DTE EnergySmarts Fall 2024

FALL 2024

175 years of fueling Michigan DTE Gas marks major milestone and looks to the future

‘A wonderful gift’

Penrickton Center for Blind Children wins energy efficiency makeover from DTE

KEY TO BETTER BUSINESS? EFFICIENCY.

DTE’s here to help you manage your energy usage

and increase savings — freeing up resources for your business. Lighting alone can account for more than half of your bill. So install energy efficient alternatives, like LEDs and motion controlled lighting. Want to save even more? Cooling with a highly efficient, well-maintained HVAC system will help you do that.

We’ll focus on energy efficiency, so you can focus on business.

Visit dteenergy.com/savenow to learn more.

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CONTENTS DE PA R T ME N T S

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CleanVision 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.

ON THE COVER

PRESIDENT’S LETTER A CLOSER LOOK Learn the four factors that impact your monthly energy bill.

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5 QUESTIONS Brush up on natural gas safey — it’s “everyone’s responsibility.”

ENERGY JOURNEY Penrickton Center wins DTE energy efficiency makeover.

INDUSTRY INSIDER Hotel saves energy with DTE’s Small and Medium Business Program.

FALL SAVINGS Autumn is the perfect time to get a handle on your energy use.

DID YOU KNOW? Johnstone Supply works with DTE to offer instant discounts on water heaters.

F E AT U R E S

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GRP DTE is replacing gas pipes and moving meters outdoors. Here’s what to expect.

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LIGHTING With DTE’s help, Monroe County Community College brings its outdoor lighting into the 21st century.

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ENVIRONMENTALISM DTE helps elementary school win national sustainability award.

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PROFILE Thanks to DTE’s new gas rebates, a longtime Michigan contractor is finding more ways to help business customers.

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

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ANNIVERSARY DTE Gas marks 175 years of service and looks to the future.

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CONTEST Small businesses can enter now for a chance to win $5,000 in energy efficiency improvements. dteenergy.com 3

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

CELEBRATING 175 YEARS AND WRITING OUR NEXT CHAPTER From lighting the first natural gas streetlamps in Detroit to operating the modern pipelines that deliver safe and reliable energy to homes and businesses, DTE Gas has been a key driver of Michigan’s growth and prosperity. This year marks the 175th anniversary of DTE Gas, and I’m honored to celebrate this milestone with you and all of our 1.3 million customers across the state.

DTE Gas’s history is Michigan’s history — a story of invention and resilience — yet I believe the most exciting chapter is the one we’re writing now. We are committed to delivering natural gas safely, reliably and sustainably to you and your community for generations to come. And our natural gas infrastructure supports thousands of jobs and attracts new investments and industries to communities like yours.

DTE Gas is making significant investments in our infrastructure so we can keep delivering the energy you need safely and reliably. We are: • Investing $3.3 billion into replacing more than 4,000 miles of older cast-iron and steel natural gas pipes with new, corrosion-resistant plastic pipes.

• Investing more than $700 million this year alone in communities from Grand Rapids to Traverse City to Detroit to modernize our system.

• Moving more than 22,000 indoor gas meters outside across 29 communities in Michigan this year alone. This improves safety and allows our teams to access and service the meters as needed without inconveniencing you.

DTE Gas is also leading the industry in setting a bold and ambitious goal to achieve netzero carbon emissions by 2050 across our entire value chain, covering our operations and our suppliers’. We are also inviting customers to join us on this journey by targeting a 35% reduction in customer emissions by 2040 through energy efficiency and the voluntary Natural Gas Balance program, which allows customers to balance their carbon footprint through the development of Michigan-made renewable natural gas and the preservation of Michigan’s mature forests.

We thank you and all our valued customers and look forward to continuing to serve our state with excellence, innovation and responsibility for many years to come.

Sincerely,

Bob Richard President and COO, DTE Gas

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Published and distributed by DTE Energy, One Energy Plaza, Detroit, MI 48226 dteenergy.com EDITOR Anne Santori 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 PRODUCTION MANAGER Crystal Nelson SENIOR PRODUCTION ARTIST Stephanie Daniel PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Amanda Kozlowski CONTRIBUTORS Jordan Jewell 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.

A CLOSER LOOK By Jordan Jewell

Knowledge is power Learn the four factors that impact your monthly energy bill.

As another Michigan winter approaches, managing energy costs becomes crucial for small-businesses owners operating with tight margins. Keeping your workplace comfortable for your employees and customers doesn’t have to come with monthly sticker shock if you understand the four factors that impact your energy bill and get savvy with your energy use.

1. Energy usage Heating accounts for a significant portion of energy costs during the fall and winter, making it essential to set your thermostat to an appropriate temperature. During this time of year, DTE recommends setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal efficiency.

DTE tip: The closer your indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the less your heating system has to work. Consider investing in a programmable thermostat to lower the temperature automatically when you’re away, saving energy and money.

2. Fluctuations in temperature Michigan winters can be unpredictable, and temperature fluctuation can cause changes to your monthly bill. When the temperature drops drastically outdoors, indoor systems must work harder to keep you warm.

DTE tip: Seal air leaks in your business to keep cold air out and warm air in. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal leaks around windows and doors, and consider installing energy-efficient windows and doors when remodeling. Proper insulation and leak prevention can save you up to $200 annually.

3. Building changes DTE tip: Plan ahead. DTE’s BudgetWise Increased activity during the colder months Billing® program enables you to pay — more people coming in and out of your your annual energy bill in equal monthly building to shop, for example, and lingering installments to avoid the seasonal ups and in the warmth — can drive up energy usage. downs of your natural gas and electric With less natural sunlight this time of year costs. To enroll, visit dteenergy.com/bwb. and people spending more time indoors, lighting usage also tends to increase.

By understanding the factors See page 29 affecting your energy bill and for more fall DTE tip: Always turn off your lights following DTE’s tips, you can savings tips when you are leaving a space. Even manage costs more effectively better, install lighting sensors that this fall and winter. Adjust your automatically turn the lights off when thermostat, seal air leaks, optimize no one is occupying a low-traffic area, such as lighting and plan ahead to enjoy a more a storage room or the bathroom. Make sure energy-efficient season. that rugs and furniture are not blocking vents TOOLBOX at your business, which could be preventing proper circulation of heat from your furnace.

