Smart Mobility Today had a conversation with JD Gonzalez and learned about the DTE Energy Efficiency Program.
JD, welcome to the show! Can you start the conversation by introducing yourself?
I am JD Gonzalez, and I do education and training for DTE Energy. I have been in energy efficiency now for the last eight years. I’m excited about working with energy efficiency because it resonates with my core values. Prior to this, I spent 27 years in education and training.
Can you tell us about the DTE Energy efficiency program – and address why this is an important thing for business to know about?
Absolutely! DTE helps commercial and industrial businesses reduce their energy use. By completing DTE energy efficiency projects, you can reduce energy consumption and emissions, and improve operations and sustainability. Since 2009, DTE has paid out more than $350 Million Dollars in rebates with over 77,000 projects. So, that’s about 4.3 million megawatts per hour of electricity and about 10 million MCFs of natural gas saved for Michigan businesses.
Those are some pretty impressive numbers! So, for a business thinking about ROI and metrics, what are the common measures that would apply to me as a business person when I’m participating in this program?
Well, our team of energy advisors can help you to identify those energy saving opportunities that are going to be producing short and long term energy cost savings. Those could include electric projects such as LED lighting or chiller tune ups, or natural gas measures such as boilers and steam traps.
At the end of the day, what are some of the benefits that I would see by being a participant?
There’s more than a few: you can improve energy efficiency, you’re going to reduce your energy consumption, and lower your operating costs. You can improve comfort and safety in your building, lower your energy bills, earn rebates for improvements for your business, and reduce your carbon footprint — that’s just the name a few!
And how do the rebates actually work?
Each year our program funding becomes available for businesses to earn rebates when they complete energy efficiency projects. So, this program became a state legislation in 2008 to help us to lower these energy uses, and reduce our carbon footprint. So, talk to one of our team of energy advisors they’ll provide you insights about what projects might be eligible, how the rebate process works. Right now, we have bonuses and rebates available up to 20%.
What are any of the barriers to participation?
Well, there’s really two: first, gathering the required documentation and actually filling out that application. But, I can tell you don’t worry! We’re here to help. Our energy advisors are on hand and they will walk you through the requirements, help you with that documentation, and we can also help you fill out the application for you.
That’s great; it sounds like a great program. Is there anything you haven’t covered — any final thoughts?
This program year does end on December 2nd, so this is our big final rally, if you would, for business customers to participate. And we can support your annual goals by helping to identify these opportunities, reduce that energy use, enhance your sustainability efforts, possibly impact your bottom line.
These bonus rebates are ending soon, so reach out to us — learn what we can do before time runs out.
_ _ _ _ _
Expert Spotlights are featured interviews, conversations, and announcements sourced through our event series, audio podcast, and newsmaker interviews — developed with the support of industry partner and sponsor organizations.
Recent Comments