Lights, camera, ACTION!
A new DTE commercial shares the scoop on energy savings
Big-time benefits DTE’s Small and Medium Business Program delivers record results
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.
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PRESIDENT’S LETTER
A CLOSER LOOK DTE’s business call center is here to answer all your energy questions.
5 QUESTIONS Learn how to prevent, spot and stop a natural gas leak.
INDUSTRY INSIDER DTE helps make it easy and affordable to replace outdated heating systems.
FALL SAVINGS Room by room, prep your business to save energy this autumn.
DID YOU KNOW? Through pilot projects, DTE is helping businesses find even more ways to save.
FEATURES
MEET THE BEAM TEAM This DTE cohort helps midsize businesses manage their energy use.
BIG IMPACT DTE’s Small and Medium Business Progam delivers record energy savings.
INSTANT DISCOUNTS DTE is helping businesses get both immediate and long-term savings.
BUILDING BLUEPRINT A DTE presentation scouts energy savings in facilities’ “anatomy.”
FREE SUBSCRIPTION:
A FREE subscription to EnergySmarts for Michigan Business magazine awaits you online at dteenergy.com/subscribebiz.
Winning a makeover from DTE has enabled Camp Grace Bentley to help people with special needs even more. ON THE COVER
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ENERGY JOURNEY
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COMMERCIAL
A new DTE ad shares the scoop on energy savings.
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GAS CHOICE
Michiganders should weigh the pros and cons when picking a natural gas supplier.
THE SUCCESS OF YOUR BUSINESS — AND OF MICHIGAN’S ECONOMY OVERALL — IS VITALLY IMPORTANT TO DTE ENERGY
Since our earliest days serving natural gas to Michigan homes and businesses more than 175 years ago, we have prioritized delivering the safe and affordable energy you need to thrive.
DTE built much of Michigan’s energy infrastructure that helps economies to flourish across the state, and that work continues today. We are still bringing natural gas to more communities in Michigan, such as Mesick and Buckley in Wexford County in the northern Lower Peninsula. Our expanding service is saving homes and businesses significant money on their energy bills and making these regions more attractive to businesses looking to relocate or grow.
Whether you’re a new customer (and welcome if you are!) or a valued existing customer, please know that we are laser-focused on keeping your natural gas service affordable, just as you are focused on your business’s bottom line. Here’s how:
• We do not mark up the price of natural gas, meaning what you pay for the gas you use is what we paid ourselves.
• We secure our natural gas supply up to three years before delivering it to you, often buying when prices are lower to help protect you from price spikes.
• We store our natural gas underground, helping ensure a reliable and affordable flow of energy when you need it most.
While we take every possible step to keep your energy affordable, we also give you tools to manage your usage and bills. This magazine is full of ideas and programs to do just that, and our team is ready to help you explore how you can become even more energy efficient. See the examples throughout this issue and reach out to us through the contact information provided in the articles.
We invite you to continue on your energy efficiency journey with us, which will make your business not just greener but also well positioned for growth and prosperity.
Sincerely,
Bob Richard President and Chief Operating Officer, DTE Gas
EDITOR
Anne Santori
EnergySmarts for Michigan Business welcomes your comments. Send inquiries, questions or comments to: EnergySmarts for Michigan Business 1590 WCB
Energy One Energy Plaza Detroit, MI 48226-9952 or email EnergySmartsMI@dteenergy.com
PUBLISHING
GENERAL MANAGER Edward J. Peabody
MANAGING
Emily Doran
SENIOR
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Alessandra Taranta
CONTRIBUTORS Paris Giles Jordan Jewell Becky Kalajian Wensdy Von Buskirk
EnergySmarts for Michigan Business magazine is published by DTE Energy. © 2025 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 e ort 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.
On call
DTE’s business call center is here to answer all your energy questions.
For owners of small and midsize businesses, energy questions can be complex and time sensitive. That’s why DTE created the business call center, a customer service hub focused entirely on the unique needs of business accounts.
“The business call center is a direct phone line specifically designed to provide whiteglove treatment to small- and medium-size business customers,” says Deena Richards, principal supervisor of the business call center. “Unlike DTE’s general customer service line, which primarily supports residential customers and general inquiries, the business call center focuses solely on the unique needs and concerns of business customer accounts.”
Business customers who call 855.DTE.4BIZ (855.383.4249) are connected directly to specialists who are trained to address
issues such as billing, energy efficiency, service upgrades, and setting up or moving service.
Creating a team focused on businesses reflects DTE’s long-term commitment to supporting the unique needs of each customer. “It’s about more than just answering the phone,” Richards says. “It’s about understanding the urgency and complexity of business customer energy needs while providing a service that reflects how important these customers are to us.”
Customer feedback plays a major role in shaping the business ball center’s ongoing improvements. “We’ve held focused feedback sessions, reviewed post-call survey results, and actively listened to our business customers to understand what matters most to them,” Richards says. “That feedback drives our decisions.”
Recent updates include a new live chat feature and enhanced online tools for service changes. “We’ve updated our website to allow existing business customers
to complete move-ins and move-outs online, streamlining the process for managing service changes at the click of a button,” Richards says.
Training is also a top priority. “Because I’ve been directly involved in the structural design of the business call center training, I understand the intricacies of our processes and the real-time challenges our business customers face,” Richards explains.