For more information about managing your energy usage and monthly bill, 4. The monthly billing cycle turn to page 29 and visit The standard DTE billing cycle lasts dteenergy.com/heatingseason. anywhere from 26 to 35 days. Longer billing periods naturally may have higher (albeit less frequent) bills. dteenergy.com 5

GRP By Wensdy Von Buskirk

Coming to a pipeline near you DTE is improving infrastructure and moving meters outdoors as part of its Gas Renewal Program. Here’s what to expect.

DTE Gas is halfway through a 25-year upgrade project to help ensure the continued safe and reliable delivery of your natural gas.

Over the next 12 years, DTE will spend $3.3 billion to replace more than 200 miles of aging pipeline annually with longer-lasting, more efficient polyethylene (plastic) materials.

By the time DTE completes these upgrades, 4,000 miles of legacy natural gas pipes will be upgraded, reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 500,000 metric tons of CO2e — the equivalent of taking 100,000 cars of the road annually.

Crews also are moving indoor gas meters outside of businesses for customers’ 6

convenience and safety. Outdoor meters give technicians easier access so they can perform maintenance, safety checks and readings without having to enter a property.

In 2024 alone, more than 22,000 meters will be moved outdoors.

We chatted with DTE Gas Renewal Program Director Eric Janness to find out what you can expect if DTE performs this work at your business.

What is the Gas Renewal Program (GRP)?

The GRP is a focused effort to upgrade DTE Gas’s distribution system by replacing some of our oldest pipelines and relocating meters from the inside to the outside of customer businesses.

Why do pipes need to be replaced, and why are meters being moved outside?

DTE’s gas service lines and mains are being replaced with new and improved materials to increase efficiency and minimize the risk of gas leaks. Outdoor meters reduce estimated meter reads to improve accuracy of bills and also enable DTE technicians to quickly access meters and shut them off in case of an emergency.

What can customers expect if their business is scheduled for GRP work?

Two to three weeks before we start work in your business’s neighborhood, you will receive a letter explaining the construction process and what to expect. We also communicate about our system upgrades

DTE Gas employees conduct Gas Renewal Program work in Grand Rapids and Detroit.

DTE is replacing more than 200 miles of aging pipeline annually

business to identify necessary repairs. We will repair your sidewalk, driveway and lawn to their original conditions. During warmer months, May through October, we estimate that property repairs will be finished within 30 days after the completion of upgrades in your area. From November through April, we perform temporary repairs to keep you safe throughout the winter. Beginning in May, our crews return to complete permanent repairs by June 30, weather permitting.

Please allow your new concrete sidewalk to cure for at least two days before walking or driving on it. Park on the street or somewhere else for seven days to let the driveway concrete dry completely.

We endeavor to return within 10 days to remove the wood frames around the concrete and repair your grass. with postcards, door hangers, social media postings and in-person visits. If your contact information is up to date in your online DTE account, you may receive email updates. You can also check our interactive map (see Toolbox) to track natural gas upgrades planned for your street. Some work requires a crew member or contractor to enter your business. Our technician will present a photo ID badge with a valid expiration date.

What if a customer’s property is disturbed during the work?

After our crew completes all natural gas upgrades in your neighborhood, someone from our restoration team will visit your

What does grass repair entail?

We place two inches of topsoil on the area needing repair and spread a grass seed mix to blend in with many types of common grasses. Grass seed needs constant moisture to grow. Use a light spray or mist setting on a hose or sprinkler to water your seeded patch twice daily for five to 10 minutes during the first week. Wait until your grass is three to four inches high before mowing, and avoid walking on it until after the first mowing.

What about repair of sprinkler heads?

We repair sprinklers damaged by DTE after concrete work is finished and before grass

seed is planted. If we miss a sprinkler repair, please call us, and we will return to correct the problem.

What if my meter is already outside?

We may need to perform maintenance on it or the service line that runs to your property. When we complete our work, a technician will ask to enter your business to relight appliances and ensure there are no leaks.

The meter moves are regulated by the state and are not optional. The Michigan Public Service Commission has required DTE to move all meters outside by 2028.

TOOLBOX

To find out if DTE is improving its natural gas system in your area, visit dteenergy.com/gas-map. dteenergy.com 7

LIGHTING By Becky Kalajian

The future looks bright

The new lights have cut MCCC’s electricity usage for lighting by 43%

With DTE’s help, Monroe County Community College brings its outdoor lighting into the 21st century.

The future is looking bright at Monroe County Community College even as darker months approach.

More than 220 new outdoor lights have been installed at the college’s main campus in Monroe, roughly 45 miles southwest of Detroit.

The lights — a full LED system with brand-new posts — will brighten the paths, parking lots and entrances of the school, making the outdoor environment safer while supporting the school’s energy efficiency goals and budget.

And after decades of enduring mismatched, dim and inefficient lights — 8

mostly original from 1967 — curious staff and neighbors flooded campus this June to see the lighting makeover, says Jack Burns, the college’s director of campus planning and facilities.

“The sidewalk lights were rusting and falling apart, and some of the parking lot lights weren’t functional,” says Burns, a trained architect who has been in his current role for 11 years. “Lately, many people have been driving by purposely at night just to see [the new lights].”

As a college administrator, Burns says he is “protective” of the college’s assets, especially when planning a project as big as replacing all 222 parking and sidewalk

lights. After researching several options, he found that one stood out above the rest: DTE’s Outdoor Lighting Acquisition Program, which offers maintenance-free exterior lighting to public and private entities — pretty much anyone with outdoor lighting needs.

What the program entails On the recommendation of a local civil engineering firm, Burns sat down with the DTE Lighting team, which outlined three key components to the program: 1. DTE can replace one or thousands of exterior lights for residential, municipal and commercial properties.

Through DTE’s program, Monroe County Community College has 222 new lights.

“Initially, I thought [DTE’s Lighting Acquisition Program] was too good to be true, but we looked into it further and it just made sense.”

New lighting

—Jack Burns, director of campus planning and facilities at Monroe County Community College 2. Customers are responsible for costs associated with installation, which can be partially offset by DTE construction credits and rebates. DTE offers financing options for the customer portion of the installation costs.

• An acquisition survey to identify and inspect circuitry and check the condition of equipment.

Old lighting

• Contract pricing, creation and approval.

• Construction planning.

