DTE Energy Invests $2.2 Billion With Michigan Businesses

Detroit-based DTE Energy invested $2.2 billion with Michigan businesses in 2021, reportedly creating and sustaining more than 10,000 jobs across the state. In fact, the company invests five times more with local businesses than it did one decade ago.

In addition to investing in Michigan, DTE has increased spending with suppliers owned by women, minorities, veterans, and members of the LGBT community. Recently, DTE also expanded its diverse supplier outreach to include disability-owned businesses. In 2021, the company spent more than $715 million with certified diverse suppliers and $820 million with businesses located in Detroit.

“Doing business in the communities we serve helps Michigan companies grow and puts people to work,” said Jaspreet Singh, Corporate Services Vice President. “We’re committed to improving people’s lives with our energy. That fuels our passion for giving local and diverse suppliers new opportunities to succeed.”

Here are specific details on how DTE allocated its investment:

• Southeast Michigan and Metro Detroit: DTE bought $1.7 billion in goods and services from more than 1,200 companies, generating and supporting nearly 7,800 jobs. Nearly half – $820 million – was sourced from companies based in Detroit.
• West Michigan: DTE spent $97 million with 200 companies, creating and sustaining nearly 450 jobs.
• Northeast and Northwest Michigan: DTE invested $17 million with nearly 144 companies, positively impacting about 70 jobs.
• South Michigan: DTE partnered with more than 300 companies, spending $222 million and adding or maintaining about 1,000 jobs.
• Central Michigan: DTE invested $46 million with more than 90 companies, creating and sustaining about 200 jobs.
• Thumb Region: DTE spent $103 million with nearly 130 companies, positively impacting about 475 jobs.
• Upper Peninsula: DTE partnered with more than 40 businesses, spending $10 million and generating and supporting 45 jobs.

DTE is a founding member of Pure Michigan Business Connect, a public-private initiative that encourages businesses to buy from Michigan vendors and connects local companies with in-state opportunities. DTE requires that all new contract bids include at least two Michigan companies.

For Detroit-based Williams Electric, a strategic partnership opened the door for new growth opportunities. Williams, an electrical contractor and certified diverse supplier with eight employees, helps DTE improve and maintain the underground electrical system and works closely with Motor City Electricc, a larger DTE supplier. DTE encourages suppliers like Motor City Electric to embrace a commitment to supplier diversity.

“We’ve been in business 16 years; we’re committed to quality and we work with the trades, so we bring that strength to our projects,” said Williams Electric Owner Rodney Williams. “When it makes sense, Motor City reaches out to us and we bid on projects along with them. It gets us to the table a lot more effectively than if we were just out here trying to bid on projects all on our own.”

The recent contract with DTE has enabled Williams Electric to hire an additional staff member, purchase new equipment, and bring on more temporary skilled labor from the local union hall.

In 2021, DTE captured 10 industry-wide supplier diversity achievement awards, including the National Minority Supplier Development Council Class II Corporation of the Year.

“We believe we’re at our best when our suppliers reflect the diversity of our customer base,” Singh commented. “That’s why we seek out diverse small and medium businesses and connect them with new growth opportunities. We’ve replicated this success over and over again to generate thousands of jobs across our state.”

Michigan companies interested in learning about bid opportunities at DTE can find more information here.