DTE awards three Michigan small businesses $5,000 in energy efficiency upgrades

Annual makeover contest increased prize awards and received record-breaking 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 awards of $5,000 each to benefit more small businesses as they start their energy efficiency journey and reduce energy use. Businesses that implement energy efficiency improvements often reduce energy use, create more energy efficient operations, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve comfort for employees and customers, and have lower energy bills.

The 2023 DTE Energy Efficiency Makeover contest winners are:

• Penrickton Center for Blind Children in Taylor
• Dixon & Associates in Trenton
• IC Countryside Market in Imlay City

These Michigan small businesses were selected based on their demonstrated knowledge of and need for energy efficiency improvements.

All winners will receive a walk-through energy assessment with a DTE energy expert, including business-specific energy efficiency recommendations and help in coordinating the installation of upgrades with the prize money. Each business will also be featured in an upcoming edition of DTE’s EnergySmarts for Business magazine.

“As a small but vital non-profit, upgrading the building for optimal energy efficiency is a gift that will keep on giving for years to come,” said Patricia Obrzut, executive director, Penrickton Center for Blind Children. “Penrickton Center does not receive state or federal funds and there is no charge to the families we serve. Winning this generous award in the makeover contest will enable us to make some needed improvements and truly make a difference in our day-to-day operations.”

Penrickton Center for Blind Children is a unique, private non-profit agency, providing five-day residential, day care and consultation/evaluation services to children one through 12 years old who are visually impaired and multi-disabled.

“We started improving the energy efficiency of our office by replacing some old tube lights with LEDs,” said Joseph Dixon, president, Dixon & Associates. “The cost of upgrading systems has been a barrier to do more, so this award will really be helpful in making more upgrades that help to reduce our energy use.”  Dixon & Associates are financial planners and registered