DTE is building an extensive renewable energy portfolio to bring cleaner energy to our customers and help ensure that energy is sustainable for generations to come. But our wind and solar projects have an even greater impact on the communities that host them.
Counties and townships that host DTE renewable energy projects receive millions of dollars in additional tax revenue over the projects’ lifespans, funding which supports roads, schools, first responders, and other community needs. Gratiot County, for example, is home to five wind parks – three of which DTE owns and operates – and two DTE solar parks. Since 2012, Gratiot County has received more than $108 million in tax revenue from these parks.
“I just want to thank DTE for their huge investment into our county,” said Jim Wheeler, president, Greater Gratiot Development. He added that because of the multiple renewable energy projects Gratiot County hosts, “we’ve realized investments of over a billion dollars; tax increment that’s come in north of one hundred million; and permanent jobs of over 50, let alone the thousands of construction jobs that have occurred from these renewable energy projects. They’ve made our county self-sufficient in ways that other counties dream about. We can’t thank DTE enough for all the help they’ve provided.”
DTE currently has more than 50 wind and solar parks across Michigan, and we’re not stopping there. Our next big goal is to meet the State of Michigan’s Renewable Portfolio Standard of 60% renewable energy by 2035. By 2042, we plan to generate enough energy from renewable resources to power the equivalent of 5.5 million homes.
“If others are looking into this type of arrangement, DTE has been a great partner – listen to what they have to say,” said Wheeler. “The experience for us has been very good, with great follow-up. We’re seeing the projects after the fact; they live up to their promises. I can’t say enough good things about renewable energy. You need to look into it.”
Learn more about Gratiot County’s renewable energy experience.