far less heat than fluorescent lights do. The rebate for LED refrigerated case door lighting is now $42 per door, up from $25.

New cooler gaskets

DTE is offering bigger incentives on refrigeration-related upgrades. Inset photos

by Brad Ziegler.

LED lighting in coolers

Those are just a couple of examples. Other rebates have also increased: • The rebate for automatic door closers for walk-in coolers and freezers is now $98 per door, up from $50.

• The rebate for anti-sweat heater controls is now $100 per door, up from $65.

contractor if they already have someone they trust (or perform the upgrades themselves).

Either way, the assessment is complimentary, the process is transparent and there is no obligation to perform the recommended upgrades.

No-sweat assessment

“We’re not going to charge you to come out and do an assessment. We’re not going to charge you to get a quote from a contractor,” says Jeremy Cappello, program lead for DTE’s Small and Medium Business Program. “At the end of the day, you can say, ‘You know what? I don’t have the budget for this. I’m not going to do it.’ And that’s OK. And you can maybe do it at another time. We want to do what’s right for each customer’s specific situation with no pressure or stress.”

An additional benefit of the DTE Small and Medium Business Program is access to a list of participating contractors who are familiar with DTE’s programs and available rebates.

A business owner can choose to hire a contractor on the list or work with their own

If you do want to make the energy-efficient upgrades, you can explore financing options at dteenergy.com/getstarted. Business owners may qualify for a low-interest loan from Michigan Saves, for example, which could help alleviate the up-front cost.

• The rebate for strip curtains for walk-in coolers is now $5 per square foot, up from $3. For walk-in freezers, the amount is now $10 per square foot, up from $4.

Several other refrigeration rebates also are available. Schedule an assessment to learn more.

Don’t forget about instant savings!

Thanks to DTE’s Food Service Instant Discount Program, business owners can save $100 when they buy a qualifying refrigerator or freezer through a participating distributor.

Learn more at dteenergy.com/discountsfoodservice, and turn to page 12 to read about another DTE customer who used the program.

It all starts with the complimentary energy assessment. To schedule yours, call 855.748.2525, email DTE-small-business@ franklinenergy.com, or visit dteenergy.com/ smallbusiness and use the online selfscheduling option.

TOOLBOX

Schedule your complimentary energy assessment today!

Call: 855.748.2525 Email: DTE-small-business@ franklinenergy.com Visit: dteenergy.com/smallbusiness

dteenergy.com 29

DID YOU KNOW? By Paris Giles

How heating season can affect your energy bill Businesses use more natural gas during the winter, but there are ways to help keep costs in check.

As Michiganders settle into wintertime, it’s important to remember that your energy bill — not just the precipitation — is likely to feel the effects of the dropping temperatures.

Here’s why operating a business during the wintertime can be so energy intensive, how specific factors can impact your bill, and how business owners and DTE can work together to manage energy usage and costs.

Factors that may impact your bill Most customers use very little natural gas during the spring and summer months, but that changes quickly as temperatures start to drop and natural gas is used to heat working spaces.

Jessica Brideau, energy efficiency principal marketing strategist at DTE, explains that DTE has a thorough natural gas buying strategy that factors in these seasonal usage differences. “Our company buys gas continuously throughout the year,” she says.

“We have a number of underground wells throughout the state, and we deposit the gas there so we can pull it up whenever our customers need it most, which is, of course, in the wintertime.” That strategy helps protect customers against price spikes.

There are other factors to consider as well. Your business’s thermostat settings 30

can affect your energy bill during the winter months, especially if you adopt a set-it-and-forget-it approach. Also, each time an employee or customer enters in the winter, they bring cold air in with them, and drastic dips in temperature make your heating system work harder to keep everyone warm and cozy. Many businesses also hire more staff for the winter holiday season and beyond; more people spending more time indoors can mean spikes in more than just natural gas usage — business customers may also use more electricity for lighting and other equipment.

Easy ways to help conserve energy Some increase in energy usage is inevitable during the winter months, but there are easy ways business owners can help mitigate costs. One way is by lowering your thermostat during off-hours or investing in a programmable system and setting it to 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

According to the Department of Energy, you could save about 1% of your energy bill for every degree you lower your thermostat over an eight-hour period.

Brideau also reminds businesses to make sure there’s no large furniture or equipment blocking your vents or ducts.

“Sometimes we see that with business and residential customers,” she says. “Someone will have a rug over their vent, and that hot air is going nowhere.”

Especially in businesses that have many doors and windows, insulating entryways and window frames is another simple way to keep warm air inside and save money.

How DTE helps businesses brave the cold season To take it a step further, business owners can connect with DTE’s Small and Medium Business Program, whose energy advisors perform complimentary energy assessments. During the assessment, the energy advisor may be able to install complimentary energy-efficient equipment (such as LED light bulbs or “Open” signs). They’ll also leave the business owner with a report detailing other, more extensive improvements that could be made and potential rebates available for the upgrades.

For businesses that are having trouble paying their energy bill, DTE offers a number of payment assistance programs, including extensions or partial payment plans. “We’re always willing to work with customers to find a payment program that works for their budget and for their business needs,” Brideau says. You can learn more about your bill and available payment options by contacting DTE’s business call center at 855.DTE.4BIZ. TOOLBOX

Turn to page 6 to get more seasonal energysaving tips. To learn even more, visit dteenergy.com/heatingseason.

Sign up for a complimentary energy assessment at dteenergy.com/smallbusiness.

If you’re having trouble paying your bill or have any questions about your bill, call 855.DTE.4BIZ.

BOOST CUSTOMER COMFORT AND SAVE

When the temperature drops, your monthly business costs can rise. Luckily, DTE makes it

easy to see how weather and usage affect your energy bill. We might not be able to change the weather, but we can help you better manage costs.

To get tips and learn more, visit dteenergy.com/heatingseason.

SAVING MONEY IS GOOD BUSINESS

Saving your business money can be as easy as becoming more energy efficient. DTE has loads of money-saving tools and tips at dteenergy.com/savenow. For instance, changing air filters every three months and properly maintaining equipment keeps it running better, and your business humming along. Sealing air leaks and installing occupancy sensors saves money, too. Use less power, save more money. Easy.

Visit dteenergy.com/savenow.