PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT By Wensdy Von Buskirk Gathering steam DTE’s Find and Fix Gas Program helps customers save. DTE Energy helps customers save energy by pinpointing faulty steam traps and providing incentives to fix them. When DTE’s Find and Fix Gas Program launched in July 2021, it focused mainly on dry cleaners, which use steam in pressing irons, garment steamers and other equipment. “We started off targeting mostly dry cleaners because we saw a need,” explained Dan Sherman, project manager. “Since then, we have doubled our scope to help Michigan businesses function as efficiently as possible. And this program does just that.” The program now serves any type of business in DTE’s gas or combo (electric and natural gas) service territory that uses traps are not properly maintained, they can fail and harm production.” therms per year, the equivalent of what it would take to power 186 homes. DTE has paid out just over $145,000 in incentives to participating customers throughout the program. Given the significant savings opportunities, there’s really no reason for businesses not to take advantage of the program. Many simply aren’t aware it exists. How it works As a first step, DTE customers reach out to schedule a survey (see toolbox), which is complimentary if they commit to replacing at least 50% of the steam traps identified as faulty or failing. With no up-front costs and minimal disruption, DTE contractors identify any failed steam traps and recommend a course of action to fix them. The contractor uses an ultrasonic leak detector to identify issues that are unseen and unknown to the naked eye. This specialized equipment takes a sound decibel reading to determine energy loss. The survey takes a couple of hours to complete based on the business type and size. “We indicate if one of the traps is faulty or failing and put together a report to provide details on how many traps we found that failed,” Sherman said. “The report also explains that if you replace them, here are the rebates and here are the savings you can expect in a year.” Customers who replace at least 50% of the steam traps identified as faulty or failing are eligible for a rebate. Some businesses opt to do the work in-house. Others hire a contractor. DTE can provide a list of qualified contractors who are educated on DTE’s process and incentive programs. In either scenario, once the work is done, they submit receipts to recoup costs and get a check in the mail. “For the most part, the incentives cover the entire cost of the project,” Sherman said. DTE’s Find and Fix Gas Program by the numbers 51: Projects completed 280,000: Total therms saved per year $145,000+: Incentives paid to customers Sherman said DTE works hard to raise awareness of the program, and Find and Fix is gaining steam. “Customers find it’s very easy to participate,” Sherman said. Sue Choi, the owner of Aspen Cleaners in Detroit, is one of the program’s satisfied customers (she was interviewed for the fall 2021 issue of EnergySmarts for Michigan Business ). She saves an estimated $2,500 per year after fixing nine faulty steam traps pinpointed through the program. “It was a smart decision,” Choi said then, “because it saved me money, energy and improved work efficiency.” TOOLBOX process steam — manufacturing plants, distilleries, breweries, hospitals, food-processing facilities and more. The program is essential because faulty steam traps are hard to detect without specialized equipment. As steam silently leaks away, businesses’ energy costs increase. “If these traps are faulty, people often aren’t aware of them working harder and less efficiently. That causes an increase in their utility costs. Plus, they’re not optimizing their processes,” Sherman said. “If steam 8 Customer savings According to Sherman, DTE has closed out over 50 projects, saving a total of 280,000 Schedule your no-cost survey today! Call: 248.206.2421 Email: ffsteam.dteenergy@esciences.us Visit: ffsteam.dteenergy.com
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