The Natural Gas Balance program helps our residential and small business customers balance up to 100% of the average home’s carbon footprint and make an impact on Michigan’s environment. Larger businesses and municipalities can go even further by creating a customized version of the program that matches their specific needs.
In 2022, East Grand Rapids partnered with DTE to design a program tailored to their community’s carbon impact – and they made a major commitment. The city agreed to balance 100% of the emissions from the natural gas used in their facilities through 2033. In 2025, they expanded their efforts by increasing their commitment to also address 100% of the carbon emissions associated with operating their fleet for seven years
“The city of East Grand Rapids is pleased to work with DTE and the Natural Gas Balance program towards our Climate Action Plan goal for city operations to be carbon neutral by 2040,” said Doug LaFave, deputy city manager, East Grand Rapids.
East Grand Rapids’ participation supports Michigan’s environment in two important ways:
- Protecting the Pigeon River County State Forest: The investment funds carbon offsets that help preserve the local forest area, known as “The Big Wild,” which stores carbon and helps keep Michigan’s air clean. These offsets are rigorously validated, verified by third parties and approved by the American Carbon Registry.
- Advancing renewable natural gas: Supporting renewable natural gas development at the Grand Rapids Water Resource Recovery Facility – turning everyday household waste into a useful energy source.
East Grand Rapids is estimated to balance nearly 8,900 metric tons of natural gas CO2-e associated with facilities and fleet operations through 2033. This will have the environmental impact of taking more than 1,900 gasoline-powered cars off the road for an entire year.
Learn more about how you can make a lasting impact on Michigan’s environment with Natural Gas Balance here.