Richards urges customers to contact the business call center — via phone or online — with any questions: “Business owners should know that the DTE business call center is here to address their needs.” The business call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact DTE’s business call center with any energy-related questions at your business!
Call: 855.DTE.4BIZ (855.383.4249)
Visit: dteenergy.com (click “Chat with us” on the bottom right)
TOOLBOX
Meet the BEAM team
This DTE cohort is dedicated to helping midsize businesses make the most of their energy.
In an ever-evolving energy landscape, Michigan’s midsize businesses are in a uniquely challenging position.
Although their size means they have complex energy demands, they often don’t have the resources to navigate the world of energy rates and infrastructure. That’s where DTE’s Business Energy Account Management — or BEAM — team comes in
A free service for qualified commercial, industrial and municipal customers, BEAM serves 5,394 Michigan business accounts that generate $217 million in total annual billed revenue, says Ronald Johnston, BEAM’s manager.
“BEAM was created to focus on these types of
customers, which are really very sensitive to the economy and other economic challenges, especially because energy costs are a larger portion of their operating budget,” he says. “The goal was to assign account managers to help these businesses navigate challenges and become more energy efficient.”
To be assigned a BEAM team account manager, businesses must have at least one of the following:
1. A site with a higher-level electrical system (V2 or above) and a customer-owned transformer.
2. A site with an interruptible rate.
3. A site related to a school.
4. Annual energy costs under $330,000 (excluding street lighting rates).
5. Annual energy usage under 4.5 million kilowatt-hours (excluding street lighting rates).
An energy advocate
Johnston says that BEAM’s four account managers and one assigned account analyst perform in-depth electric rate analyses to ensure that midsize customers — including schools, manufacturers, commercial and industrial businesses, and municipalities — are on the most economical energy contract according to their actual electric usage patterns.
In addition, the team can help businesses with energy efficiency–related rebates and technical support as well as the optimization of energy management systems in their buildings.
This holistic energy management support has helped fill a gap for midsize electric customers in good standing who don’t have the in-house
The BEAM team serves 5,394 Michigan business accounts
“Our job is to make sure that Michigan midsize businesses succeed, and they do that with smart, e cient and reliable energy service from their trusted energy advisors.”
—RONALD JOHNSTON, MANAGER OF THE BEAM TEAM
“Many customers don’t know if the rate they’re on is the most economical rate that suits their operational behavior,” Johnston says.
Johnston
expertise that larger entities might have, Johnston says.
“The account manager functions as a single point of contact between DTE and a portfolio of customers,” he explains. “They oversee electric choice activities, including providing price comparisons and managing customer relationships and customer expansion activities. The account manager generates positive service outcomes on the customer’s behalf and visits customer sites on a regular basis.”
To better support these businesses, BEAM’s dedicated account managers dive into each customer’s energy usage patterns and recommend the most costeffective utility rates and appropriate energy-saving opportunities.
The core of this service is electric rate analysis.
The BEAM team analyzes historical electric usage and identifies whether switching to another rate structure would result in savings for the customer. The team also collaborates with DTE’s energy efficiency group to conduct energy assessments and recommend relevant upgrades.
A success story
One successful venture involved an agricultural facility in Warren, which was initially billed at the general service, which Johnston says is appropriate for businesses starting out.
However, “[as] their business activities grew, their electric usage escalated to nearly $892,000 annually under this rate,” Johnston says.
After an electric rate analysis, BEAM recommended installing a primary voltage transformer, upgrading to efficient LED lighting and switching to a more economical primary voltage supply rate. (Primary voltage supply rates are designed for customers who have higher electric usage, can maintain their own transformer equipment and have the capacity to use primary voltage.)
The annual savings from these changes amounted to $215,000.
“The outcome was very good, not only for
the customer’s bottom line, but also from an efficiency standpoint,” Johnston says.
A voice for midsize businesses
BEAM’s account managers also function as ad hoc project managers during customer expansions or site move-ins, helping to coordinate with electricians, develop service plans, and oversee service infrastructure upgrades and new meter installations.
This integrated approach has earned BEAM positive feedback, says Johnston, who adds that customers appreciate having a dedicated advocate inside DTE — someone to call when they’re expanding, dealing with outages or simply trying to understand a complex energy bill.
“It’s really about giving these customers a voice and making sure their energy needs and goals are fully supported,” Johnston says.
Looking ahead, BEAM’s account portfolio is poised to grow alongside Michigan’s changing economy. Johnston says the need for specialized energy support for midsize customers is only expected to increase.
“Our job is to make sure that Michigan midsize businesses succeed,” he says, “and they do that with smart, efficient and reliable energy service from their trusted energy advisors.”
TOOLBOX
To get in touch with DTE’s BEAM team, call 866.796.0512 and select option 3 to speak with an energy advisor.
Ronald
“This program is really about meeting businesses where they are and making energy efficiency as simple and accessible as possible. Owners are busy running their businesses, and energy savings are not always top of mind. We help them get started and make real changes.”
—ALISON JAWOROWSKI, DTE PROGRAM MANAGER
In 2024, DTE’s Small and Medium Business Program helped businesses save 127.6 GWh of electricity and 32,000 MCF of natural gas
Big savings, big impact
DTE’s Small and Medium Business Program delivers record energy savings.
DTE’s Small and Medium Business Program continues to grow, delivering bigger savings and greater impact for DTE’s customers across Michigan — more than ever before.
Thanks to strong participation from business owners statewide, the program helped save an impressive 127.6 gigawatt-hours of electricity in 2024, more than doubling its original target of 50.4 GWh. On the gas side, participating businesses saved 32,000 MCF of natural gas.
“This program is really about meeting businesses where they are and making energy efficiency as simple and accessible as possible,” says Alison Jaworowski, DTE program manager. “Owners are busy running their businesses, and energy savings are not always top of mind. We help them get started and make real changes.”
A growing investment in energy savings
DTE increased its investment in the electric side of the program to meet growing demand, spending $16.9
million in 2024 — up from the planned $16 million. Gas program spending held steady at $900,000, reflecting consistent demand for gas-saving measures.
This growing investment reflects the program’s success in driving real, measurable results that lower costs for businesses and reduce energy waste statewide.
Easy energy assessments
The first step in the Small and Medium Business Program is a complimentary energy assessment. A qualified DTE energy advisor will visit your business to understand how it uses energy and identify energysaving opportunities.
“An advisor will check things like lighting, insulation and HVAC,” Jaworowski explains. “Then the customer gets a clear, personalized report with recommended upgrades
SMALL BUSINESS, continued on page 10
“We’re always looking to add new eligible products and make the process better for our customers. That’s really at the heart of the program: listening to businesses, removing barriers and helping them save energy.”
—ALISON JAWOROWSKI, DTE PROGRAM MANAGER
and available rebates. It’s about making the whole process simple.”
Free energy-saving installs
During or after the assessment, many businesses also receive no-cost, directinstall products to start saving energy right away. Depending on eligibility, these may include LED light bulbs, “Exit” sign retrofits, “Open” signs, smart thermostats, advanced power strips, faucet aerators, showerheads and hot water pipe wrap. In late 2024, DTE also added insulation blankets to the offerings to drive even more gas savings.
“These are things that can make an immediate difference,” Jaworowski says. “Then we provide an assessment report to identify some upgrades.”
Seamless rebates and turnkey service
After receiving the assessment report, customers can work with participating
contractors to complete recommended upgrades — often at deeply discounted prices. (Or if they prefer, customers can complete these optional upgrades in-house.)
“It’s seamless for the customer,” Jaworowski says. “The contractor they choose handles the rebate paperwork for them. It’s almost like a turnkey service. Once they decide to move forward, they get the discount immediately or as a check back with very little hassle.”
New tools and improvements
The program isn’t standing still. In 2024, DTE rolled out an updated assessment report to provide clearer recommendations. A new Small and Medium Business Program website also launched, offering a self-service appointment scheduling tool to make getting started even easier.
“We’re always looking to add new eligible products and make the process better for
our customers,” Jaworowski says. “That’s really at the heart of the program: listening to businesses, removing barriers and helping them save energy.”
The why of energy efficiency
Some might ask why an energy company would want customers to use less energy. For DTE, the answer is simple: Energy efficiency is one of the best ways to reduce costs for everyone, improve grid reliability and build a more sustainable future. It also helps DTE work toward its CleanVision goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“It’s a win-win,” Jaworowski says.
TOOLBOX
Learn more and schedule your free energy assessment at dteenergy.com/smallbusiness.
Safety first
Learn how to prevent, spot and stop a natural gas leak.
Natural gas is a reliable, a ordable energy source that powers countless small businesses across Michigan. But like any fuel, it should be used with care. At DTE, safety isn’t just a priority; it’s a commitment. That means investing in around-the-clock emergency response, ongoing maintenance of gas infrastructure, and education to help customers stay informed and protected.
5 QUESTIONS, continued on page 12
DTE Gas crew members hit the road to work on gas renewal service.
Here are ve things every business owner should know:
1.
What are the warning signs of a natural gas leak?
Because natural gas is naturally odorless, DTE adds a chemical called mercaptan to make leaks easier to detect. It has a strong, sulfur-like scent, like rotten eggs, that can alert you to danger. To ensure the odorant remains e ective, DTE crews routinely collect and test samples using advanced equipment.
Smell isn’t the only way to detect a potential leak. Other signs of a gas leak may include the following:
• A hissing or whistling sound near a pipeline or appliance.
• Dead or discolored plants in areas that are otherwise green and healthy.
• Dirt blowing from the ground or bubbles in standing water.
2.
What should you do if you suspect a gas leak?
Your safety, and the safety of those around you, is always the top priority. If you notice any signs of a gas leak, evacuate the building immediately. Make sure all customers and employees can exit safely and calmly.
As you evacuate, avoid using electronics, light switches or phones, as even a small electrical spark could ignite natural gas if it’s present in the air, even in small amounts. Leave doors open behind you to help the gas escape and reduce the risk of buildup.
Once you are outside and at a safe distance, call 911 right away. After that, contact DTE’s emergency natural gas leak hotline: 800.947.5000. Never attempt to locate the source of the leak or make any repairs yourself.
Leave that to trained professionals who are equipped to handle the situation safely.
3.
How does DTE respond to a reported gas leak?
All gas leak reports are treated as emergencies, and services are provided at no cost to customers. As soon as a report comes in, DTE dispatches a trained gas eld service technician to the location. Using specialized tools, the technician will detect and isolate the leak and then take any necessary steps to make the area safe. This service is available 24/7.
