New DTE-Detroit partnership could return an average of $7k to businesses that enroll in Project Green Light

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Police Chief James Craig and Trevor Lauer, president of DTE Electric, announced the new incentive program during an after-dark press conference at a Detroit Marathon gas station -- a participating Project Green Light business -- located on W. McNichols at Meyers on the city's northwest side.

Currently there are 52 Project Green Light businesses in operation.  DTE's incentive program will reward new Green Light businesses that install energy efficient lighting and multiple energy efficiency upgrades, as well as use Michigan-made products. Under the program, qualifying Detroit-based businesses may receive:

• As much as a 65 percent bonus rebate over DTE's standard energy efficiency rebates – an average of up to $7,000 per business
• Zero percent financing on initial energy efficient lighting purchases

"DTE has taken great pride in supporting organizations that share our commitment to neighborhoods by promoting safety and implementing programs to revitalize our community – and Project Green Light is just one more great example," said Lauer. "Our collaboration with the City of Detroit makes this program affordable to businesses, and continues efforts around keeping our neighborhoods safe and contributing to the City's remarkable comeback."

Mayor Duggan praised DTE for its partnership and its commitment to improving public safety.

"DTE's commitment to supporting Project Green Light through these incentives is another example of how businesses in this town are embracing this program," said Mayor Duggan.  "Bright exterior lighting is one of the key elements of Project Green Light and DTE's program and a generous incentive program like this will make the decision to join the program even easier."

Project Green Light Detroit was launched by the City in January to improve safety at Detroit businesses, and has picked up significant momentum since the program's inception. 

• In September, the City announced a partnership with Comcast to provide businesses with an opportunity to install high-definition cameras police can use to monitor and solve crimes in "real time" at an affordable price.
• Ten months into the year, current program participants who been in the program since the beginning are experiencing a 50 percent reduction in violent crime.
• DTE's support of affordable high-quality, energy efficient lighting will continue to reduce and deter crime, improve neighborhood safety, and promote local economic and community growth.
• Currently, 52 businesses are enrolled, with the goal of 80 by year end.

"Project Green Light continues to build momentum which translates into how we are revolutionizing the ways in which we deter, respond and solve crime, ultimately restoring a renewed sense of safety within our community," said Chief James Craig. "The continued support of our partners at DTE in this new initiative further affirms their commitment to ensuring the success and growth of this great city." 

The following are examples of how the DTE Energy savings rebate program works:

Businesses owners appreciate the DTE program because it also allows their businesses to be more environmentally friendly.

"The DTE lighting upgrade rebates allows small businesses like mine to be more energy efficient and provides a well-lit environment for our customers. It makes us doubly Green," said Nasser Beydoun, who owns several participating Project Green Light businesses, including the Marathon Station where the announcement was held.

In 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.

Interested Detroit business owners can get more information on how to participate by calling 866.796.0512 (select option 3) for more program information.

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 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.

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