Jun 29, 2022

DTE and local communities reach agreement on taxation of wind parks

by DTE Energy

DETROIT, June 29, 2022 — The Michigan Renewable Energy Collaborative (MREC) and DTE Energy (DTE) are pleased to announce they have reached an agreement ending litigation regarding the taxation of nine DTE wind parks located in Huron, Gratiot, Sanilac and Isabella counties.   

The settlement provides significant benefits for the local communities including certainty and predictability with respect to the refunds owed to DTE allowing the communities to better plan for the future. In addition, the communities can continue to use their tax collections from DTE wind parks for community support services including roads, local libraries, parks and recreation, police, services for senior citizens and veterans, and general funds.  

“We would like to acknowledge the professionalism of the leadership team at DTE who agreed to move forward to reach a fair and favorable resolution after years of litigation,” said Carl Osentoski, coordinator, Michigan Renewable Energy Collaborative. “This is a good step forward in improving relations with local communities and in resolving assessment issues for utility scale wind parks in Michigan. We hope the agreement with DTE will provide a roadmap for other wind park owners to resolve their pending tax appeal cases as well.”

“DTE recognizes and appreciates the importance of these local communities in helping Michigan transition to cleaner energy. We are pleased to have found a mutually beneficial solution to maintain customer affordability and meet the needs of our partner communities,” said Chuck Conlen, vice president, Renewable Energy for DTE Energy.

DTE and MREC are looking forward to partnering on future renewable development.

About DTE Energy

DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric company serving 2.2 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers in Michigan. The DTE portfolio includes energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects, renewable natural gas, and energy marketing and trading. As an environmental leader, DTE utility operations will reduce carbon dioxide and methane emissions by more than 80% by 2040 to produce cleaner energy while keeping it safe, reliable and affordable. DTE Electric and Gas aspire to achieve net zero carbon and greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. DTE is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com.   

For further information, members of the media may contact:

Cindy Hecht, DTE Energy, 313.235.5555

Carl Osentoski, Huron County Economic Development Corporation, 989.269.6431