4.
What does DTE do to prevent leaks before they happen?
In addition to responding to emergencies, DTE takes a proactive approach to keeping the natural gas system safe. These are some of the preventive measures DTE takes:
• Conducting regular leak surveys throughout the pipeline system.
• Implementing a long-term program to replace aging infrastructure.
• Remaining fully compliant with MISS DIG 811 laws, which require utilities to locate and mark pipelines before any digging projects begin.
These e orts help reduce the risk of leaks and keep energy owing safely to Michigan’s homes and businesses.
5.
How can business owners help protect their gas systems?
Safety starts with using the right professionals. Any work involving gas lines should always be done by a licensed and insured plumber. Whether it’s a repair, an installation or a renovation, proper workmanship is
essential to prevent accidents.
Also, before digging, whether it’s a large construction job or something as simple as planting a tree, call MISS DIG at 811. This free service will help you avoid damaging buried gas lines and keep your property and employees safe.
Natural gas is safe when used correctly, and DTE is here to help make sure it stays that way. By recognizing the warning signs and knowing what to do in an emergency, you can protect your team, your customers and your business.
For more information and safety tips, visit dteenergy.com/gas-emergency.
A DTE Gas crew member (left) inspects a meter in a Detroit neighborhood, and another (right) marks gas lines for safe
Camp Grace Bentley is a fully accessible, modern retreat for both kids and adults with a variety of medical conditions.
Happy campers
Winning a DTE energy e ciency makeover has enabled Camp Grace Bentley to help people with special needs even more.
Since 1928, Camp Grace Bentley has been a sanctuary for people with special needs.
In the decades since it opened, the nonpro t has hosted thousands of campers each summer on the shores of Lake Huron in Burtchville Township, never closing except for during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In recent years, the camp’s infrastructure has begun to show its age, especially the original copper knoband-tube electrical wiring. Once state-ofthe-art, this early-20th-century type of wiring can be a re hazard.
The electrical wiring was very much on Executive Director Tod Logan’s mind when he applied for — and won — DTE’s 2024 Small Business Energy E ciency Makeover Contest. In the annual contest, three grand-prize winners receive $5,000
in energy e ciency improvements, an on-site energy assessment and media exposure, all of which have been a ray of light for the nonpro t, Logan says.
“We knew we were outdated. We knew we needed to do better. We just didn’t have the means to get there,” he says. “When we got the email that we were a nalist, we couldn’t believe it.”
Energy efficiency evolution
Camp Grace Bentley has roots dating back to the mid-1800s. Since its early days, the camp has grown into a fully accessible, modern retreat for both kids and adults with a variety of medical conditions.
Prior to applying for the contest last year, Logan had begun to make energy e ciency improvements around the camp by upgrading to LED lighting.
Its facilities include 11 fully wheelchairaccessible cabins, a heated in-ground pool, a chapel, a theater and more than 400 feet of lake frontage. ENERGY JOURNEY, continued on page 16
“The counselors who have been coming for 20 years can’t believe the changes. And when the kids arrive, it’s going to be even more magical. They’ll be able to use the theater in August because now it’s nally air-conditioned.”
—TOD LOGAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CAMP GRACE BENTLEY
Camp Grace Bentley won $5,000 in energy efficiency upgrades from DTE
The lakefront camp’s facilities include 11 wheelchair-accessible cabins, an in-ground pool, a chapel, and a theater.
It was this e ort, plus the camp’s commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for campers, that caught the eye of DTE’s judges, says Michelle Liang, principal marketing analyst at DTE.
“Camp Grace Bentley’s dedication to providing a safe and enriching environment for people with special needs is truly inspiring,” she says. “Their proactive approach to upgrading facilities not only reduces operational costs but also enhances the experience for their campers.”
Energy-saving kick start
Liang says the annual contest is about empowering small businesses like Camp Grace Bentley.
“By o ering nancial support and expert guidance, we aim to foster energy e ciency actions that bene t both businesses and the communities they serve,” she says. “Many of these small
businesses have been in a long struggle to kick-start their energy reduction e orts.”
That’s exactly where Camp Grace Bentley found itself in January 2024 when Logan came on board. After receiving DTE’s direct mail yer, Logan applied for the contest the very same day in late September 2024. By January, they were named nalists, and in February, DTE’s energy advisor visited the site.
Local electrical contractor Ainsworth Electric was paired with the camp in March, and work to upgrade the wiring and halogen lighting to LED began shortly thereafter.
Ripple effect
As a nonpro t, the camp had prioritized putting its funds back into campers instead of into overhead, so the electrical upgrade is more than cosmetic.
“Financially, these LED lights last longer, are more e cient and cost a fraction to run,”
Since the nonpro t opened in 1928, it has hosted thousands of campers nearly every summer on the shores of Lake Huron.
“For us, this experience has been life-changing, and it can be for others, too.”
—TOD LOGAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CAMP GRACE BENTLEY
Logan says. “That means we can direct more of our funding to getting kids to camp.”
Since the work wrapped up this spring, Logan says, the impact has already been felt.
“Just working out of a couple of upgraded buildings during cleaning and prep, we noticed our energy bill was $60 lower,” he says.
Now, with modern lighting, upgraded wiring and privately donated air conditioning installed in key buildings, the camp is bright and cool for campers and counselors, many of whom have been attending for decades.
