DTE Energy and Michigan stakeholders reach historic clean energy settlement agreement

Transformational plan projects $2.5 billion in reduced future costs to customers while building enough Michigan-made renewables to power ~4 million homes

o DirecAng an addiAonal $110 million to support income-qualified home energy efficiency programs, customer affordability programs and access to clean energy resources for our most vulnerable customers.

o Repurposing the Belle River coal-fired power plant to run on natural gas at a fracAon of the cost of building a new power plant while acceleraAng reducAons in carbon emissions. Natural gas, and other 24/7 resources like our exisAng carbon-free nuclear plant, play an important role in a diverse energy mix and will significantly reduce emissions while providing reliable and affordable energy to meet periods of high customer demand.

Last fall, DTE unveiled our CleanVision Integrated Resource Plan, a 20-year proposal to dramatically transform how the Company generates electricity as part of our mission to invest in the future of Michigan, with an energy plan that adapts to how you live and work today while meeting the energy demands of tomorrow. Developed over the past two years with the input of DTE’s customers and stakeholders, this proposal continues DTE’s clean energy transition by accelerating investments in Michigan-made solar and wind energy, speeding up the retirement of coal plants, and developing new energy storage – all reinforcing DTE’s commitment to cleaner energy

We are excited to announce 21 organizations from across Michigan have signed onto a settlement agreement to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) for this plan. We are thankful for their partnership and dedication to help us build the best plan possible for you and our 2.3 million customers. We are also proud this plan puts our customers first by reducing the projected costs of our clean energy transformation by $2.5 billion, while reliably generating cleaner, affordable energy now, and for generations to come.

Thanks to this agreement, DTE Electric will target surpassing its previously announced carbon emission reduction goals – achieving 85% in 9 years (2032), 90% by 2040, and net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This settlement agreement, which will require approval by the MPSC, was reached between DTE Electric, MPSC staff, Attorney General Dana Nessel, representatives of Michigan’s environmental community, key business and labor organizations, and energy industry associations. Key details of this agreement include: Investing in clean and reliable energy by: o Supporting increased distributed generation on the Company’s distribution system.

• Delivering long-term customer value by: o Investing over $11 billion into the clean energy transition over the next 10 years, supporting more than 32,000 jobs in Michigan, while reducing the future cost of our clean energy transition for our customers by a projected $2.5 billion. o Directing an additional $110 million to support income-qualified home energy efficiency programs, customer affordability programs and access to clean energy resources for our most vulnerable customers.

We’re commiOed to providing what you told us is most important to you: a plan that is reliable, ordable and clean. And our plan strikes that balance. It will help prepare Michigan for future energy demands, like transportaAon electrificaAon, increasingly severe and unpredictable weather, and the fastevolving needs of the customers and communiAes we proudly serve.

We will also provide re-training for our team members impacted by the coal plant reArements, and will Anue to closely partner with the local communiAes, who for years, hosted these coal-fired plants, new economic development opportuniAes. We’re excited for what the future holds for our customers and our Company.

Developing more than 15,000 megawatts of Michigan-made renewable energy by 2042. This carbon-free generation is the equivalent to powthe development of battery storage, targeting 780 megawatts through 2030 – reinforcing DTE’s commitment to clean and reliable energy with a goal of more than 1,800 megawatts of storage by 2042 – more than doubling current storage capacity.

Ending DTE’s use of coal in 2032 with a responsible, phased retirement schedule of the Belle River and Monroe coal power plants – dramatically reducing the Company’s use of coal from 77% in 2005 to 0% in this agreement, the Company has further accelerated the full retirement of the Monroe Power Plant from 2035 to 2032. energy savings level from energy efficiency through 2027.

Stay comfortable while managing energy use this summer

Summer is here and with it comes trips to the ice cream stand, time at the lake and hot weather. While Michigan summers have a lot to offer, hot and humid days can put a strain on electric bills. But with some tips and simple changes, you can make the most of the season while managing your electric use and your bill.

“Hot weather and household changes can increase energy use,” John Boladian, DTE Energy director of energy efficiency, said. “Through our tools and tips, customers can take charge of their energy use and stay comfortable as temperatures rise.”

With a little planning – and helpful information – you can be ready to embrace all that Michigan summers have to offer while keeping your family and budget comfortable. Get started with these tips:

■ Install a programmable thermostat and save up to $180 annually.

Programmable thermostats offer several benefits, including cost savings, convenience and comfort. You can also put it on a schedule and not worry about manually adjusting it multiple times during the day. Some even allow you to control them from your smartphone. Our recommended summer settings are 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and a degree or two higher when you're asleep or away. Make the most of your energy and set your thermostat to pre-cool your home before 3 p.m. on weekdays to take advantage of the lower, off-peak rates offered on DTE’s Time of Day rate.