3. DTE owns, operates and maintains the outdoor lighting, giving customers peace of mind with a predictable monthly bill and no additional maintenance costs.

“Initially, I thought it was too good to be true, but we looked into it further and it just made sense,” Burns says about the service.

Customers like MCCC are perfectly suited for the Lighting Acquisition Program, says Thomas Balog, recently retired marketing program manager for DTE. “They were engaged in the process, asking informative questions about the financial aspects of DTE owning, upgrading and maintaining a lighting system versus the previous standard, which was the college [doing the same],” Balog says. “They decided it was a good idea for the college to change ownership.”

The DTE engineering and design team worked closely with MCCC administration to help make selections from DTE’s large lighting catalog and fine-tune a cohesive, attractive lighting plan.

As part of the service, the DTE team also performs these steps:

• Construction and field work management.

Safety and stewardship

our security cameras will be able to pick up details better as well.”

MCCC has joined a growing field of DTE electric customers that have turned over their outdoor lighting to the energy company, which manages more than 200,000 lighting assets in its seven-county service territory in Southeast Michigan. The Lighting Acquisition Program’s attractive rate and cost structure make the switch “very affordable” for customers, Balog says, especially considering maintenance costs.

Burns, who has switched to geothermal HVAC on MCCC’s main campus and envisions net-zero operations at both that location and the center in Temperance, Michigan, reports that after the lights were installed, the electricity usage for lighting was cut by 43%. Put another way, MCCC is saving slightly more than 73,000 kilowatthours annually, which is the amount of energy it takes to power 10 U.S. homes.

Maintenance was top of mind for Burns, whose facilities team often worked high off the ground in lifts to clean, replace or fix broken equipment, some of which was obsolete.

“It’s important to be a good steward of the environment and to use our resources wisely,” he says. “You can do things, or you can do things better and do them for the right reasons.”

Even more important, however, will be the improvement in public safety for employees and students.

TOOLBOX

“My facilities employees who plow at night will be able to see substantially better the roads and parking lots now,” he says, “and

If you are interested in learning more about the Lighting Acquisition Program, call 800.548.4655. A DTE employee will reach out to you in three to five business days. dteenergy.com 9

ENVIRONMENTALISM By Wensdy Von Buskirk

Green group project

Hayes Elementary was 1 of 2 Michigan schools named Green Ribbon honorees in 2024

DTE helps elementary school win national sustainability award.

DTE is proud to be a small part of one elementary school’s big win when it comes to environmental and sustainability practices.

Art teacher Christine Lakatos and her students have been working hard to make Hayes Elementary in Westland greener.

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Hayes Elementary, which is located in Westland but is part of Livonia Public Schools, has been honored with a prestigious 2024 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award. Earning the designation took nearly a decade of effort spearheaded by Hayes art teacher Christine Lakatos. Along the way, DTE stepped in to save the district money on energy-efficient building upgrades and help educate kids on how to conserve energy at home.

Art of sustainability Hayes Elementary is one of just two schools in Michigan and 55 nationwide named Green Ribbon honorees in 2024. The rigorous public engagement initiative recognizes schools for reducing environmental impact and costs, improving health and wellness, and providing effective sustainability education.

Lakatos, who launched the effort at Hayes in 2016, is a veteran art teacher of 30 years.

ENVIRONMENTALISM, continued on page 12

“I wanted students to realize that they weren’t too young to make a difference and that there were a lot of little things that they could do.”

—CHRISTINE LAKATOS, ART TEACHER AT HAYES ELEMENTARY

Hayes Elementary’s robust recycling program accounts for everything from batteries and printer cartridges to writing implements, plastic film and packaging.

dteenergy.com 11

ENVIRONMENTALISM, continued from page 10

“Art teachers have been using newspaper, brown paper grocery bags, plastic containers and egg cartons for years — before it was the ‘in’ thing to do.”

—CHRISTINE LAKATOS, ART TEACHER AT HAYES ELEMENTARY

“Art teachers have been using newspaper, brown paper grocery bags, plastic containers and egg cartons for years — before it was the ‘in’ thing to do,” she says.

As Lakatos became more passionate about the environment, she decided to get her kids involved by forming a Green Club.

“I wanted students to realize that they weren’t too young to make a difference and that there were a lot of little things that they could do,” she says.

Path to going green First off, Hayes stopped using plastic straws. Then, the school built a robust recycling program one step at a time.

Hayes now recycles everything from batteries and printer cartridges to writing implements, plastic film and packaging.

Kids are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles and participate in “WasteFree Wednesdays.”

They’ve built benches out of recycled bottle caps and have plans to start a pollinator garden. They’ve also adopted animals, most recently the monarch butterfly, whose larvae rely on milkweed as their only food source.

“At the end of the school year, we provided all of our students with milkweed seeds so they could plant them at home,” Lakatos says.

Lessons in stewardship Lakatos uses every opportunity to weave environmental education into the curriculum as well. An activity making ceramic sandcastles lends itself to a lesson on watershed. A craft decorating donated foam balls is a chance to talk about alternative energy.

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Hayes also implemented DTE’s Think!

Energy program. Designed for third and fourth graders, the program provides resources for teachers and free Take Action Kits for students. These kits contain energy-efficient supplies such as high-efficiency showerheads, LED bulbs, faucet aerators and LED night-lights for families to install at home.

Lakatos says her proudest achievement was helping kids write letters that convinced administrators to stop

using foam lunch trays and switch to compostable trays districtwide.

Lakatos has mobilized a Green Team of staff and parents and has gotten formal backing to teach Green Team enrichment classes every Friday through Project Lead the Way. In addition to the national Green Ribbon award, Hayes has been named a Michigan Green School and has won three Detroit Zoo GreenPrize awards.

Students are actively involved in Lakatos’s Green Club at Hayes Elementary and often repurpose common household materials in her art class.

Districtwide savings The school’s efforts were supplemented by districtwide building improvements funded by a voter-approved bond issue, and that’s where DTE stepped in.

According to DTE energy advisor Jeremy Mondrella, Livonia Public Schools was able to save money through DTE’s Energy Efficiency Program for Business. The program provides rebates for equipment updates, certain types of maintenance, major renovations and new building construction.