“The counselors who have been coming for 20 years can’t believe the changes,” Logan says. “And when the kids arrive, it’s going to be even more magical. They’ll be able to use the theater in August because now it’s nally air-conditioned.”
Looking ahead, Camp Grace Bentley hopes to pursue more energy e ciency grants and funding for HVAC and insulation upgrades, particularly in the chapel and hobby shop.
Logan encourages other small businesses and nonpro ts to apply for similar grants, regardless of their current situation.
“Be truthful,” he says. “Put down what you need and why. Don’t be afraid to highlight your challenges. For us, this experience has been life-changing, and it can be for others, too.”
The 2025 Small Business Energy Efficiency Makeover Contest kicked off Aug. 20 and runs through Oct. 8. Visit dteenergy.com/makeover to enter.
Watch how winning DTE’s contest has helped Camp Grace Bentley make its environment and offerings even better for campers.
Out with the old
DTE helps make it easy and affordable to replace outdated heating systems.
With Michigan’s cold snaps each fall, energy demand from boilers and large heating systems spikes.
That’s why now is the perfect time to consider replacing aging heating equipment, says Eric Anderson, outreach program manager for DTE’s Energy Efficiency Program for Business.
“An outdated or under-maintained system leads to increased energy bills, occupant comfort concerns, and health and safety issues,” he says. “This makes fall the ideal season to get ahead of that demand by planning upgrades before systems are operating at full load.”
Replace or maintain?
Boilers and furnaces that are 10-plus years old not only have the potential to increase energy bills; they also may pose operational risks: unreliable temperature control, increased maintenance costs and potential part failures, especially for discontinued models, Anderson says.
It may be time to replace equipment if the heating system is 10 years or older and there are:
• Issues maintaining room temperature or meeting the demands of the space.
• Obvious signs of damage or excessive wear and tear, such as water leaks.
• Higher-than-expected maintenance costs, energy usage and utility bills.
“Delaying replacement can create costly surprises,” Anderson says. “If a system fails in the middle of winter, repairs may be delayed by parts shortages or tariffs, or worse: Parts may no longer be available at all.”
DTE’s
tools make upgrades affordable
To ease the financial burden of upgrading, the DTE Energy Efficiency Program for Business
“We encourage businesses to think strategically and look beyond the up-front costs to life cycle savings. With our rebates, bonuses and nancing, upgrading this season makes more sense than ever.”
—ERIC ANDERSON, DTE OUTREACH PROGRAM MANAGER
has a variety of prescriptive rebates, bonus offers and programs available.
• Rebates: Prescriptive rebates are available for qualifying upgrades, such as high-efficiency boilers, variable frequency drives and advanced HVAC controls.
• Bonus offers: For a limited time, projects may qualify for a 20% early completion bonus on electric (through Sept. 30) and gas (through Dec. 1). Plus, equipment with a longer expected service life could earn an additional 20% long-life measure bonus.
• Michigan Saves financing: Eligible customers can finance qualifying energy-efficient upgrades with 0% interest loans, thanks to a new buy-down initiative from DTE and Michigan Saves, a nonprofit green bank. This allows businesses to implement energy-saving projects now while spreading out costs over time.
each year, the energy savings can quickly offset the initial investment.”
For example, replacing an 80% efficient boiler with a 92% model could reduce energy consumption by over 12%. In facilities with high runtime, that efficiency pays dividends “month after month,” Anderson says.
A customized solution for businesses
Beyond assisting with simple equipment replacements, DTE’s team of nearly 80 energy experts helps businesses customize solutions that align with their operational needs and budgets.
For instance, when installing a building automation system, customers can incorporate costeffective enhancements such as optimal start logic or carbon dioxide sensors with demand control ventilation to unlock even greater rebates and performance benefits.
Real savings, real impact
Although full project results from the Michigan Saves partnership are just starting to come in, Anderson says applications are steadily rising.
“We’re seeing customers take advantage of these low-interest loans across various systems, from lighting to HVAC,” he says. “And with heating-related systems operating thousands of hours
“We encourage businesses to think strategically and look beyond the up-front costs to life cycle savings,” Anderson says. “With our rebates, bonuses and financing, upgrading this season makes more sense than ever.”
For more information or to get started on your energy efficiency journey, reach out to the DTE Energy Efficiency Program for Business team.
Call: 855.748.2525
Email: saveenergy@dteenergy.com
Visit: dteenergy.com/business
DTE’s cow-mercial shows how all kinds of businesses can save energy and money.
A new DTE commercial shares the scoop on energy savings. Lights, camera, action!
Over the summer, you might have noticed a new DTE commercial while streaming your favorite show. DTE launched the ad, set on a dairy farm, to show business customers just how impactful energy efficiency improvements can be not only for the environment but for their bottom line.
Developed in partnership with agency REGROUP and produced by Seventy 7 Production, the ad tells the story of a father and son who own a dairy farm and creamery based on beloved Michigan mainstays like Guernsey Farms Dairy, Calder Brothers Dairy and Country Dairy Farm.
“We wanted the business to feel familiar, authentic and rooted in Michigan values,” says Michelle Liang, principal marketing analyst at DTE. “We also wanted to highlight agriculture and a creamery to show that DTE helps a wide range of customers and that all businesses have some things in common, like improving to power growth and reduce overhead costs.”