■ Shade your home. Closing blinds and shades on sun-facing windows on sunny days is a simple way to keep your home comfortable. You can also plant a tree or shrub outside of sun-facing windows to provide extra, natural shade for your home.

■ Seal those sneaky air leaks and insulate for up to $200 in annual savings. No one wants the hot outdoor air leaking into their home, nor do they want the cool indoor air escaping outside during the summer. Check for air leaks by holding a lit candle or incense stick by your home’s windows, chimney, doors or outlets. If you notice that the smoke begins to blow sideways, you may need to remedy an air leak with caulk or weatherstripping. Then, add the appropriate insulation where needed and you could qualify for a rebate. Homeowners can save up to 10% in energy costs by sealing leaks and adding insulation.

■ Give your kitchen a break. Using your oven or stove during the summer creates an extra hot home causing your A/C to work overtime to cool down that trapped heat. Try giving your kitchen a break a night or two a week and grill outside instead. You can even have an outdoor picnic!

■ Is it time to change your filter? A dirty HVAC filter can lead to an inefficient running system and unclean air flowing through your home. It’s recommended you change your HVAC system filters at the start of the summer and every 3 months to keep it optimally running, or sooner if it appears to be dirty. With just a few adjustments, your family can stay comfortable while managing your energy use this summer.

Dakkota Integrated Systems, a Michigan-based automotive supplier, is one of the largest Native American woman-owned and led companies in the United States. As such, Dakkota is intensely dedicated to diversity and inclusion, repurposing buildings in areas that have seen significant exodus of jobs and industries and providing opportunities to underserved neighborhoods – including Detroit.

“Throughout our 14 locations, we have 71% minority and 36% female employees,” said Lori Lancaster, president, Dakkota Inte- o Repurposing the Belle River coal-fired power plant to run on natural gas at a fraction of the cost of building a new power plant while accelerating reductions in carbon emissions. Natural gas, and other 24/7 resources like our existing carbon-free nuclear plant, play an important role in a diverse energy mix and will significantly reduce emissions while providing reliable and affordable energy to meet periods of high customer demand. vides on-site job training as well as career development. All employees are eligible for company pre-paid college tuition, books and continuing education programs. They are also highly involved in Dakkota’s Great Ideas program, which incentivizes employees to share ideas for continuous improvement of the company’s operations.

We’re committed to providing what you told us is most important to you: a plan that is reliable, affordable and clean. And our plan strikes that balance. It will help prepare Michigan for future energy demands, like transportation electrification, increasingly severe and unpredictable weather, and the fast-evolving needs of the customers and communities we proudly serve. We will also provide re-training for our team members impacted by the coal plant retirements, and will continue to closely partner with the local communities, who for years, hosted these coal-fired plants, on new economic development opportunities. We’re excited for what the future holds for our customers and our Company.

“We’ve seen incredible things from the workforce at the Kettering facility, and I think that’s a direct result of our core values,” said Lancaster. “Those values are based on the Native American spirit and are an underlying theme at Dakkota.” grated Systems. “Dakkota’s goal is to consistently improve these numbers, and these efforts come straight from our founder and CEO, who is both a Native American woman and a Detroiter. It’s important for her to provide opportunities for Detroiters, and that’s why we built our newest facility on the site of the former Kettering High School.”

Dakkota is focused on improving quality of life for their employees and the communities where they operate, which includes making Dakkota’s operations as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. That’s why the company recently enrolled in DTE’s MIGreenPower program, which attributes 100% of the electricity use at the Kettering facility to renewable energy.

More than 500 Detroiters work at the new facility, 10% of whom are refugees. Dakkota prioritizes hiring residents in the five zip codes surrounding the plant and pro-

“All our packaging is recyclable, and DTE recently completed an energy audit at our facility to ensure maximum energy efficiency,” said Lancaster. “Enrolling in MIGreenPower is yet another major step towards making Dakkota’s operations cleaner and was a simple, no-cost decision to make.”

You can learn more about DTE’s MIGreenPower program and enroll your home or business today at www.migreenpower.com.

Learn more about Dakkota Integrated Systems at dakkota.com.

Detroit’s Historic Districts: Preserving Community Heritage

By Lynzee Mychael MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

Most of Detroit’s history is deeply rooted in its neighborhoods. Among the city’s treasures are its historic districts, which not only offer a glimpse into Detroit’s architectural past but also play a significant role in preserving community identity and heritage. The East Jefferson Avenue Residential Historic District, Indian Village Historic District, Boston-Edison Historic District and Brush Park Historic District are among the notable areas cherished for their historical significance and are often points of interest for tourists and locals alike.