During a recent Xemplar Club meeting, Simon Morani, Community Engagement Manager at DTE Energy, delivered a dynamic and informative presentation, giving members a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s major initiatives. From infrastructure investments and energy assistance to scam awareness and clean energy goals, Simon highlighted how DTE is working to create a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy future for all Michiganders.

A Commitment to Clean, Reliable, and Affordable Energy

Simon opened by introducing DTE’s dual role in providing both electric and gas service across Michigan, serving over 2.3 million electric and 1.3 million gas customers. He emphasized DTE’s threefold commitment: reliability, affordability, and clean energy. Central to that promise is a $9 billion investment over five years aimed at reducing outages by 30% and improving restoration times by 50% by 2029.

A significant piece of that strategy is DTE’s CleanVision Plan, which includes retiring coal-fired plants like those in Trenton and Monroe, aiming to exit coal entirely by 2032 and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Strengthening the Grid: The Four-Point Reliability Plan

Simon outlined DTE’s comprehensive Four-Point Plan to improve energy reliability:

1. Tree Trimming – Since 70% of power outages are caused by falling trees, DTE is actively trimming trees across neighborhoods.
2. Grid Hardening – Replacing old wooden poles with stronger steel ones and modernizing cross arms to withstand extreme weather.
3. Smart Grid Automation – Transitioning to a smart grid enables real-time rerouting of power to reduce widespread outages.
4. Voltage Conversion – Upgrading from 4.8 to 13.2 kilovolts enhances both safety and service reliability.

Each element is carefully tracked and publicly accessible via DTE’s Process Improvement Maps, offering transparency on work being done across local communities.

Supporting Households: Assistance, Awareness, and Savings

Simon walked members through a robust suite of energy assistance programs for income-qualified residents, seniors, veterans, and active military. These programs include:

• Winter Protection Plans
• State Emergency Relief
• Senior Credits (which require active enrollment)
• Rebates for efficient appliances and smart thermostats

He also warned of increased energy scams, including impersonators spoofing DTE’s phone number. He stressed verifying caller identity and never sharing payment information over the phone.

Understanding Rates and Saving Smart

With the implementation of Time-of-Day Rates, customers can now take control of their bills by shifting energy usage away from peak hours (3–7 PM, weekdays). Tools like the DTE Insight App allow users to track and adjust usage in real time. For EV owners, Simon clarified that a separate meter can provide optimal charging rates during off-peak hours (typically 11 PM–7 AM).

Community Involvement at the Core

Simon also highlighted the community engagement efforts that define his role: from setting up resource tables at local festivals to visiting senior centers and Rotary clubs. DTE’s volunteerism program supports employees giving back with grants for nonprofit organizations, and the DTE Foundation offers grants up to $50,000 to eligible community-based initiatives.

A strong believer in building trust through presence, Simon attends city council meetings and has cultivated partnerships with local leaders like Todd Lipa of CARES in Farmington Hills. These connections help DTE amplify outreach and serve the broader community effectively.

Upcoming Local Event: DTE Open House in Farmington Hills

Simon enthusiastically invited Xemplar members to attend an upcoming DTE Open House at CARES of Farmington Hills. The event will offer direct access to DTE’s program leaders, from renewables to tree trimming, and feature free BBQ, giveaways, and onsite help desks to resolve individual concerns. The event is May 14th at CARES in Farmington Hills.

“You hear all the negatives,” Simon concluded, “but what you don’t always hear is how many opportunities exist—opportunities to save money, stay safe, and be part of the clean energy transition.”

The Xemplar Club thanks Simon Morani and DTE Energy for their dedication to educating and empowering the communities they serve.