As part of the district’s journey toward sustainability, it transitioned all of its lighting to LEDs equipped with motion

sensors, leading to a 4% reduction in energy consumption. It upgraded HVAC systems across all classrooms, labs and offices, improving air quality and contributing to a more comfortable educational setting. The district also installed new roofs with better insulation and, most notably, replaced 89 boilers across 24 sites, resulting in significant energy savings. DTE helped secure rebates for various aspects of the work, including $193,595 for the boilers alone.

According to Mondrella, the Energy Efficiency Program for Business not only helps reduce the cost of energy-efficient equipment up front, but it also contributes to savings on energy bills over time.

As Lakatos travels to Washington, D.C., to collect the Green Ribbon award on behalf of Hayes Elementary, Mondrella encourages other schools to reach out to DTE to see how they can go green and save.

“We help people build an energy efficiency plan,” he says, “and pinpoint opportunities they have to start their own energy efficiency journey.”

TOOLBOX

Learn more about the Energy Efficency Program for Business: Visit: dteenergy.com/equipment-rebates Call: 866.796.0512 (option 3) Email: dtesaveenergy@dnv.com dteenergy.com 13

PROFILE By Wensdy Von Buskirk

Passing on the savings Thanks to the DTE Small and Medium Business Program’s new gas rebates, a longtime Michigan contractor is finding more ways to help business customers.

This year, DTE’s Small and Medium Business Program expanded its services to gas customers, and a longtime Michigan heating and cooling contractor is in turn extending the program to its clients to help them save energy.

Pleune Service Co. (PSC), which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, has been using DTE programs for more than a decade, says Tera Wierenga, an account manager at PSC. Now that the Small and Medium Business Program offers rebates related to energy-efficient gas equipment and appliances, PSC is finding more ways to pass savings along.

DTE’s Small and Medium Business Program helps businesses by providing a no-cost energy assessment; complimentary direct installation of standard energy-saving equipment — such as thermostats, pipe wrap, faucet aerators and showerheads — when relevant; and a detailed report of other energy savings opportunities and available rebates.

PSC is well versed in DTE’s program and can help customers find rebates that apply to their specific projects.

Unique business model PSC services new construction as well as renovations, and performs equipment installation, replacement, and ongoing maintenance and service. With offices in Grand Rapids and Lansing, the company has a unique business model in that it is employee owned. This structure grew out of a culture established by founder John Pleune, who formed the company in 1974 with the mission to provide prompt, 14

“Adding gas to the program has opened the opportunity for us to complete more direct install at businesses, such as bathroom aerators, energyefficient showerheads and smart thermostats.”

—MELISSA GRACE, DTE PROGRAM MANAGER

high-quality mechanical contracting and commercial HVAC service in West Michigan.

In 1988, he instituted an employee stock ownership plan, selling 30% of the company’s shares to his team. Fourteen years later, Pleune sold his remaining shares, making the company 100% employee owned. PSC was recognized

as Company of the Year in 2017 by the Michigan Chapter of The ESOP Association.

“Every client works directly with an owner of the company,” Wierenga says.

Seamless process PSC has a fleet of highly trained, EPAcertified HVAC technicians to respond to service needs quickly. The company uses DTE’s Small and Medium Business Program to provide rebates to help customers cover the cost of new equipment installation and/ or maintenance on existing equipment.

Seasonal tune-ups, an important part of maintenance that may include replacing filters, programming thermostats and running diagnostics to optimize performance, keep furnaces and air conditioning units functioning efficiently.

“As a preventive maintenance agreement salesman, I like having the tune-up rebates to

Pleune Service Co. has been using DTE programs for over a decade. All photos courtesy of PSC.

offer customers,” Wierenga says. “We have repeatedly used the tune-up program for several customers every 24 months for close to 10 years.”

“We are happy to guide them in making their project ideas become reality,” Wierenga says.

At PSC, account managers, equipment and new construction salespeople, and other experienced talent are trained to assist businesses interested in taking advantage of DTE’s Small and Medium Business Program.

They fill out any required paperwork, making the process seamless.

DTE’s Small and Medium Business Program is constantly evolving to help contractors make energy-efficient equipment affordable.

Program Manager Melissa Grace says DTE energy advisors start the process during their energy assessments, where they walk through a business and look for ways to trim energy usage and costs.

To see if a new installation, an energy-efficient equipment replacement or preventive maintenance is covered, customers can reach out to a PSC representative anytime.

More ways to save

“Adding gas to the program has opened the opportunity for us to complete more direct install at businesses, such

as bathroom aerators, energy-efficient showerheads and smart thermostats,” she says. “While on-site at these businesses, we can also discuss with the business owner additional rebate opportunities available to them to make sure they are best utilizing the programs available to them through DTE.” TOOLBOX

Learn how you can save: Visit: dteenergy.com/smallbusiness Email: DTE-small-business@ franklinenergy.com Call: 855.748.2525 dteenergy.com 15

ANNIVERSARY By Jordan Jewell

Proudly serving Michigan for 175 years

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“DTE Gas’s history is Michigan’s history — a story of invention, steadfastness and resilience. Yet for all our history, I believe the most exciting chapter is the one we’re writing now.”

—BOB RICHARD, PRESIDENT AND COO OF DTE GAS

175 years of fueling Michigan DTE Gas marks major milestone and looks to the future.

This year, DTE Gas celebrates its 175th anniversary, a testament to its commitment to providing safe, reliable and affordable natural gas to households and businesses across Michigan.

Since its founding in 1849 as the Detroit Gas Light Company, DTE Gas has grown considerably and established itself as one of the nation’s largest natural gas providers, serving more than 1.3 million customers statewide.

“DTE Gas’s history is Michigan’s history — a story of invention, steadfastness and resilience,” said Bob Richard, president and chief operating officer of DTE Gas, for an article on DTE’s Empowering Michigan blog earlier this year. “Yet for all our history, I believe the most exciting chapter is the one we’re writing now. Our commitment to improving infrastructure and leading the transition to net-zero carbon emissions will benefit our customers and all of Michigan.”

Natural gas has proved to be a reliable and costeffective energy source for Michigan businesses

throughout the last 175 years, and it is expected to remain so for decades to come. DTE is ready to meet customers’ needs today with a standard of excellence while making infrastructure improvements and providing solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions to benefit Michiganders for generations to come.

As DTE Gas marks 175 years of service, the company is reiterating its commitment to providing customers with safe, reliable and affordable natural gas.

