Grand Rapids Urban League partners with DTE Energy to help residents save money on gas bills

DTE Energy is working locally with the Grand Rapids Urban League to reach out to the GR community on their Free Home Energy Consultations (HEC). DTE launched their HEC program this year to work with their customers to save money on their energy costs this winter. 

DTE Energy is now offering free evaluations of home energy efficiency to assist customers in reducing energy costs. Energy consultants are visiting homes throughout the DTE service area to provide personalized energy assessments and evaluate the energy efficiency of homeowners’ gas and electric usage.

The program, called the DTE Home Energy Consultation Program, was created to advise homeowners on ways to conserve energy with a goal toward helping residents to better manage their energy costs. Energy consultants assess customers’ energy usage, make energy saving recommendations and discuss ways to reduce energy usage that will help lower energy costs.

"We’re all looking for ways to make life more affordable. One way is by reducing the amount of energy we use, which can lower utility bills. By making simple changes in your home, you can save money on your energy costs," said Jason Kupser, DTE Energy Home Energy Consultation Program Lead. "Through the launch of the DTE Home Energy Consultation program our customers are learning more about energy efficiency and ways to save energy and money on their energy bill."　

During the assessment, energy consultants will install:

• Water-saving faucet aerators in the kitchen and bathroom that can reduce water usage without lowering the water pressure in the pipes.
   
• Water-saving showerheads that can save up to three gallons of hot water per minute which can reduce water-heating costs by 30 percent.
   
• Wrap on the water heater pipes – up to nine feet from the hot water tank – an energy-saving measure that can reduce heat loss and increase water temperature in the pipes, which will save on water-heating costs.

In the first year of the program, DTE Energy visited more than 25,000 homes. This year, the program is on target to reach more than 30,000 households with energy-saving tips and products.

To better promote this program, the league is holding an event at the BP Gas Station in Eastown on November 24th from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. to share this great program with their community.

The first 300 attendees that sign up for a FREE home energy consultation at the event will receive a $10 gas card and DTE will donate $1 to the GR Urban League. Learn more about the event on the Urban League's event page.