
In a new report, DTE Energy in Detroit spent $2.7 billion with Michigan suppliers in 2023 helping to create and sustain more than 12,000 jobs across the state during the year.
DTE also spent $988 million last year with diverse suppliers and nearly $900 million with companies based in the city of Detroit alone.
“We are and will continue to be a leader in driving Michigan’s economy,” says Jaspreet Singh, vice president of corporate services for DTE. “Our commitment to do business with local suppliers enables us to deliver higher quality, lower cost service for our customers. Our focus on investing with Michigan businesses is not just a strategic decision, but a reflection of our dedication to support growth and prosperity in the communities we serve.”
The company says it continually works to increase its spending with local businesses. In the past 13 years DTE invested more than $21 billion with Michigan-based suppliers, creating and sustaining 77,000 Michigan jobs.
Among the companies DTE works with is Detroit-based Ask Motor City (MCE). It has partnered with DTE on numerous projects over the last 40 years and has expertise in servicing the utility industry through work on overhead lines, substations, renewable energy projects, and other needs. The companies have evolved together with MCE adding crews to handle DTE work.
“Our partnership with DTE guides our effort to educate youth and inspire future generations,” says Dave Volkman, senior vice president of MCE. “We find this work extremely meaningful and more importantly, we’ve seen it make a difference in the communities we serve.”
As a key Michigan supplier, MCE worked on electrical design and construction for DTE’s Meridian and Polaris Wind Parks in mid-Michigan and the company’s Fairbanks Wind Park in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Looking to the future, Volkman says he envisions continuing to grow MCE’s role in Michigan’s evolving energy landscape.
“With the rise of renewables and electric vehicles, our partnership with DTE is more important than ever,” he says. “We see this as an opportunity to further our community engagement and support the growing needs of the electrical industry.”
The relationship highlights DTE’s commitment to creating meaningful impact at the local level and drive economic development.
Among the companies DTE partners with businesses across Michigan are:
- Southeast Michigan and metro Detroit: DTE spent nearly $1.85 billion in goods and services from 1,139 companies, generating and supporting at least 8,500 jobs.
- West Michigan: DTE spent $215 million with 166 companies, creating, and sustaining nearly 950 jobs.
- Northeast and northwest Michigan: DTE invested nearly $95 million with 119 companies, positively impacting more than 435 jobs.
- South Michigan: DTE partnered with 341 companies, spending $294 million and adding or maintaining 1,350 jobs.
- Central Michigan: DTE invested $82 million with more than 87 companies, creating, and sustaining nearly 375 jobs.
- Thumb region: DTE spent $120 million with 111 companies, positively impacting about 550 jobs.
- Upper Peninsula: DTE partnered with more than 45 businesses, spending $28 million and generating and supporting nearly 130 jobs.
DTE is a founding member of Pure Michigan Business Connect, a public-private initiative that encourages businesses to buy from Michigan suppliers and connects local companies with in-state opportunities.
The company has also earned more than 64 supplier diversity industry awards since 2018 and has led organizations like the National Minority Supplier Development Council.
“Expanding opportunities for local business owners is critical to ensuring the success of our state,” says Singh. “Many of these small and medium businesses are owned by women, minorities, veterans, disabled entrepreneurs, or members of the LGBTQ community. We have a long history of outreach and mentoring to help these suppliers grow. 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 at dteenergy.com/supplychain.