‘We’ve come a long way’ At the heart of this success story are the more than 1,700 team members throughout DTE Gas. Bryan Valrance, manager of the company’s Gas Renewal Program, has been a part of this legacy for 42 years as a fourth-generation employee.

“My mother and father met at the company,” Valrance says. “She worked as a customer service representative, and he was a collector at the time.”

His father eventually moved from operations to investigations, often bringing his son along to jobs at night or in the summertime.

ANNIVERSARY, continued on page 18 dteenergy.com 17

ANNIVERSARY, continued from page 17

Scan the QR code to learn more about DTE Gas’s history.

DTE Gas — and its home city, Detroit — has changed a lot over the past 175 years.

“I didn’t grow up saying I wanted to do what my dad did,” Valrance says. “I was originally interested in law enforcement when I came out of school. I realized that the two professions really weren’t that different. Both were responding to emergencies and then doing routine tasks during the downtime.”

Valrance started at DTE Gas in 1982 as a meter reader and worked his way through the ranks to his current position. Along the way, he has seen the company adapt through plenty of changes. While the work has stayed more or less the same in nature — he notes that “a gas pipe is still a gas pipe” — he’s seen a big shift in employee safety protocol.

“Someday I’d like to line up all of my hard hats,” he says. “I still have my original

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hat from 40 years ago, and it’s still in the wrapper in my office. When I first started, you never had to wear one. My current hard hat is well loved and very worn.

“We’ve come a long way. We wear fire retardant clothing. We have prejob meetings on every jobsite. Our safety has become a major priority over the years.”

Family legacy Long before Valrance or his parents worked at DTE Gas, Valrance’s grandfather began his career there as a 10th grader, back when the company was called Detroit City Gas. He delivered mail between the company’s buildings on his bike as a way of supporting his family after his father, who had also worked at DTE Gas, passed away. He worked his way up through the company,

Proudly serving Michigan for 175 years

ultimately becoming a natural gas planner before he retired in 1970.

The entire family’s legacy lives on within the company. “Plenty of people I work with never met my dad or my grandfather, but I get a kick out of it when employees will send me photos of old service records with my grandfather’s signature on them,” Valrance says.

He has grown fond of the human interaction and excitement that his job brings on a daily basis. “People are always coming together to mitigate the issue or crisis that arises, whether it’s a customer complaint or an emergency,” he says. “I still get a rush when we get to activate our manpower and help out. It’s the excitement of pulling people together to solve a problem. I don’t have any regrets. I never look back and wish I was

a lawyer or a doctor, and the generations of Valrances before me felt the same way.”

Promising future

“We’ve come a long way.”

communities. The total work of the project will —BRYAN VALRANCE, MANAGER OF DTE’S reduce greenhouse gas GAS RENEWAL PROGRAM emissions by an estimated 500,000 metric tons of CO2e annually.

Looking ahead, Valrance says “the future is bright” for DTE Gas. Building on its track record of innovation, the company is making historic investments to ensure the continued safe and reliable delivery of natural gas that Michiganders depend on. In its Gas Renewal Program (see page 6), DTE Gas is investing $3.3 billion over the next 12 years to finish modernizing 4,000 miles of old cast-iron and steel pipes and move indoor gas meters outside. In 2024 alone, more than 200 miles of new pipes will be installed, and more than 22,000 meters will be moved outdoors in 29 Michigan

This work is part of DTE Gas’s efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The company has been working diligently to get there since establishing the ambitious target back in 2020. In fact, it was the first company in the natural gas value chain to commit to net-zero emissions by 2050 for its utility operations, extending this goal to its gas supply as well.

Additionally, DTE Gas aims to cut customer emissions by 35% by 2040 through its energy efficiency programs and Natural Gas Balance emissions management program. dteenergy.com 19

ENERGY JOURNEY By Becky Kalajian

‘A wonderful gift’ Penrickton Center for Blind Children wins energy efficiency makeover from DTE. South of Detroit near the airport, there is a small child care center that for a long time has been a haven for children who are blind or visually impaired, with other disabilities as well.

Penrickton Center for Blind Children in Taylor was established in 1952 by three families — Penman, Ricker and Wigginton — who combined their names and resources and garnered their neighbors’ help to build and support it.

Through the years, the building has undergone various expansions, but the center’s locally driven support and private, nonprofit status mean upgrades must be done conscientiously.

“We are funded solely from people in our community, not the government or United Way,” says Janet Ames, the center’s longtime community relations coordinator.

The center has 42 employees to care for 22 children who attend an on-site day care program 20

or an up-to-five-day residential program.

The center partners with families to help them understand their child’s disabilities and also to teach them advocacy skills for the many medical and educational experiences their child will have down the road. These partnerships have had lasting effects on the center’s longevity.

“Even though … we have had kids that come and go in our program, the families remain very involved with everything that we do,” says Ames, who is marking her 39th year with Penrickton.

Perfect timing Balancing the needs of 22 children ranging in age from 1 to 12 with the realities of a roughly 70-year-old structure came to a head this past fall. Two of the center’s 22-year-old HVAC systems failed within a week of each other, ENERGY JOURNEY, continued on page 22

“You don’t have to be experienced in energy efficiency to apply, but you become an expert after you go through the process.

DTE has given a wonderful gift back to the community.”

—JANET AMES, PENRICKTON’S COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR

dteenergy.com 21

ENERGY JOURNEY, continued from page 20

“Through the contest, our hope is to empower small businesses’ costsaving initiatives, which not only increase comfort and safety but also support a healthy planet.”

—MICHELLE LIANG, DTE PRINCIPAL MARKETING ANALYST

including the one that heated and cooled the crucial multipurpose room, where much of the students’ time is spent.

Penrickton won $5,000 in energy efficiency improvements from DTE

“We got the quote,” Ames says, “and it was $16,000 just for that [multipurpose room] unit.”

The good news? Shortly before the unfortunate breakdowns, Ames had received a postcard in the mail advertising DTE’s Small Business Energy Efficiency Makeover Contest.

But at first, she and her director weren’t sure it was worth their time to apply.

“The postcard came, and since we are a small group, we have to triage where we spend our time,” Ames says. “But we decided to apply — and look where it got us.”

