DTE Energy recently marked 10 years of helping Michigan small businesses lower energy costs through its Energy Efficiency Makeover Contest, an initiative that awards winners $5,000 to use toward customized energy efficiency upgrades like LED lighting, HVAC systems or other equipment needed for operations. In 2025, three winners were selected from River Rouge, Deckerville and St. Clair Shores. Since the contest launched a decade ago, 30 winners from across the state have been selected to receive funding and hands-on support from DTE to improve the energy efficiency of their business.
Over the past decade, contest winners from Detroit to Imlay City have updated their businesses through upgrades made possible by the prize money. Energy efficiency upgrades not only cut energy waste and lower energy bills but also can create brighter, more comfortable, and more inviting environments for customers and employees alike while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As a result of lower energy costs, businesses can reinvest into growth, staffing and contribute to the local communities that depend on their success.
"Nearly 60 percent of the businesses who entered the contest this year told us they were not able to make any energy efficiency improvements to their business due to barriers such as lack of funds or they don't know where to start," said Carmen Welch, director, Energy Efficiency at DTE Energy. "DTE is committed to breaking down barriers and making energy efficiency accessible because when businesses succeed, our communities succeed and that benefits everyone."
In addition to the $5,000 prize money, each winner receives a free on-site energy assessment along with a customized roadmap to improve energy efficiency in their business.
The 2025 winners are:
- Union Second Baptist Church - River Rouge
- Tiffany's Show Horses - Deckerville
- Coughlin Jewelers - Saint Clair Shores
"Caring for our building is really about caring for our community," said Richard Thomas, pastor, Union Second Baptist Church. "These upgrades help us create a space that's welcoming, safe and comfortable for everyone who comes through our doors. This award allows us to make improvements while also being better stewards of our resources as we continue serving our community."
"Running a small business means every expense matters, especially when energy use is part of daily animal care and client comfort," said Tiffany Wendling, owner, Tiffany's Show Horses. "The funding will allow us to replace outdated lighting with energy-efficient LEDs, timers and controls to better manage how long lights and ventilation systems run each day, and update ventilation and appliances to energy efficient models to help us keep costs down while maintaining a healthy environment for our horses and clients year-round. We appreciate the opportunity to make these improvements."
"For a jeweler, lighting is essential but upgrading to new and more efficient lighting can pose several challenges," said Timothy Coughlin, owner, Coughlin Jewelers. "This prize money will contribute to an exciting large scale lighting upgrade project for our showroom."
Small businesses interested in learning more about DTE's energy efficiency programs or scheduling a free energy assessment can visit DTEenergy.com/business.
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 company serving 2.3 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.4 million customers across Michigan. The DTE portfolio also includes energy businesses focused on custom energy solutions, renewable energy generation, and energy marketing and trading. DTE has continued to accelerate its carbon reduction goals to meet aggressive targets and is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy, emission reductions and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, x.com/DTE_Energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.
For more information, members of the media may contact:
Anne Santori, DTE Energy: (313) 235-5555