Churning up change
The commercial starts with the son looking around the aging creamery and saying, “We could do better.”
“That moment kicks off a transformation,” Liang says.
Viewers see the pair installing LED lighting, upgrading equipment and receiving rebates from DTE to invest back into their business. The spot ends with their serving up an ice cream cone to an eager child while a curious dairy cow watches nearby. Humor is sprinkled throughout the 30-second ad.
Filming took place over three days at two different locations, capturing the everyday beauty of rural life and the tangible upgrades that help make small businesses more efficient and competitive.
“It was important to depict relatable, handson work — real improvements business owners could imagine making themselves,” Liang says. “We wanted it to feel authentic.”
DTE hopes that business owners, after watching the spot, will be inspired to reach out to start their own energy-saving journey.
“We want people to know there are simple, affordable ways to reduce energy use, and that DTE has the tools, resources and programs to help,” Liang says. “Plus, customers can get money back in the form of rebates, which they can put right back into their businesses.”
“We want people to know there are simple, a ordable ways to reduce energy use, and that DTE has the tools, resources and programs to help. Plus, customers can get money back in the form of rebates, which they can put right back into their businesses.”
—MICHELLE LIANG, PRINCIPAL MARKETING ANALYST AT DTE
Liang hopes the commercial informs viewers of the help DTE offers businesses and motivates them to contact DTE for a customized plan.
“We know small-business owners wear a lot of hats,” she says. “This commercial shows that energy efficiency doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. The story illustrates what’s possible when you take advantage of the resources available.”
Milking the benefits
DTE’s Small and Medium Business Program starts with a complimentary assessment by an energy advisor, who tours the premises and pinpoints ways, large and small, to save energy. The advisor may install some equipment, such as LED bulbs or smart thermostats, on the spot at no charge. Then, they leave a report detailing larger projects businesses can opt to complete, with rebates and estimated energy and cost savings spelled out.
on the
The commercial was released in August with print and social media ads to follow. All are aimed at showing how DTE can help businesses of every size make simple upgrades that pay off now and in the future.
Watch for DTE’s new ad on your favorite streaming service, and learn how you can save by visiting dteenergy.com/business.
TOOLBOX
Find out how your business could save! Call: 855.748.2525
Email: saveenergy@dteenergy.com
Visit: dteenergy.com/business
Immediate savings, long-term benefits
DTE’s instant discounts help businesses cut costs and energy use.
For Michigan business owners looking to save energy, DTE’s Instant Discount programs make upgrading to energye cient equipment easier — and more a ordable — than ever. The programs o er point-of-sale discounts on qualifying equipment, so customers can save money instantly when purchasing through a participating distributor. That means no applications, no delays and no guesswork.
“The Instant Discount programs have been designed to be very easy for business customers to participate,” says Alison Jaworowski, DTE program manager. “Customers might be interested in upgrading their facility’s lighting or replacing a broken kitchen fryer. DTE
makes it easy. Simply purchase eligible equipment from a participating location, provide a valid installation address and receive an instant discount at the point of sale. It’s just that simple.”
What’s included?
DTE’s Instant Discount programs cover a wide range of energy-efficient lighting, HVAC and commercial food service equipment. Whether a business is upgrading to LED lighting, replacing rooftop HVAC units or purchasing ENERGY STAR®–certified kitchen appliances, they can take advantage of deep discounts — sometimes reducing the cost of equipment to just a few dollars per item.
“The Instant Discount programs have been designed to be very easy for business customers to participate. Simply purchase eligible equipment from a participating location, provide a valid installation address and receive an instant discount at the point of sale. It’s just that simple.”
—ALISON JAWOROWSKI, DTE PROGRAM MANAGER
“Some of the lighting equipment is very a ordable when the DTE discounts are applied,” Jaworowski says. “As LED technology continues to improve and prices drop, we’re able to pass even more savings on to the customer.”
No paperwork, no problem
The process is as straightforward as it gets. Once a contractor or business identifies the energy-efficient equipment they plan to install, they simply buy it from one of more than 100 participating distributors across Michigan. All that’s needed is a valid DTE gas or electric installation address — no account number, no forms and no site visits required.
address, and an instant discount is applied,” Jaworowski explains. “Even if a customer is purchasing directly, as long as they’re eligible based on the install location, the savings are automatically written into the invoice.”
Benefits beyond the discount
While the up-front savings are significant, the long-term value is even greater. Energy-efficient equipment often has a longer useful life, requires less maintenance and delivers better performance than lessefficient models.
“If a contractor purchases the equipment on behalf of the customer from a participating location, they simply provide the valid installation
“These upgrades save energy, of course, but they also reduce operational costs,” Jaworowski says. “For example, some of the food service equipment heats faster or runs more e ciently, so businesses can serve more meals without using more energy.”
And it’s not just customers who bene t. By incentivizing high-e ciency technology, the program also shapes the marketplace.
“We’re helping manufacturers by leveling the playing eld on cost,” Jaworowski says. “Because more customers are choosing e cient products, manufacturers are encouraged to invest in better, greener technology. It’s a winwin for everyone.”
Whether you’re a restaurant replacing fryers or an o ce upgrading lights, DTE’s Instant Discount programs can help you cut energy use and save money — right at checkout.
