For John H., owner of All Weather Comfort Solutions, partnering with DTE Energy has been a blessing for him and life-changing for customers.
John’s company has worked with our Energy Efficiency Assistance (EEA) program for several years, installing energy-efficient upgrades in the homes of income-qualified and vulnerable customers. These upgrades not only make homes more comfortable, but they also help lower energy bills and improve the quality of life for families across Detroit.
But John’s impact doesn’t stop there.
Two years ago, John became a proud employer partner of the Energy Efficiency Academy, launched in collaboration with Walker-Miller Energy Services. The Academy was created to meet the growing demand for energy efficiency home repairs in Detroit—and to build a skilled-trade workforce ready to lead in Michigan’s clean energy future.
When John first connected with the Academy, he wasn’t just looking for workers—he was looking for people ready to grow professionally and personally. What he found was a program that delivered exactly that: individuals who are trained, motivated and eager to build a future in the energy efficiency field.
“Watching someone who has come from the Academy and is advancing has been a real joy,” said John. “We have a few graduates who started with us a year or two ago, and they are already leading their own crews.”
These stories, and the impact not only with customers, but the ripple effect on our communities, are exactly why DTE continues to invest in workforce development. Since 2023, we’ve committed over $2 million to energy efficiency workforce programs that create real opportunities for Detroiters and Michiganders. To date, 76 individuals have graduated from the program, each contributing to a stronger, more resilient energy workforce.
The Energy Efficiency Academy is the newest addition to a growing portfolio of initiatives, including:
- Detroit-based Tree Trimming Academy (TTA) and Parnall Prison Tree-Trim Training
- Detroit Summer Youth Internship Program
- Power and Trades Pathways Program in partnership with Henry Ford College
Each of these programs reflects our mission to empower communities, grow local talent, and fuel economic progress across the state.
If you’re ready to be part of this movement—or want to learn more about how the Energy Efficiency Academy is shaping the future—visit empoweringmichigan.com/eeacademy.