Penrickton Center for Blind Children was one of three $5,000 winners in DTE’s annual 22

contest, which gives local small-business owners an opportunity to share what they need to kick-start their energy efficiency journey. Finding out they were one of the winners couldn’t have come at a better time, Ames says: “For a nonprofit, being energy efficient can be tricky because you have to have the capital to be able to make that leap. But when it came to the HVAC system — a pretty critical piece — the timing of this couldn’t have been better.”

The center’s multipurpose room is crucial to Penrickton because it is designed for the “active learning” theory developed by Dr. Lilli Nielsen, a Danish developmental psychologist and preschool teacher. Active learning theory encourages children to become active participants and engaged learners.

Penrickton’s multipurpose room not only houses unique and specialized programming, such as occupational, music,

dance and movement therapies, but it also has age-appropriate active learning that encourages independent exploration.

The room features gross motor toys such as swings, a little climbing wall and a specially designed ceiling track system that helps children who can’t walk stay upright as they move about their environment, Ames says.

“Without these opportunities [to explore], children can become passive and overly reliant on others,” she says. “That’s why winning the contest was such a wonderful thing for us — that room is central to kids’ growth.”

Empowering businesses Held each fall, the Small Business Energy Efficiency Makeover Contest is an opportunity for DTE’s small-business customers (either electric or combination gas-electric) in good standing to jump-start their energy efficiency plans, says Michelle Liang, a principal marketing analyst at

DTE. Applicants are encouraged to highlight any energy efficiency needs they have because of a lack of resources or time.

“Through the contest, our hope is to empower small businesses’ cost-saving initiatives, which not only increase comfort and safety but also support a healthy planet,” Liang says.

Penrickton Center was chosen, Liang says, because the team members showed that they had already undertaken steps to improve energy efficiency: monitoring the thermostat, insulating outside-facing windows, installing energy-efficient hot water tanks and replacing fluorescent ceiling bulbs with LEDs. The contest ran from September through November 2023. Ten finalists were announced in early 2024 and were awarded a complimentary energy assessment, and three

grand-prize winners also took home $5,000 in energy efficiency improvements each.

Calling the process “easy,” Ames says that during an on-site visit, a DTE energy advisor helped her team understand next steps, such as replacing the rest of the lighting, and the importance of being energy efficient.

“You don’t have to be experienced in energy efficiency to apply, but you become an expert after you go through the process,” Ames says. “DTE has given a wonderful gift back to the community.”

TOOLBOX

The 2024 Small Business Energy Efficiency Makeover Contest runs Sept. 18 through Nov. 8. To enter, visit dteenergy.com/makeover.

Scan the QR code to watch a video about this story.

Penrickton Center for Blind Children, a DTE contest winner, has been a part of the community of Taylor since 1952.

dteenergy.com 23

5 QUESTIONS

A DTE worker inspects a gas meter. Regular audits are part of DTE’s strategy to delivery natural gas safely.

Safe and savvy Brush up on natural gas safety — it’s “everyone’s responsibility.”

For 175 years, DTE has provided safe, reliable and affordable natural gas to customers across Michigan. Educating customers about natural gas safety is a key part of this service.

“Natural gas safety is everyone’s responsibility,” says Scotty Kehoe, director of natural gas operations — Greater Michigan, DTE Gas. “Understanding what to do in the event of a natural gas or carbon monoxide leak is key to keeping yourself, your customers, your employees and the surrounding community safe.”

Here’s what the team at DTE wants you to know about natural gas safety.

1.

What are the signs of a natural gas leak?

DTE recommends using your senses to detect a possible natural gas leak. The most obvious sign is the smell. DTE adds a harmless substance to natural gas to make it stink like rotten eggs. You may also hear a natural gas leak, as they often emit a blowing or hissing sound.

Outside, you can look for dead or discolored vegetation in an otherwise green area, or soil that may be abnormally dry or hardened. You may also see continuous bubbling in wet or flooded areas.

Lastly, natural gas leaks will blow dust from a hole in the ground.

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2.

What should a business owner do (or not do) if they suspect a natural gas leak?

If you suspect a natural gas leak, leave the area immediately and call 911. Then, call DTE Gas at 800.947.5000 or your natural gas provider.

Do not reenter the building until DTE says it is safe to do so, and please do not attempt to locate the leak. Do not use any open flames like a lighter, or any electric devices (garage door openers, light switches, appliances, etc.) in the immediate area. Do not start up or shut down any machinery, vehicles or equipment nearby, either.

3.

Where should business owners install carbon monoxide detectors, and why are they important?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that can be deadly. To be safe, business owners should install carbon monoxide detectors in hallways, near appliances and in all common areas where people gather.

4.

What should business owners do if they suspect a carbon monoxide problem?

If you suspect a carbon monoxide issue or your detectors alert you

to a possible leak, immediately seek fresh air and call 911. Do not reenter the building until it is deemed safe by a qualified professional. Seek medical assistance if necessary. The signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness and fatigue.

5.

How can business owners prevent carbon monoxide issues?

To prevent carbon monoxide issues, DTE recommends an annual inspection of all natural gas appliances to make sure they are properly installed, vented and maintained. You should also schedule a yearly inspection of your flues, vents and chimneys to ensure they are clear of debris and in proper working condition.

“DTE brings natural gas safely to your meter, we regularly inspect our equipment, and we perform upgrades to modernize our infrastructure,” says Ty Turner, director of natural gas operations — Southeast Michigan, DTE Gas. “We all have a role to play in natural gas safety. Businesses can help ensure safety by having their natural gas appliances inspected annually, making sure equipment is installed by licensed professionals, and keeping appliances in safe, working condition.”

TOOLBOX

Learn more about natural gas safety at dteenergy.com/gassafety.

“Natural gas safety is everyone’s responsibility. Understanding what to do in the event of a natural gas or carbon monoxide leak is key to keeping yourself, your customers, your employees and the surrounding community safe.”

—SCOTTY KEHOE, DIRECTOR OF NATURAL GAS OPERATIONS — GREATER MICHIGAN, DTE GAS

dteenergy.com 25

INDUSTRY INSIDER By Becky Kalajian

“I can’t see why [any] other property wouldn’t want this type of program.”

—BRITAIN WOODS, HAMPTON INN GENERAL MANAGER

‘We needed this service’ West Michigan hotel saves energy with DTE’s Small and Medium Business Program.

