Energy Efficiency Makeover Contest
The 2026 Energy Efficiency Makeover contest will be open for entries August 12 - October 8
Enter for a chance to win a $5,000 Energy Efficiency Makeover!
Contest is open to Michigan-based DTE small business customers with an active electric, gas or combination gas-and-electric account. Submissions will be accepted from August 12 to October 8, 2026. It only takes minutes to enter!
What could you do with a $5,000 energy efficiency makeover?
Update your heating and cooling equipment to improve energy efficiency in your business. A high efficiency model may reduce your energy use and costs long term.
Upgrade your lighting. Better lighting makes your business brighter, more attractive and reduces maintenance. LED technology can be automated and reduce your energy use.
Upgrade other equipment. Routine maintenance or upgrades to existing equipment can improve overall efficiency, lessen maintenance and increase productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years of age and have completed and submitted the required contest entry form. Your business or place of employment must currently be open and operational.
Business must be an active DTE customer with an active electric, gas, or combination gas and electric account to enter.
No Purchase Necessary to Enter or Win
All contest entries must be submitted within the contest entry period:
Contest opens: August 12, 2026 at 12 a.m. EDT
Contest closes: October 8, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EDT
Up to five qualified finalists will be selected to receive a free business energy consultation to help identify efficiency opportunities.
From the qualified finalists, three grand prize winners will be selected for a $5,000 makeover.
The three makeover winners will also have a chance to be promoted in future DTE marketing promotions, including a feature story in our quarterly EnergySmarts magazine.
Winners will be selected based on their efforts or plans to improve energy efficiency. Business details and personal attributes do not impact selection. A diverse panel of experts will ensure a fair and inclusive judging process.
Absolutely! DTE offers energy assessments to help businesses optimize efficiency. Learn more about our energy assessment offerings.
For questions about the contest, contact eemakeovercontest@dteenergy.com. Be sure to review the contest rules first, as they may already answer your questions.
Energy Efficiency Makeover Contest
Explore Stories from Past Winners
Learn how past winners benefited from DTE Energy Efficiency Makeovers.
Additional Winners
View winners by business categories below (Disclaimer: entry eligibility not limited to these business types.)
Union Second Baptist
Pastor Richard Thomas says Union Second Baptist’s story is deeply intertwined with his community’s history. Founded more than 100 years ago, the church moved into its current building in the 1950s, when members marched together from the original site to the new sanctuary.
“For us — having such a historic building — improving energy efficiency is part of honoring that legacy,” Thomas says. “Investing in the building’s future ensures it can continue serving generations to come.”
Richard Thomas, Pastor
Union Second Baptist Church
In the news:
Camp Grace Bentley
Located in Burtchville Township, Camp Grace Bentley is a fully accessible summer camp for children and adults with special needs. With DTE’s support, the camp upgraded outdated lighting, improving the overall experience for campers.
In the news:
Franciscan Ministries
Franciscan Ministries in Detroit provides food, clothing, and support services to individuals and families in need. DTE’s funding helped the organization implement energy-saving upgrades, allowing more resources to go directly toward its essential mission.
“The energy assessment from DTE helped us to determine which energy efficiency project to tackle first and the prize money makes it possible to get it done right away.”
Michael Carsten Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis (OFS), President
Franciscan Ministries, Inc.
In the news:
Penrickton Center for Blind Children
Located in Taylor, Michigan, Penrickton Center provides residential and day care services for children who are blind and multi-disabled. DTE’s support enabled the center to replace two failed HVAC systems and improve overall energy efficiency for the center.
In the news:
Sanilac County Humane Society
Sanilac County Humane Society, a no-kill shelter in Carsonville, Michigan, used DTE’s support to reduce energy costs and redirect savings into life-saving care for homeless pets.
“Winning this contest means we can make our shelter more energy efficient and put more of our resources toward caring for the animals.”
Cheryl Russell, Shelter Director
Sanilac County Humane Society
In the news:
Victory Gym
Victory Gym in Brownstown Township offers free memberships to veterans and first responders. With DTE’s help, the gym upgraded its lighting and HVAC systems to improve the facility and reduce energy use.
In the news:
Bon Bon Bon
This Detroit-based chocolatier used DTE’s support to upgrade lighting and refrigeration systems, helping maintain product quality while lowering energy costs.
In the news:
Gold’N Oven Bakery
This Sterling Heights bakery used contest funds to update lighting and fixtures, improving the appearance of the business and reducing utility bills.
“We’re proud to serve our community—and now we can do it more sustainably.”
Linda Dickow, Manager
Gold'N Oven Bakery
In the news:
Ray’s Ice Cream
A Royal Oak staple since 1958, Ray’s Ice Cream upgraded its refrigeration and lighting systems with DTE’s help.
In the news:
Weber Family Dairy
Located in central Michigan, this multi-generational dairy farm used DTE’s support to install energy-efficient lighting and ventilation systems, reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
In the news:
IC Countryside Market
This Imlay City grocer installed a new beer cooler, improving the shopping experience and lowering energy use.
“Winning DTE’s energy efficiency contest makes a big difference at a small-town market.”
Rick Guerrero, Owner
IC Countryside Market
In the news:
Pediatric Healthcare
Located in Sterling Heights, Pediatric Healthcare used DTE’s support to address heating and cooling challenges in its multi-zone office, improving comfort and efficiency.
Dixon & Associates
This Trenton-based financial planning firm used DTE’s funding to continue its energy-efficiency journey, creating a more comfortable and cost-effective workspace.
In the news:
Save Old Buildings
This nonprofit, dedicated to preserving Michigan’s architectural heritage, used DTE’s support to improve insulation and lighting in one of its historic properties.
In the news:
Tiffany’s Show Horses
Tiffany’s Show Horses in Deckerville, owned by Tiffany Wendling, is a 2025 Energy Efficiency Makeover Contest winner. Tiffany’s facility includes a heated, climate-controlled, 20-stall boarding and indoor riding area. With the contest winnings, Tiffany can update to LED lighting in the barn, reducing energy use while providing extra light in the winter months to help the horses maintain their shiny coats.
In the news:
- EnergySmarts Fall 2026 coming soon
- Press Release
Roberson’s Fun Center
This family entertainment venue upgraded its lighting and HVAC systems with DTE’s help, improving comfort and reducing energy use.
In the news:
Coughlin Jewelers
Coughlin Jewelers is a family-owned jewelry store that has been in business in St. Clair for 34 years. The full-service store specializes in diamond jewelry, engagement rings, watches and custom work, employing two full-time jewelers who specialize in engraving, repairs and design services.
In the news:
ForHerCosmetics
This Detroit-based beauty brand upgraded its lighting and climate control systems, creating a more sustainable, comfortable workspace.
In the news: