Community Organizations Recognized for Helping Low-Income Residents Lower Their Energy Bills and Save Energy
2nd Annual DTE/SEEL Community Appreciation Awards Held Virtually on November 18, 2021
Organizations Participate in DTE’s Energy Efficiency Assistance (EEA) Program
5 Organizations Receive Awards
Five organizations were recognized for their outstanding commitment to advance energy efficiency in communities throughout Michigan during the DTE/SEEL Community Appreciation Awards held virtually this month. These organizations, along with other groups partner on DTEs Energy Efficiency Assistance (EEA) program which is designed to help low-income residents lower their energy bills and save energy. The organizations that were recognized are:
ClearCorps Detroit - MVP Award, for demonstrating the leadership skills to lead the other partner organizations.
United Community Housing Coalition (UCHC) - For the Cause Award, for bringing new ideas to help improve the success of the EEA program.
Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice (DWEJ) – Pull Up Award, taking on referrals when the EEA program needed them most
Global Detroit – All Star Award, for being diverse and having the capacity to complete the install of more measures that any other organization
Matrix Human Services – Flawless Award, for having a smooth QAQC outcome.
“We really appreciate the good work all of our partners do in the community to increase energy savings,” said Louis E. James, Founder, Chairman and CEO of SEEL. “We applaud DTE Energy for making programs like this available to the community ensuring that all residents have an equal access to the opportunity to save money on their energy bills and make their homes more energy efficient.”
The EEA program is extremely important for low-income residents who are disproportionately impacted by high energy bills. According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) and Energy Efficiency for All (EEFA), on average low-income households pay 7.2% of household income on utilities, which is more than twice as much as the median household and three times as much as higher income households. Programs like EEA help to alleviate the problem.
DTE’s EEA program is designed for residents who have limited income but want to make their homes more energy efficient. Eligible residents may receive multiple energy efficient products to help reduce their monthly energy bill and make their homes more comfortable all at no cost to the resident. Eligibility includes household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines and active enrollment in the Low-Income Self Sufficiency Plan, or other state low-income public assistance programs like SNAP and WIC. Other guidelines do apply.
“Congratulations to all of the award winners. Your hard work and dedication are especially appreciated this year,” said Dr. E’Lois Thomas, President, SEEL, LLC. “Despite the challenges created by this ongoing pandemic, your continued hard work to extend the reach of our energy efficiency assistance programs is greatly valued. Your efforts build trust, increase satisfaction and foster financial independence in customers at a time when its very needed. DTE and SEEL are deeply grateful for your hard work and your contribution to making life better in our communities.”
One of the largest minority-owned, disabled-veteran owned energy program management companies in the nation, SEEL (Solutions for Energy Efficient Logistics) works with DTE Energy to implement the program in communities throughout Michigan. SEEL works with community partners to extend the reach of the program making it available to even more residents who may have otherwise not been helped.