EDITOR:

At DTE Energy (DTE), we are doing everything in our power to build a cleaner, healthier, more sustainable future for all Michiganders, now and for generations to come. We’re passionate about this work because Michigan is our home. We live, work, and raise our families here. I’ve been with DTE for 28 years, and I’ve witnessed firsthand, many times over, the prosperity DTE’s support can bring to a community.

DTE has nearly two decades of experience collaborating with Michigan communities to develop wind and solar projects. Even with new legislation, putting communities first will remain a DTE priority. We will continue to listen to the needs and concerns of local partners to achieve beneficial outcomes for everyone involved – residents, businesses, community organizations and local leaders.

DTE’s wind and solar projects present safe and cost-effective ways of generating electricity and are a vital part of DTE’s energy mix which also includes natural gas, nuclear and energy storage. Together, these resources will help us achieve a cleaner energy future for Michigan.

Wind and solar projects do more than generate clean energy for our homes, schools and businesses. They also bring significant economic benefits to local communities. Townships and counties that host DTE’s renewable energy projects have received millions of dollars in added tax revenue over years of operation – funding used for roads, schools, first responders and many other community services. Additionally, DTE’s renewable energy projects support hundreds of local jobs during construction and dozens of permanent jobs during operation. Since 2009, DTE’s investment in renewable energy has created approximately 20,000 Michigan jobs.

DTE also aims to be a good and involved neighbor wherever we can, working with the communities that host our wind and solar projects to support their individual needs. Our teams are actively involved in local schools, county fairs, veteran events, community clean-ups and other worthy causes. We partner with these communities to help them succeed and value the relationships we develop along the way.

As DTE continues developing new renewable energy projects in Michigan, we remain committed to engaging with each community in positive ways. Considering and respecting local viewpoints is critical to our efforts. So, whether a project is reviewed locally or at the state level, community engagement will remain a cornerstone of our process as we work together for a cleaner and brighter future for our state.

Matt Wagner

Manager, Renewable Energy Development

DTE Energy