DETROIT, May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy has launched a pilot program offering rebates of up to $5,000 to customers of its natural gas utility, MichCon, for products and services that help conserve energy. Under the pilot program, a limited number of $250 rebates are available to customers who purchase a high efficiency furnace or have a professional energy audit performed on their home. The company also is offering six rebates of $5,000 to builders who construct new energy efficient homes. "As natural gas prices have increased over the past several years, there has been renewed interest in energy efficiency as a way to save money," said Mark Stiers, vice president of gas sales and supply for MichCon. "These rebates will provide a financial incentive for customers to conserve energy, and better control their utility bills." Up to 200 homeowners who replace their existing furnace with a new high-efficiency, natural gas model will be eligible for a rebate of $250. The new furnace must be installed by a licensed dealer, and have an efficiency rating of at least 93 percent. Up to 100 homeowners who have a professional energy analysis performed on their home will be eligible for a $250 rebate. Only homes built prior to Dec. 31, 1999 are eligible for this program, and homeowners must complete at least one of the recommendations identified during the energy audit. DTE Energy also is offering six rebates of $5,000 each to licensed Michigan builders who construct new homes built to ENERGY STAR standards. ENERGY STAR is a national program that identifies and promotes energy efficient products and practices. An ENERGY STAR home typically costs more to build than a standard model, but pays back that cost premium quickly through its energy efficiency. Additional information on the rebate program is available at http://www.my.dteenergy.com/rebates . DATASOURCE: DTE Energy CONTACT: Len Singer, +1-313-235-8809, or Lorie N. Kessler, +1-313-235-8807, both of DTE Energy Web site: http://www.dteenergy.com/ http://www.my.dteenergy.com/rebates

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