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Winter

Keep Energy Usage & Costs Down When Temperatures Drop

According to ENERGY STAR®, small businesses across the nation spend more than $60 billion each year on energy costs due to weather. Here in Michigan, cold winter temperatures may cause your company’s energy consumption to increase in various ways.

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Factors That Impact Winter Bills

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When it’s cold outside, you turn up the heat to stay warm and potentially use electric space heaters.

1. More Energy Usage 

When it’s cold outside, you turn up the heat to stay warm and potentially use electric space heaters.

Big drops in temperature make your furnace work harder to keep your business comfortable.  

2. Fluctuations in Temps 

Big drops in temperature make your furnace work harder to keep your business comfortable.  

Colder and shorter days means your team spends more time indoors, uses more lights and adjusts the thermostat to stay comfortable.

3. Shifts in Behavior

Colder and shorter days means your team spends more time indoors, uses more lights and adjusts the thermostat to stay comfortable.

The age, layout, build material, size and appliances of your building impact your energy usage.

4. Type of Building

The age, layout, build material, size and appliances of your building impact your energy usage.

Safeguard Your Business This Winter

Safety is always our number one priority.

Do you smell natural gas?

If you smell or suspect a gas leak, leave the area immediately. Once you are in a safe place, call 911 and then call our Gas Leak Hotline at (800) 947-5000.

Natural Gas Emergency

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Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Routine testing is critical throughout the winter and all year long. Be sure to check expiration dates on devices annually.

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Use Portable Space Heaters Wisely

If your workspace requires the use of portable space heaters, make sure employees know how to operate them safely.

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Practice Plug Safety

If you must use an extension cord, make sure it’s the right capacity for the tool or appliance with which it’s used. Use grounded (three-prong) extension cords for outdoor tools and holiday decorations.

Invest In Your Bottom Line

Managing building repairs and purchasing energy-efficient equipment, electronics, and lighting can deliver year-over-year savings for your business.

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Get a Free Consultation

Know Your Company's Supplier

Michigan natural gas customers have a choice when it comes to their natural gas supplier. That can affect your company's energy rate.

Have concerns about your winter energy bill?

If you are experiencing an issue or are dissatisfied with your service, please submit your concern and someone from our team will follow up. Once your situation is resolved, we invite you to leave a compliment for our team.

Winter

Keep Energy Usage & Costs Down When Temperatures Drop

Practical Tips for an Energy-Efficient Winter

Woman is adjusting the thermostat in the workplace.

Lower Thermostats After Working Hours

According to The Department of Energy, you could save about 1% of your energy bill for every degree you lower your thermostat over an 8-hour period. Drop those degrees during off-business periods.

An employee is reporting information from a chart.

Enroll in a Small Business Program

The DTE Small Business Program is designed to help your business become more energy efficient and save you money. When you participate in this program, you'll be eligible for increased incentives exclusive to small businesses.

A person is applying sealant across their window.

Insulate Workplace Windows and Doors

Businesses typically have more windows and entries than private homes. Insulate the building properly and add curtains and shades to windows. Doing that will keep employees comfortable and create a pleasing environment.

Space heater in an office space

Avoid Space Heaters

Avoid using space heaters which use a lot of electricity and can increase your energy bill.

Two IT people, discussing work, in a halfway filled with printers.

Upgrade to Energy Saving Office Equipment

A lot of energy goes into keeping your business running. Invest in energy-efficient computers, printers, copiers, refrigerators, vending machines, and more. Set computers, printers, and other electronics on low-power “sleep mode” during periods of inactivity.

A woman, at her desk, working on her laptop.

Brighten Employee Morale with LED Lighting

LED light bulbs are more efficient, and durable and last up to 15 times longer than incandescent bulbs. They also use up to 90% less energy while providing the same amount of light.

A technician applying a wall motion sensor.

Install Occupancy Sensors

Add room-lighting sensor controls to less frequently used areas of the building such as restrooms, supply rooms and breakrooms.

Two women discussing plans about their fabric business.

Make Energy Management a Business Priority

Following smart energy saving practices can help you lower costs and see higher business returns.
 

Explore Rebate Offers and Programs

Frequently Asked Heating Questions

Contact our Business Center directly by calling (855) DTE-4BIZ or (855) 383-4249 with any questions or if you need help paying your monthly energy bill.  

We have many convenient payment programs available for small business owners. Our Flexible Due Date service lets you choose your bill’s monthly due date between the 1st and 28th day of the month. 

Payment Agreement gives eligible commercial business partners the option to make installment payments on an active account over a specific period, including any current charges. Shutoff Protection Plan (SPP) for nonprofit organizations is a year-round payment program designed to assist nonprofit business partners who are falling behind on their bills. Call our Business Center at (855) 353-4249 if you need help paying your monthly energy bills. 

Yes. If your business uses a gas furnace for heating, the only electrical cost will be what is required to operate the fan motor and igniter. The igniter lights the flame for a moment when the furnace starts up.

Generally, in the winter, you should adjust your workplace thermostat by a few degrees after business hours to conserve energy and keep pipes from freezing. You can save up to 3% for each degree the thermostat is lowered.