Explore discounts or find a participating distributor at dteenergy.com/instant-discounts. To find specific discounted equipment, visit: dteenergy.com/discounts-foodservice dteenergy.com/discounts-lighting dteenergy.com/discounts-HVAC
TOOLBOX
If you are a DTE gas customer in Michigan, you have a choice when it comes to who supplies your natural gas. Through the Gas Customer Choice Program, you can opt to have your business’s natural gas supplied by DTE or by what’s known as an alternative gas supplier (AGS). Either way, DTE will continue to maintain the infrastructure that delivers gas to your business, respond to gas leaks, read meters and handle billing. If you’d like to keep DTE as your natural gas supplier, there’s nothing you need to do.
“If you don’t choose an AGS, DTE will continue to supply the gas under our regulated rate,” says Kenneth Savoie, principal marketing analyst at DTE.
It’s important to note that within DTE’s service territory, only the natural gas rates offered by DTE are reviewed and regulated by the Michigan Public Service
Check before you choose
Michiganders should weigh the pros and cons when selecting a natural gas supplier.
Commission (MPSC). Alternative gas suppliers are not regulated and can set their own rates.
If you are contacted by a salesperson about switching your natural gas supplier, DTE encourages you first to research which rate best aligns with your goals. You can compare unregulated rates with DTE’s regulated rate at michigan.gov/ comparemigas. Your business may be approached by an AGS offering a rate that, at first glance, appears better than what you’re getting through DTE. If that rate is part of a time-limited promotion, however, it could change down the road. Promo pricing is especially popular during the summer months, when natural gas usage is low; operators may be in for sticker shock when the temperatures drop and gas usage increases. If you are using an alternative gas supplier, DTE encourages you to check your bills regularly to stay on top of any changes.
SUPPLIER CUSTOMER
“Never share your account number unless you’re sure you want to enroll with the alternative supplier,” Savoie says, noting that the account number is one piece of information an AGS needs to switch a customer’s service. To make sure your supplier hasn’t been switched inadvertently, Savoie recommends checking your bill. If your property’s natural gas is being supplied by an entity other than DTE, the name of that alternative supplier will be listed in the Summary of Charges section of your billing statement. Additionally, you’ll be able to see your rate compared with what you would be paying with DTE.
Savoie reiterates that DTE will never call or show up at your business offering any sort of discounted natural gas rate. Remember, DTE’s rates are determined by the MPSC.
He adds that if you want to lock in DTE as your supplier, you can do that with a quick call to customer service. “That way, you know what you’re getting.”
To learn more or lock in DTE as your natural gas supplier, visit dteenergy.com/gaschoice or call 800.477.4747. TOOLBOX
Building blueprint
A recent DTE presentation scouts energy-efficient opportunities within facilities’ “anatomy.”
Improving the energy efficiency of your commercial building or industrial facility may feel daunting when you’re just getting started. Thinking of your building in terms of its individual energy-consuming components can help.
Three energy engineers who work with DTE framed this concept as “The Anatomy of Buildings” in a presentation at the annual Michigan Energy Efficiency Conference and Exhibition this past May. In their presentation, they delved into how building operators can improve efficiency throughout their commercial spaces, and how DTE’s Energy Efficiency Program for Business can help make that happen. To illustrate this, the engineers divided a sample building into HVAC, lighting and mechanical systems. The savings potential in these three categories is huge; even simple operational modifications to lighting and HVAC, for instance, can reduce a business’s energy costs by up to 30%.
The presentation looked at project potential in large commercial buildings (offices, hotels, malls, schools); industrial facilities (manufacturing plants, data centers, warehouses); and infrastructure-heavy locales such as airports, universities and hospitals. Ahead, Daren Vaughn, one of the presenting engineers, sums up some of the presentation’s key points.
HVAC
“When it comes to energy efficiency measures, HVAC is a large category,” Vaughn says. The most common systems include chillers, boilers, rooftop units, air handling units, variable air volume terminal units, cooling towers, and fans and pumps.
As for efficiency improvements, Vaughn points to chiller tune-ups as an especially popular measure. Chillers can be responsible for up to half of a business’s monthly electric
bill, and regular maintenance is necessary to keep them operating optimally and to prolong their lives. The average lifespan of a chiller is 15 to 20 years, but that can be cut short significantly without regular tune-ups. Rebates for chiller tune-ups as well as new chiller installations are available through DTE’s Energy Efficiency Program for Business.
Lighting
Vaughn notes that replacing fluorescent lighting with LED fixtures is one of the easiest ways operators can improve their building’s efficiency. “This would be considered a lighting retrofit,” he says.
Businesses may also be eligible for rebates for network lighting controls (or NLC, for short), which manage an interconnection of lighting devices. “Hours of usage are an important part of any lighting project,” Vaughn says. “Consider NLC systems as lighting-on-demand systems that provide lighting based on occupancy, time of day and the amount of daylight.” These systems may be particularly useful in schools, warehouses, offices, retail spaces and industrial buildings.
“A DesignLights Consortium [DLC] study showed that NLC systems can reduce energy consumption by up to 50% over non-NLC systems,” Vaughn says. DLC is an independent nonprofit that provides data and resources on integrated building systems to reduce energy, carbon and light pollution.
