What is “Energy Optimization?”

Posted by DTE Energy Admin on Mar 21, 2012 in Save Energy | 0 comments

By Vicki Campbell

 Op•ti•mize /ɔptɪmɑɪz/ vi. To make (something) more efficient.

Source: Wiktionary

 Back in 2009, DTE Energy established an Energy Optimization (E.O.) program to help customers save energy and save money. Since then, the program has helped customers save millions of dollars worth of energy. We sometimes get asked: “Why is DTE Energy, an energy utility, telling customers to use less of its product?” That’s an interesting question.

 DTE Energy’s E.O. program was launched in response to a law passed in 2008 by the Michigan Legislature. The law required utilities to establish an E.O. program “designed to delay the need for constructing new electric generating facilities and thereby protect consumers from incurring the costs of such construction.”

 At DTE Energy, we started by promoting easy energy efficiency improvements that would have a big impact without burdening customers with a huge upfront investment.

 Energy efficient lighting is one example where we’ve made a big difference. ENERGY STAR®-labeled CFL and LED lighting can save up to 75 percent over traditional incandescent bulbs, but the higher cost of purchase is a turn off to some customers. So, DTE Energy began an instant rebate program at area retailers to make these efficient lighting options more affordable for customers. It’s been a huge hit. In 2010 alone, more than 3 million CFLs were purchased at a steep discount thanks to these DTE Energy cost incentives.

 We didn’t stop there. DTE Energy has made a strong commitment to educating customers about the benefits of energy efficiency. You may have seen one of our billboards, heard an ad on the radio, watched an energy saving video on the DTE Energy Facebook page or stopped by our table at a sporting event or community festival. We’ve been out in the community spreading the gospel of energy savings to encourage customers to take that first step toward saving energy.

 Have you jumped on the energy efficiency band wagon yet? Join us and save energy and save money. Together we will. Learn more at our website.

Vicki Campbell is the Director of Energy Efficiency Programs at DTE Energy.  She has responsibility for the Energy Optimization and Energy Partnership and Services organizations.  Her groups develop and promote energy efficiency products and services to electric and gas customers. Campbell is also actively involved in many community and professional organizations.  

Still feeling the warmth of holiday giving…

Posted by Lorie Kessler on Jan 13, 2012 in Community, Features | 0 comments

I loved Len Singer’s recent Blog on his experience volunteering in the DTE Energy Holiday Meals on Wheels initiative.  That holiday spirit of giving still comes through loud and clear in this video of the event and the kind-hearted DTE Energy employee volunteers.    If the winter is getting you down, check out the warmth.

Lorie Kessler joined DTE Energy a few decades ago. She is currently Director, Communications Resources for the company. Lorie has gathered a long list of communications experience along the way, including employee communications, media relations, public relations, advertising and communications planning. She is a wannabee geek, who is working to provide exciting, new communications opportunities for DTE Energy within the realm of digital communications. She has three grown children who have taught her the basics of social networking.

Sharing the holiday spirit

Posted by Len Singer on Jan 6, 2012 in Community, Features, Uncategorized | 1 comment

Hot food packing by DTE Energy Volunteers at Valley Foods in Detroit

This holiday season my wife, Cindy, and I volunteered to deliver meals to senior citizens as part of DTE Energy’s Meals on Wheels partnership. DTE Energy, my employer, has lots of community involvement opportunities for employees to get involved in, but neither of us had done anything like this before.  We felt this year would be a good time to give it a try.  With my kids being grown — and Cindy’s family living out of town — we certainly had the time to lend a hand on Christmas day.

GreenCurrents – an award-winning program!

Posted by Trevor Lauer on Dec 28, 2011 in Features, Renewables | 1 comment

I’m honored that DTE Energy’s GreenCurrents renewable energy program was recently named Utility Green Power Program of the Year by the U.S. Department of Energy. I’m proud of the team’s hard work in signing up more than 22,000 customers in four years, making this one of the fastest growing voluntary renewable energy programs in the country and achieving national recognition.

A CFL for Every Socket

Posted by Denise Allard on Dec 20, 2011 in Features, Save Energy | 2 comments

Different types of CFL bulbs

You’ve probably heard by now that ENERGY STAR® Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) CFLs offer significant energy and cost savings over the old incandescent light bulb. The savings is easy, but finding the right CFL for the right place in your home or business gets tougher.

Winter Dos and Don’ts

Posted by Lorie Kessler on Dec 14, 2011 in Features, Safety | 0 comments

Create your checklist for winter dos and don'ts

I get nervous this time of year. I worry a lot about our DTE Energy customers. The economy, while perhaps looking up, is still as harsh as the upcoming winter months. With temperatures dropping the impact of not being able to pay your energy bill and being faced with utility service shut off is a frightening possibility. The reality of the situation can drive many people to make poor decisions that can endanger themselves and their families.

It’s Not Too Late: Weatherize for Winter

Posted by Herman Kozub on Dec 9, 2011 in Features, Save Energy | 0 comments

Caulking your windows is a great way to weatherize your home

The days are already shorter and the brisk weather has arrived, but there is still time to get some of the energy savings dollars available to you this heating season.  DTE Energy is here to help you keep heat in your home and money in your pocket this winter.