Britain Woods’ energy-saving journey for a franchise of seven hotels began with a “nice guy” he met last winter.

Woods — a longtime hotel professional — ran into a DTE energy advisor who was conducting an energy assessment for a nearby property. Curious, Woods asked him what he was doing at the Grand Rapids– area hotel.

“He got to talking and explained smart thermostats and water aerators to me,” 26

says Woods, who is a general manager for a Hampton Inn. “Then he told me that all the things he was doing were free to the customer.’”

Woods’ chance meeting with the energy advisor started his journey with DTE’s Small and Medium Business Program, in which eligible gas and electric customers can receive energy-saving products installed at their business at no cost. Among the complimentary products potentially available to gas customers like the Hampton Inn are

smart thermostats, faucet aerators, showerheads and hot water pipe wrap.

Intrigued by what he learned, Woods scheduled a complimentary assessment for his owners’ hotel property, one of seven located in Grand Rapids, Sterling Heights and Lansing.

For three days this past spring, the same DTE energy advisor Woods had met earlier came to his hotel, assessing its energy usage and installing complimentary products on the spot.

Woods also received a personalized report of recommended, optional upgrades — with available rebates — that would improve the hotel’s energy efficiency.

“I saw it was a good plan and that we needed it, but I also noticed something else,” he says. “I saw that as a whole [franchise], we needed this service.”

Woods alerted his area director about the Small and Medium Business Program, and since then, the six other properties have been tagged to undergo the same process.

“I can’t see why [any] other property wouldn’t want this type of program,” Woods says.

The Small and Medium Business Program follows a concierge-based model centered on personalized service, says Jeremy Cappello, the program manager.

“Once the energy advisor visits the customer, [there is] access to a single point of contact who can appropriately refer the customer to

other programs if necessary as well as answer questions the customer may have,” he says.

“We hope to eliminate barriers to participation and make it as easy as possible for the customer.”

After the walk-through and complimentary installations, the advisor acts as both an on-site educator and a contact for future energy efficiency projects. Rebate-eligible gas products include smart thermostats, infrared heaters, energy-efficient gas furnaces, high-efficiency boilers and ENERGY STAR®–certified clothes washers.

There are also rebates for boiler and furnace tune-ups.

“The advisor reviews optional additional upgrades and potential rebates, after which the customer can decide to do the installation with their own contractor, do it themselves or work with a contractor from the program,” Cappello says.

Since the Small and Medium Business Program started in 2020, the DTE team has performed more than 10,000 energy assessments, installed 3,300 products and processed 4,800 program applications.

Cappello says that as customers and contractors speak, DTE will continue to listen.

“We continue to get feedback on what projects they are completing,” he says, “and we will continue to adapt and grow the program to meet their needs.”

TOOLBOX

Start your energy efficiency journey today!

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

“We hope to eliminate barriers to participation and make [the program] as easy as possible for the customer.”

—JEREMY CAPPELLO, DTE ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM MANAGER

3 easy steps from assessment to rebate 1. Schedule a complimentary energy assessment at dteenergy. com/smallbusiness or by emailing or calling the DTE team (see Toolbox). During the assessment, the energy advisor may install relevant energy-efficient products on the spot at no cost. They will also give you a custom report with recommendations for additional projects to save even more energy as well as information about available rebates.

2. Make the recommended upgrades yourself, with a contractor who participates in DTE’s program or with another contractor of your choice.

3. Submit a rebate reservation application prior to starting the work (which must be completed within 90 days). Once the project is done, submit a final application to the program and receive your rebate in two to four weeks. If you choose to work with a participating contractor, they can complete all of the application work for you.

dteenergy.com 27

CONTEST By Becky Kalajian

Rick and Heather Guerrero were featured on the cover of the summer 2024 issue of EnergySmarts.

Grand-prize winners will get $5,000 in energy efficiency upgrades

DTE’s energy efficiency contest is open now!

Small-business grand-prize winners will take home $5,000 in improvements.

Rick Guerrero, owner of IC Countryside Market in Imlay City, knows that saving a penny here and a penny there can add up, particularly at a small business operating with tight margins.

“Every penny counts,” he says.

Guerrero’s story echoes many smallbusiness owners’ struggles in running the day-to-day: They know that energy efficiency can reduce overhead and help the environment, but they may not have the time, money or information to begin.

After buying the market in 2022, Guerrero faced a monthly electric bill of $1,700, which was hindering his small-town business with small transactions to match.

He took steps to reduce the bill by $300 with the installation of LED lighting, fans and weather stripping on coolers.

Addressing the energy-sucking beer cooler with its 1970s-era compressor was the next order of business. But after receiving a quote for $11,000 for a higher-efficiency cooler, Guerrero lost heart.

“It was prohibitively expensive,” he says.

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By chance around that time, he received an email from DTE about the annual Small Business Energy Efficiency Makeover Contest. Guerrero entered, and after the contest period closed, he learned his business was one of three grand-prize winners that would receive $5,000 in energy efficiency upgrades, on top of the on-site energy assessment awarded to 10 finalists.

The energy advisor who performed the assessment at IC Countryside Market educated Guerrero on his choices. As it turned out, a DTE rebate for which Guerrero was eligible, coupled with the contest prize money, would cover most of the cost of a cooler upgrade.

“We were like, ‘This is unreal,’” Guerrero says. “It was a real game changer for us.”

Each fall, DTE receives scores of contest entries. Of those entrants, five are chosen to receive complimentary energy assessments; three from this group are selected as grand-prize winners of $5,000 in energy efficiency improvements.

The three grand-prize winners last year not only had told comprehensive and unique stories as part of their entry forms, says Michelle Liang, principal marketing analyst at DTE, but they also had demonstrated curiosity and an earnest attempt at becoming more energy efficient.

“We want to see some sort of commitment to energy efficiency, but we also want to hear about something that might take you one step further with proper guidance and funding,” she says.

Applying online at dteenergy.com/ makeover is fast and easy: A few questions prompt the entrant to write about their business and share their energy efficiency story.

This year’s contest launches Sept. 18 and is open to all small- and mediumsize businesses that are DTE electric customers in good standing in Michigan (see sidebar for more information).

Guerrero says every small-business owner should think seriously about applying.

“Just by reaching out, I was taken from impossible to what is possible,” he says.