Mechanical Systems
“The Anatomy of Buildings” also presented information on mechanical systems that can be improved with energy efficiency upgrades. It focused, in particular, on compressed air systems, which are applied most often in industrial, manufacturing and food processing settings. Compressed air systems can account for 10% to 30% of a facility’s electricity consumption; less-than-optimal distribution, storage, controls or nozzles can significantly affect system efficiency. Rebated high-efficiency engineered nozzles and other components are available through DTE’s Energy Efficiency Program for Business.
Learn how DTE’s Energy Efficiency Program for Business can help you reach your energy goals! Visit: dteenergy.com/business Call: 800.477.4747
TOOLBOX
Even simple operational updates to lighting and HVAC can reduce a business’s energy costs by up to 30%
By Becky Kalajian
Zone defense
Room by room, prep your business to save energy this autumn.
As one of the “shoulder seasons” between AC-blasting summer and heating-heavy winter, autumn is the perfect time to tackle sneaky inefficiencies and get a firm handle on your business’s energy use.
Read on for some practical tactics to try in different rooms and zones so you can maximize savings in every part of your business.
1.
Entryway and reception: First impressions. Give your customers a warm welcome — literally — by sealing doors with weather stripping to prevent heat loss. While you’re there, install LEDs in a neutral lighting temperature to save electricity while providing visitors with a well-lit space.
2.
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not in use. And if your refrigerator or microwave is due for an upgrade, be sure to purchase an ENERGY STAR®–rated replacement, which will use less energy than a standard model.
4.Restrooms: Occupancy tweaks. There are a couple of simple tweaks you can make in restrooms to improve efficiency while maintaining a comfortable environment: Install low-flow faucets to reduce hot water use, and add motion sensors to operate LED lighting and exhaust fans as occupancy fluctuates.
5.
O ce and workspace areas: Computer sleep mode. Computers account for 20% of overall electricity consumption in offices. With that in mind, program all computers to rest in sleep mode after five minutes of inactivity, and shut them off completely overnight and on weekends.
Break room or kitchenette: Energy break. Small appliances can be an energy drain, so consider unplugging them when they’re
Storage or utility rooms: Filter switch. Storage and utility rooms hold the key to an easy energy efficiency upgrade: filters. Every time the seasons change, have your filters, ductwork and airflow checked to improve efficiency and cut down operating costs.
Top 4 MVP moves for winter
Interested in the most efficient tweaks to prep your business for winter weather? Here are four to try.
1. Switch to LEDs. Switching to longer-lasting, energyefficient LED bulbs with motion sensors and timers lets you control and conserve lighting when it’s not needed.
2. Check your filters and ducts. Maintaining your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is critical to your business’s efficiency and comfort. Upgrading inefficient units; using a programmable thermostat; and regularly checking filters, ductwork and airflow are all important steps to take.
DTE offers complimentary, no-obligation energy assessments as well as rebates for qualifying energy efficiency upgrades. Set up your assessment today to start your energy journey!
Call: 855.748.2525 Visit: dteenergy.com/business
3. Turn on sleep mode. Program your office computers to go to sleep after five minutes of inactivity, and turn them off at night and over the weekend.
4. Upgrade your appliances. Upgrading to ENERGY STAR®–rated appliances — no matter how small — can improve efficiency and performance.
Powering innovation
Through futured-focused pilot projects, DTE is helping business owners find even more ways to save energy.
As energy needs evolve and technology advances, DTE is working hard to keep Michigan businesses ahead of the curve. At the center of this effort is DTE’s Energy Efficiency Pilot Program, a forwardthinking initiative designed to explore, test and deliver innovative energy-saving solutions to customers across the state.
Each year, DTE launches a series of pilot projects aimed at evaluating new technologies, marketing strategies and service models in real-world settings. These pilots help answer crucial questions: Does the new offer deliver real energy savings? Is it cost-effective? Do customers find it easy and worthwhile to use?
“It’s a great chance for qualified customers to not only try out new products or services, but to test energy savings and help us research the overall
effectiveness of those tests,” says Kevin Stewart, program manager. “Pilots give us a valuable opportunity to assess the potential of a program or test-drive emerging technologies with our customers. Through these trials, we’re evaluating new enhancements, products and services to ensure they deliver meaningful, costeffective energy savings while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.”
Real-world testing, real savings
DTE’s pilots cover a wide range of energysaving opportunities. For example, the team is currently exploring an expansion of the popular residential appliance recycling program to serve commercial customers. Many businesses have old refrigerators or freezers that are rarely used but continue to draw a lot of energy, driving energy use and bills.
Interested in participating in a future pilot or have an idea for one? Visit dteenergy.com/ee or contact your DTE representative to see how your business can join the journey toward energy efficiency.
Other ongoing pilot projects include evaluating the performance of heat pumps, exploring building energy management systems that optimize real-time usage, and testing new approaches to customer engagement.
Collaboration and innovation
To bring these ideas to life, DTE partners with experienced third-party contractors to lead ideation sessions, run demonstrations and conduct field testing. Once a pilot wraps up, DTE’s teams carefully analyze the results to see if the innovation delivered meaningful energy savings, proved to be cost-effective and was well-received by customers. If so, the solution may be added to DTE’s suite of energy efficiency programs, making it available to more businesses across Michigan.
For business owners and facility managers, participating in a pilot means getting early access to cutting-edge solutions that can lower operating costs and support sustainability goals. And for DTE, it’s about building a smarter energy future — one innovative idea at a time
SAVING MONEY IS GOOD BUSINESS
