Energy Efficiency Makeover Contest
Win big for your business: cut costs and save energy!
The Energy Efficiency Makeover Contest awards three Michigan small businesses with the funding support, expert guidance, and customized energy-efficient upgrades (e.g. LED lighting, heating/cooling equipment, and more) needed to thrive. Winners receive $5,000, a walk-through energy assessment, and a spotlighted feature in EnergySmarts for Business magazine.
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 20 to October 8, 2025. 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.
Camp Grace Bentley, founded in 1928, is a lakeside camp in Burtchville, Michigan, for children and adults with physical and mental challenges. Offering accessible cabins and classic summer activities, it helps campers grow in independence while having fun in a supportive setting.
Tod Logan, Executive Director
Camp Grace Bentley
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 Open: 8/20/2025 12:00:00 AM EDT
Contest Close: 10/8/2025 11:59:59 PM EDT
Up to 5 qualified finalists will be selected to receive a free business energy consultation to help identify efficiency opportunities.
From the qualified finalists, 3 grand prize winners of a $5000 makeover will be selected.
The 3 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.
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. With improved lighting inside and out, the building appears warmer and more welcoming. Their new Wi-FI HVAC controls have helped keep the building comfortable when people are there and more efficient when they are not.
Pediatric Healthcare
Pediatric Healthcare provides comprehensive, science-based care to support children’s health and development. The practice used its award to upgrade lighting inside and outside the building, including around the sign and parking lot. These changes enhanced aesthetics and improved lighting consistency in key areas such as hallways and reception. With input from a DTE energy advisor, they also improved furnace coordination in preparation for a planned renovation. These upgrades have improved energy efficiency and comfort, helping the team focus more resources on delivering high-quality care to families.
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 20 to October 8, 2025. It only takes minutes to enter!
Additional Winners
View winners by business categories below (Disclaimer: entry eligibility not limited to these business types.)
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:
- EnergySmarts Fall 2025 coming soon
- Press Release
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 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:
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:
ForHerCosmetics
This Detroit-based beauty brand upgraded its lighting and climate control systems, creating a more sustainable, comfortable workspace.
In the news: