DTE Energy, DNV GL complete Capuchin Soup Kitchen makeover; saves non-profit $4,000 in energy bills annually

-- Energy-efficient equipment program helps business customers across the state save energy and lower bills

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Jun 30, 2016, 10:00 ET

DETROIT, June 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy and DNV GL, DTE's energy efficiency experts for business customers, partnered to save the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit nearly 20 percent on its annual energy bills. The non-profit serves 1,500 meals a day to Detroit's hungry.

Capuchin Soup Kitchen Chef, Jay Brown (left) and Brother Jerry Smith go over the day's menu amidst new kitchen equipment donated through a makeover by DTE Energy and DNV GL.

DNV GL, donated all of the equipment, including energy-efficient commercial ovens, fryers, a dishwasher, natural gas water heaters and LED lighting. The project is an example of what restaurants and other businesses can do with financial incentives provided through DTE's energy efficiency program, which will save participating customers nearly $600 million long term.

The Capuchin Soup Kitchen is expected to save more than $4,000 annually on its energy costs.

Throughout the three-month energy makeover, DTE and DNV had to ensure the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, on Conner Street in Detroit, could remain operational, as the organization serves three meals a day, six days a week.

"We identified the Capuchin Soup Kitchen as an ideal candidate for the project because its kitchen is in constant use and serves 300,000 meals every year," said Kevin Dunbar, assistant operations manager for DNV GL. "The Capuchins have a great opportunity to save on their energy bills and turn that savings into more help for the Detroit-area community. We will continue to work with the organization to maximize those savings."

The Michigan restaurant business is projected to grow 5 percent this year, according to the National Restaurant Association, and Detroit's booming restaurant scene is providing jobs and economic opportunity for the city. DTE has nearly 30 incentives that address food service and refrigeration needs, as well as many others directed at lighting and heating and cooling equipment.

"This great partnership resulted in the Capuchins already saving on their energy bills," said Ken Randazzo, DTE Energy's Energy Partnership manager. "We want the restaurant community, the entire business community and non-profit organizations to know that our incentive programs can help them in the same way."

Now that the project is complete, DTE and DNV GL are working with Capuchin officials to use the Conner location as a demonstration site showcasing the latest in energy-efficient cooking and lighting equipment, as well as hosting energy seminars and tours. In addition, DNV GL is remotely measuring and verifying energy savings resulting from the upgrades.

"Our partnership with DTE Energy and DNV GL has been beneficial in a number of ways," said Brother Jerry Smith of the Capuchins. "We have reduced energy bills and we can put those savings into further helping the community, plus we help the environment by using less energy."

Business customers can learn more about DTE Energy incentives at energy efficiency.

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 utility serving 2.2 million customers in Southeastern Michigan and a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan. The DTE Energy portfolio includes non-utility energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects, natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage, and energy marketing and trading. As one of Michigan's leading corporate citizens, DTE Energy is a force for growth and prosperity in the 450 Michigan communities it serves in a variety of ways, including philanthropy, volunteerism and economic progress. Information about DTE Energy is available at dteenergy.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy/.

About DNV GL
Founded in 1864 with 16,000 employees in more than 100 countries, DNV GL is a global leader in energy, maritime, oil and gas, business assurance and software. Its Energy division provides testing, certification and advisory services for utilities and other organizations. DNV GL's expertise spans wind power, solar, conventional energy generation, transmission and distribution, smart grids and sustainable energy use, including renewable energy. DNV GL is driven by one purpose: to safeguard life, property and the environment, and to work as a partner with clients to become safer, smarter and greener. Learn more at dnvgl.com/energy.

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SOURCE DTE Energy