DTE Energy is a significant catalyst for Michigan’s economic growth and prosperity by helping to attract more than 8,000 new jobs and $9.2 billion in third-party corporate investment to the company’s electric territory. These accomplishments have earned DTE the honor of being one of Site Selection magazine’s Top Utilities in Economic Development. Site Selection magazine is a leading publication covering global corporate real estate strategy and economic development.
The Site Selection award winners were chosen from a field of more than 3,300 electric utilities and cooperatives across the United States. In addition to job creation and capital investment, winning utilities were chosen for making significant contributions to advancing clean energy. DTE was one of only 20 winners.
“Our vision and strategy revolve around being a driver of growth by attracting and retaining businesses into our service territory, which creates of variety of benefits for communities,” said Khalil Rahal, director of Economic Development for DTE. “Increased economic development activity creates revenue for municipalities, funds infrastructure, adds jobs to Michigan payrolls, and helps keep prices down for our customers.”
Among DTE’s 2022 and early 2023 triumphs Site Selection considered for the Top Utilities in Economic Development award include:
- Our Next Energy’s $1.6 billion investment to build its first cell and electric vehicle battery pack gigafactory in Van Buren Township.
- Magna International’s $497 million, 1,224-job project in China Township.
- Niagara Bottling’s $103 million bottled water facility in Shelby Township
- Nel Hydrogen’s $400 million, 500-job project at a site that is to be determined.
- The introduction of the XL High Load Factor Rate, designed for industries such as advanced battery production, data centers, major manufacturing and cryptocurrency mining.
- MIGreenPower’s (DTE’s voluntary clean energy program) record-breaking clean energy purchase agreements by Ford, General Motors and Stellantis respectively.
- The commissioning of Michigan’s largest wind park, the 225-megawatt Meridian Wind.
DTE’s Economic Development team regularly facilitates the following services for companies looking to locate or expand in DTE Electric’s service territory:
- Site selection, energy analysis and tours
- Specialized electric and gas rates based on usage and industry sector
- Coordination with state, regional and local economic development organizations
- Introductions to local, regional and state officials
- Information about local and state economic development incentives
- Infrastructure solutions including construction credits
- Energy efficiency and renewable energy programs
- EV charging and fleet consultation services
The Site Selection magazine award is the second economic development honor earned this year. In June, the Our Next Energy project helped Michigan win a Silver Shovel Award from Area Development magazine.
In addition to DTE’s continuous support to local communities and area growth, the company is a utility industry leader in sustainability and has committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.