“Anyone who thinks it’s not worth it to enter is just plain wrong.

“I’m so glad I took the chance.”

How to enter The DTE Small Business Energy Efficiency Makeover Contest is open to all Michigan-based DTE small-business customers with an active electric or combination gas-and-electric account; entrants must be at least 18 years old. Submissions will be accepted from Sept.

18 to Nov. 8, 2024. Entering is free, but only one entry per business will be accepted. Visit dteenergy.com/makeover to enter.

FALL SAVINGS By Jordan Jewell

Much to do about energy efficiency Autumn is the perfect time to get a handle on your energy use.

As autumn settles in Michigan, the changing leaves remind us that colder days are rapidly approaching. Now is the perfect time to prepare your business for the winter season ahead by focusing on energy efficiency.

From installing programmable thermostats and LED lighting to enrolling in DTE’s Small and Medium Business Program, simple changes can make lasting impacts on your energy usage and help keep costs in check.

1.

Install a programmable thermostat.

Take charge of your business’s heating efficiency with a programmable thermostat.

This smart device allows you to schedule lower temperatures during off-hours and in lesstrafficked areas, optimizing energy usage without sacrificing comfort. DTE recommends setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the colder months.

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

One way to save energy while extending the life of your HVAC system is to install variablefrequency drives and energyefficient motors. Remember, too, that without regular maintenance, even a new HVAC system will decline over time.

Keeping your air handler filters clean and clear helps prevent unnecessary energy usage.

When filters are dirty, your system works harder to force air through them. You should check your filters every month and replace them if they’re dirty; at a minimum, you should change them out every three months.

2.

Beef up your insulation.

Combat Michigan’s chilly fall and winter temperatures by enhancing insulation. Install window films, curtains and shades to minimize heat loss and reduce the workload on your HVAC systems. By simply closing blinds or curtains on colder days and welcoming sunlight on sunny autumn afternoons, you can help regulate internal temperatures naturally and save on energy costs.

To promote energy efficiency even more at your office or business, enable power-saving modes on your computers, printers and copiers to reduce energy consumption during times of inactivity.

4.

Switch to LED lighting and add occupancy sensors.

Brighten things up in your business with LED light bulbs, which use up to 90% less energy Upgrade (and maintain) than standard incandescent your equipment. bulbs while providing the same Keeping your equipment level of light. They potentially up to date and in good condition can last 25 times longer, too. is crucial for fostering energy efficiency in your business.

From there, adding occupancy Consider upgrading to energy- sensors to areas of your efficient heating systems or business that experience less retrofitting existing equipment. traffic, such as restrooms,

3.

supply rooms and break rooms, helps ensure that lights are only on when they’re needed, minimizing your energy usage.

DTE commercial and industrial electric customers can get instant discounts on eligible energy-saving lighting and occupancy sensors when they purchase them through participating distributors. Visit dteenergy.com/get-started and select “Instant Discounts” and then “Lighting” to learn more.

5.

Enroll in DTE’s Small and Medium Business Program.

Take advantage of DTE’s Small and Medium Business Program to unlock even more energysaving opportunities. Through the program, eligible business owners receive a complimentary assessment from a qualified energy advisor, who pinpoints areas where energy could be saved and provides information about available rebates for upgrades. The energy advisor also may install applicable energysaving products — such as LED bulbs, advanced power strips and smart thermostats — on the spot. Visit dteenergy.com/ smallbusiness to learn more and get started.

TOOLBOX

Start your energy efficiency journey at dteenergy.com/smallbusiness. dteenergy.com 29

DID YOU KNOW? By Wensdy Von Buskirk

The Johnstone Supply Detroit Group has been around since 1997. Both photos courtesy of Johnstone Supply Detroit Group.

Hot (water) savings Johnstone Supply works with DTE to offer instant discounts on energy-efficient equipment.

DTE’s Instant Discount programs help business customers and contractors save on energy-efficient equipment without any paperwork or a lengthy rebate process. The discounts apply to a wide range of lighting, food service and HVAC equipment sold by participating distributors.

Johnstone Supply, one of those participating distributors, is helping HVAC contractors save — and then pass those savings along to business customers — on two state-of-the-art commercial water heaters that have the latest energyefficient technology.

The ENERGY STAR®–qualified products, manufactured

by A. O. Smith, have several key features that make them more efficient than conventional water heaters, potentially leading to lower energy bills and a reduced environmental impact.

CHP-120: This fully integrated heat pump unit uses technology to pull heat from the air and transfer it to the water, which is up to three times more efficient than the process used by conventional electric water heaters. A large touch screen allows users 30

to select between efficiency, hybrid and electric modes to maximize efficiency while meeting demand.

Cyclone® Mxi: The key feature of this product is that its helical heat exchanger is submerged in the center of the tank, surrounded by water, eliminating radiant heat loss. With up to 96% thermal efficiency, the unit can dramatically reduce energy consumption and operating costs.

About Johnstone Supply A. O. Smith is one of many lines that Johnstone Supply carries. As one of the largest HVAC wholesalers in the U.S., Johnstone has about 450 locations nationwide operating in locally owned groups. The Detroit Group was established in 1997 and has grown to 16 locations servicing eastern Michigan, Ohio and Indiana.

“We support local HVAC contractors, whether it’s parts, equipment, supplies — whatever they need to get the job done,” says Tyler Bond, vendor manager for the Johnstone Supply Detroit Group.

Business customers and contractors working on commercial projects of all

sizes save on equipment through DTE’s Instant Discount programs.

Working with DTE Bond says Johnstone Supply has cultivated its relationship with DTE so staff is educated on the latest energy-efficient equipment that qualifies for DTE’s instant discounts. “These are typically highly efficient HVAC systems,” Bond says.

Getting the discounts is easy. DTE business customers and contractors can buy energy-efficient equipment directly from participating distributors, and they get a marked-down price then and there.

Purchasing equipment like the CHP-120 and Cyclone® Mxi through DTE’s HVAC Instant Discount program means more than savings up front. Highly efficient pieces of equipment like these also reduce maintenance costs and greenhouse gas emissions over time.

“The program helps build awareness of energy-efficient products and promotes sustainability,” Bond says. “It’s been great to offer our customers.”

TOOLBOX

Learn more about DTE’s Instant Discount programs at dteenergy.com/instant-discounts.

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.

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.

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