Expanded energy efficiency training grows talent, furthers career advancement in Muskegon

•The Energy Efficiency Academy fuels growth and closes the gap for those working in the clean energy sector
• Addresses low-income housing stock, reduces energy bills

DETROIT, Sept. 28, 2024 - DTE Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider, has expanded its ground-breaking Energy Efficiency Academy to west Michigan. Today, 10 students graduated from the new advanced training workforce development program in Muskegon, which focuses on career advancement in the energy field. The Energy Efficiency Academy, in partnership with Walker-Miller Energy Services, is part of an ongoing effort to close the gap in demand for local skilled-trade hires, fostering economic development and career advancement in the energy industry.

The new advanced training program is a direct response to the need for new opportunities for individuals currently working in the energy efficiency field, specifically supporting the declining housing stock. The program equips them with the certifications and technical knowledge needed to accelerate into high-performing and high-demand roles.

"The Energy Efficiency Academy gave me the ability to increase my knowledge about healthy homes and building performance by learning how to analyze homes for energy efficiency, comfort and occupant health," said Manish Joshi, graduate of the Energy Efficiency Academy. "The combination of in-class and field work made the training highly effective. The enthusiasm and commitment of the group helped to foster a deeper learning experience."

Graduates can look forward to accelerating into lateral roles such as crew leaders, energy assessors and project coordinators, among other clean energy leadership roles. By providing resources for graduates to obtain advanced Building Science Principles and Building Analyst certifications, they will also be eligible to begin work within state weatherization assistance programs to improve Michigan's housing conditions. DTE's focus on improving housing stock through a whole-home approach includes energy efficiency measures that reduce energy use and lower bills, with additional resources for those in need.

"We're excited to continue building a talent pipeline that extends across our service territory, enriching the communities we serve," said Angela Wojtowicz, vice president, Business Planning and Development, DTE Energy. "Retaining talent skilled in energy efficiency best practices is essential to meeting our state's growing housing demand, which is why we are dedicated to implementing programs that help further the advancement of the local workforce."

Following the success of the upskilled training program in Muskegon, the Energy Efficiency Academy is launching a second training next month in Detroit.

Since 2023, DTE has invested more than $2 million in energy efficiency workforce development programs to grow the local skilled-trade workforce. DTE is narrowing the gap in skill-trade workers by spearheading several workforce development programs to attract new talent in the clean energy industry. The Energy Efficiency Academy is the newest in several workforce training programs DTE has partnered on including:

• Detroit-based Tree-Trimming Academy (TTA) and Parnall Prison Tree-Trim Training
• Detroit Summer Youth Internship Program
• Power and Trades Pathways Program with Henry Ford College

For more information about the Energy Efficiency Academy, visit empweringmichigan.com/EEAcademy. To learn more about DTE's energy-saving programs, visit dteenergy.com/saveenergy.

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 2.3 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers across Michigan. The DTE portfolio also includes energy businesses focused on custom energy solutions, renewable energy generation, and energy marketing and trading. DTE has continued to accelerate its carbon reduction goals to meet aggressive targets and is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy, emission reductions and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, x.com/DTE_Energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.
For further information, members of the media may contact:

Dominique Hicks, DTE Energy, 313.235.5555

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