DTE E-Challenge: Submissions Wanted in Advanced Lighting Technology

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., July 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy is seeking entries for its second E-Challenge for Energy Efficiency program. This year's competition, co-sponsored by Detroit-based NextEnergy in partnership with The Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD), will focus on innovative energy efficiency technology in advanced lighting.  Up to a total of $250,000 will be distributed amongst the winners to create the demonstration for their innovation. Submissions are due by Friday, September 6, 2013.

The purpose of the E-Challenge, which was launched in 2012 is to showcase innovation through market-ready advanced lighting solutions. This year's competition requires that demonstrations showcase advanced lighting in areas including, but not limited to: integration of sensors, adaptive controls; network controls to optimize energy savings; utilization of advanced lighting luminaire designs; creative lighting designs; advanced optics designs; and exterior lighting applications.

Submissions also must integrate energy efficiency solutions through collaborations, bring under-utilized energy efficiency products to the DTE Electric service area, or accelerate the commercialization of Michigan-based energy technologies.

While companies don't have to be from Michigan to submit for the E-Challenge, demonstration sites must be located in Michigan and within the DTE Electric service area. 

More than 60 companies submitted entries for last year's E-Challenge. After a rigorous judging process conducted by volunteers from ESD, two finalists were chosen and proceeded through the testing and verification phase of the program, which was held at Oakland University in Rochester, Mich.

The Mackinac Technology Company in Grand Rapids, Mich., and Los Angeles-based Enovative Group, Inc. won the 2012 competition. The two were selected for having the highest projected potential energy savings, as well as the potential to fill a gap in the DTE energy efficiency portfolio. Awards were based on the inherent qualities of each project as perceived by a panel of judges from ESD.

All entries must be submitted online by 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, September 6, 2013. To download the E-Challenge brochure, and/or for more information, visit www.e-challenge.net, and or contact Tim Walker, CMP, at [email protected]

DTE Energy 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 utility serving 2.1 million customers in Southeastern Michigan and a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan.  The DTE Energy portfolio also includes non-utility energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects and energy trading.  Information about DTE Energy is available at dteenergy.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy

Founded in 1895, ESD is a multi-disciplinary society uniting engineering, scientific and allied professions to enhance professional development and foster excitement in math and science to produce our next generation of leaders. Serving this generation of engineers and fostering the next. For more information, visit www.esd.org.

Founded in 2002 as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, NextEnergy is one of the nation's leading accelerators of advanced energy technologies, businesses and industries. NextEnergy drives technology demonstration and commercialization; delivers industry and venture development services; and provides an authoritative voice in the public sector. Since its inception, NextEnergy has helped attract more than $1 billion of new investment in the state of Michigan, including programs in excess of $150 million in which NextEnergy has directly participated.  For more information, visit nextenergy.org.

SOURCE Engineering Society of Detroit