DTE awards three Michigan small businesses $5,000 in energy efficiency upgrades
April 12 2024 - 10:10AM
DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) today announced the winners of its annual
Energy Efficiency Makeover contest. The contest, previously called
Business Pride, was revamped in 2023 with a new name and larger
cash awards of $5,000 each to benefit more small businesses as they
start their energy efficiency journey and reduce energy use.
Businesses that implement energy efficiency improvements often
reduce energy use, create more energy efficient operations, reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, improve comfort for employees and
customers, and have lower energy bills.
The 2023 DTE Energy Efficiency Makeover contest winners are:
- Penrickton Center
for Blind Children in Taylor
- Dixon &
Associates in Trenton
- IC Countryside
Market in Imlay City
These Michigan small businesses were selected based on their
demonstrated knowledge of and need for energy efficiency
improvements.
All winners will receive a walk-through energy assessment
with a DTE energy expert, including business-specific energy
efficiency recommendations and help in coordinating the
installation of upgrades with the prize money. Each business will
also be featured in an upcoming edition of DTE’s EnergySmarts for
Business magazine.
“As a small but vital non-profit, upgrading the building for
optimal energy efficiency is a gift that will keep on giving for
years to come,” said Patricia Obrzut, executive director,
Penrickton Center for Blind Children. “Penrickton Center does not
receive state or federal funds and there is no charge to the
families we serve. Winning this generous award in the makeover
contest will enable us to make some needed improvements and truly
make a difference in our day-to-day operations.”
Penrickton Center for Blind Children is a unique, private
non-profit agency, providing five-day residential, day care and
consultation/evaluation services to children one through 12 years
old who are visually impaired and multi-disabled.
“We started improving the energy efficiency of our office by
replacing some old tube lights with LEDs,” said Joseph Dixon,
president, Dixon & Associates. “The cost of upgrading systems
has been a barrier to do more, so this award will really be helpful
in making more upgrades that help to reduce our energy use.”
Dixon & Associates are financial planners and registered
representatives offering securities and advisory services through
Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG), a registered broker-dealer
and investment advisor.
As small business owners look for ways to improve their
operations, energy efficiency upgrades are becoming more top of
mind but are often difficult to implement due to lack of funds or
expertise. This contest removes barriers of cost and access. DTE
also seeks to connect with customers to raise awareness of
programs, rebates and services available designed to reduce energy
use and costs.
“We have made some energy efficiency improvements and wanted to
continue with a beer cooler upgrade, but we have limited cash on
hand to do this,” said John Guerrero, manager, IC Countryside
Market. “We initially received a quote of $11,000 to upgrade
the cooler but were able to lower the cost with the rebate DTE
offers, so that and the $5,000 prize money will really help us to
move forward in making that energy efficiency improvement.”
Countryside Market offers groceries, deli selections and beverages.
The contest, which closed in November, saw a record-breaking
number of entries for a second year in a row.
“The response this year is exciting for the winners and our
energy efficiency team. These businesses are the foundation of the
communities we serve, and we are proud to support them,” said
Carmen Welch, director, Energy Efficiency, DTE Energy.
“Congratulations to all our Energy Efficiency Makeover contest
winners.”
DTE offers over 20 energy efficiency programs for residential,
small business and commercial and industrial customers and is
ranked fifth in the nation for its programing. Since its inception
in 2009, more than 7.7 million electric customers and 3.8 million
gas customers have directly participated in DTE’s energy efficiency
programs.
To learn more about programs, rebates, ways to save and
available resources for businesses, visit
DTEenergy.com/getstarted.
###About DTE EnergyDTE Energy (NYSE:DTE)
is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the
development and management of energy-related businesses and
services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric
company serving 2.3 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a
natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers across Michigan.
The DTE portfolio also includes energy businesses focused on custom
energy solutions, renewable energy generation, and energy marketing
and trading. DTE has continued to accelerate its carbon reduction
goals to meet aggressive targets and is committed to serving with
its energy through volunteerism, education and employment
initiatives, philanthropy, emission reductions and economic
progress. Information about DTE is available
at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and
facebook.com/dteenergy.
Anne Santori
DTE Energy
313.235.5555
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