Even during this unprecedented public health emergency, DTE remains committed to providing safe, reliable energy to your business without interruption. Our dedicated team members continue to maintain the energy grid, respond to customer concerns, and deliver the power needed to keep homes, businesses and essential public services in operation.
We know your business faces uncertainty during these challenging times. We created this page of tips to help you take greater control of your energy use and bills, as well as resources for valuable assistance and advice on weathering the crisis.
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FORGIVABLE LOANS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES The Paycheck Protection Program administered by the Small Business Association offers a forgivable loan to cover payroll costs, rent, utilities and more. Small businesses, sole proprietorships, independent contractors and self-employed individuals meeting certain criteria are eligible.
ADDITIONAL COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY STEPS TO HELP YOU REDUCE COSTS
Here are some simple, low- or no-cost steps you can take for quick reductions in usage and costs:
Close unoccupied areas. Close off rooms, floors or entire wings if their usage is not required, and you’ll be able to reduce lighting and HVAC usage, reducing your bills even further.
Shut off unnecessary lighting. Make sure all unused lights are turned off and make any adjustments to timers if necessary.
Turn off non-critical electronics and other equipment. Make sure any non-critical electronics are turned off for now, especially computers and monitors, printers, coffee makers or warmers, radios, and internal signage or TV screens. If your business uses any commercial grade kitchen equipment, such as stoves or ovens, make sure things like burners, fryers and warmers are shut off.
Change filters. Check heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) filters. If the filter looks dirty, change it. At a minimum, the filter should be changed every three months. A dirty filter slows down air flow, requiring the system to use more energy to keep the building warm or cool.
Maintain and repair equipment. Check for leaky walk-in refrigerator gaskets, freezer doors that do not shut, cooking appliances that have lost their knobs. All these “energy leaks” waste money every month.
Clean refrigeration cooling coils. Dirt impairs proper heat transfer and lowers a refrigerator’s efficiency and capacity. As you clean, watch for and remove any accumulation of ice.
Clean your air vents. Air ducts and vents accumulate dust and grime while they’re pumping out hot air during the winter months. Remove the vents and wipe them clean with a mixture of warm water and soap.
Remove dust from unexpected surfaces. Window treatments can collect layers of dust over the winter. Clean your treatments and remove as much dust as possible to prevent build-up on ceiling fans and air vents.
Wipe down light fixtures. Dusty light bulbs and light covers prevent light from getting through, making them less energy efficient.
Acting on these tips now will not only help your business weather the current crisis we’re facing together, but also put you in a great position to see higher profits when we emerge into the brighter days to come.
Even more energy-savings tips for your business are available here.
And be sure to check out the great information compiled by the Business Leaders of Michigan, who have been tracking developments from around the state and the nation to help you navigate this crisis.
To you and your entire staff, please take care of yourselves to stay safe and healthy during this challenging time.