DETROIT — DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) joined the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) today to share results from a six-month partnership resulting in well-lit and safer Michigan roads.
In 2016, MDOT participated in DTE’s Energy Efficiency Business Program, installed energy efficient LED lighting on a number of major Metro Detroit freeways, and reported a 65 percent reduction in energy use. The lighting upgrade is expected to save an estimated $2 million in energy costs in 2017 – a $2 million savings for Michigan residents.
“The State of Michigan is always looking for ways to use taxpayer dollars more effectively,” said Lt. Gov. Brian Calley. “MDOT’s partnership with DTE is a great example of how public/private partnerships continue to be a win-win for all Michiganders. It’s great to see such positive results in just six months, and I look forward to seeing additional partnership and savings in the future.”
In a ceremony today at MDOT’s Detroit Operations Center, DTE Energy’s Irene Dimitry, vice president of Business Planning and Development, presented a $1 million rebate check to MDOT to help offset the cost of the department’s investment in energy efficiency improvements. Planning for this major freeway lighting project began April 2016 and installation of nearly 13,000 energy efficient LEDs was completed in November.
“We’re pleased MDOT could take advantage of our energy efficiency program to not only make our roads brighter and safer, but also save energy costs,” Dimitry said. “We encourage other businesses, government agencies and nonprofits to take advantage of our Energy Efficiency Business Program.”
The project included:
- Brighter, energy efficient LED lighting installed on area freeways including I-94, I-75, I-96, I-696, I-375, M-59, the Lodge and Southfield.
- Nearly 13,000 new LED fixtures replaced inefficient high-pressure sodium, metal halide and mercury vapor fixtures. LED systems are up to 70 percent more energy efficient; require less maintenance and direct light more effectively.
“Partnerships are essential to upgrade freeway lighting to maximize and save taxpayer dollars,” said Kirk T. Steudle, MDOT director. “We are grateful to our partners at DTE for including us in this incentive program because well-lit freeways offer greater safety and security for the motoring public.”
DTE’s energy efficiency programs save customers money, reduce energy waste and improve the environment – all while creating jobs and supporting local businesses throughout Michigan. The savings start from the moment customers install a high-efficiency light bulb or other energy efficiency upgrade. Customers benefit immediately from incentives and rebates, and from long-term savings on their energy bills.
As of 2015, DTE’s business and residential customers participating in energy efficiency programs saved nearly $600 million while reducing energy waste and preserving the environment. DTE completed over 40,000 energy efficiency projects for more than 15,000 businesses resulting in $150 million savings.
Businesses interested in participating and saving can get more information about DTE’s Energy Efficiency Business Program by calling 866.796.0512 (select option 3) or by visiting dteenergy.com/savenow.
To learn more about MDOT’s innovative Public-Private Partnership to upgrade freeway lighting, visit www.michiganfreewaylighting.com.
About DTE Energy
DTE Energy 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 utility serving 2.2 million customers in Southeastern Michigan and a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan. The DTE Energy portfolio includes non-utility energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects, natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage, and energy marketing and trading. As one of Michigan’s leading corporate citizens, DTE Energy is a force for growth and prosperity in the 450 Michigan communities it serves in a variety of ways, including philanthropy, volunteerism and economic progress. Information about DTE Energy is available at dteenergy.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.
Source: DTE Energy