Annual Makeover Contest Increased Prizes and Received Record Number of Entries
Detroit, April 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) today announced the winners of its annual energy efficiency makeover contest. The contest, previously called Business Pride, was revamped in 2023 with a new name and larger cash prizes of $5,000 each to benefit more small businesses as they begin their journey toward energy efficiency and reduce energy use. Companies that implement energy efficiency improvements often reduce energy use, create more energy-efficient operations, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve employee and customer comfort, and have lower energy bills.
The winners of the DTE Energy Efficiency Makeover 2023 competition are:
These Michigan small businesses were selected based on their demonstrated knowledge and need for energy efficiency improvements.
All winners will receive a detailed energy assessment with a DTE energy expert, which will include energy efficiency recommendations specific to each business and help coordinating the installation of upgrades with the prize money. Each company will also appear in an upcoming edition of DTE. Smart energy for business magazine.
“As a small but vital nonprofit, upgrading the building for optimal energy efficiency is a gift we will continue to give for years to come,” said Patricia Obrzut, executive director of the Penrickton Center for Blind Children. “Penrickton Center receives no state or federal funding and there is no charge to the families we serve. “Winning this generous award in the renovation competition will allow us to make some much-needed improvements and really make a difference to our daily operations.”
Penrickton Center for Blind Children is a unique private not-for-profit agency providing five-day residential, daycare and consultation/assessment services to children aged one to 12 years with visual impairments and multiple disabilities.
“We began improving the energy efficiency of our office by replacing some old light tubes with LEDs,” said Joseph Dixon, president of Dixon & Associates. “The cost of upgrading systems has been a barrier to doing more, so this award will be really helpful in making more upgrades to help reduce our energy use.” Dixon & Associates are financial planners and are registered
representatives offering securities and advisory services through Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG), a registered broker-dealer and investment advisor.
As small business owners look for ways to improve their operations, energy efficiency improvements are becoming more of a priority, but are often difficult to implement due to lack of funding or expertise. This contest eliminates cost and access barriers. DTE also seeks to connect with customers to raise awareness about available programs, rebates and services designed to reduce energy usage and costs.
“We have made some energy efficiency improvements and wanted to follow up with a beer cooler upgrade, but we have limited money available to do so,” said John Guerrero, manager of IC Countryside Market. “We initially received a quote of $11,000 to upgrade the refrigerator, but we were able to reduce the cost with DTE’s rebate offers, so the $5,000 cash prize will really help us move forward in improving energy efficiency.” Countryside Market offers groceries, deli selections and beverages.
The contest, which ended in November, saw a record number of entries for the second year in a row.
“This year’s response is exciting for the winners and our energy efficiency team. These businesses are the foundation of the communities we serve and we are proud to support them,” said Carmen Welch, Director of Energy Efficiency at DTE Energy. “Congratulations to all the winners of the Energy Efficiency Makeover contest.”
DTE offers more than 20 energy efficiency programs for residential, small business and commercial and industrial customers and ranks fifth nationally for programming. Since its inception in 2009, more than 7.7 million electric customers and 3.8 million gas customers have directly participated in DTE’s energy efficiency programs.
To learn more about programs, rebates, ways to save, and resources available to businesses, visit DTEenergy.com/getstarted.
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About DTE Energy
DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric company serving 2.3 million customers in southeastern Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers throughout Michigan. DTE’s portfolio also includes energy businesses focused on customized energy solutions, renewable energy generation, and energy marketing and trading. DTE has continued to accelerate its carbon reduction goals to meet aggressive targets and is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy, emissions reductions and economic progress. Information on DTE is available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, Twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.
CONTACT: Anne Santori DTE Energy 313.235.5555
