Free Informational Webinar Offered for DTE Energy E-Challenge Competition

SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) -- A free informational webinar will be offered on Monday, Aug. 26 at 2 p.m. for those interested in participating in the DTE Energy E-Challenge for Advanced Lighting Competition, but have questions about the program and the application process. With the deadline for submissions less than two weeks away, Sept. 6, this webinar will give prospective applicants the information they need to enter the competition.

Those interested in attending the webinar must pre-register by using this link https://cc.callinfo.com/r/19taagjw67dpw&eom, then enter the call-in info: Conferencing Number: 800-768-2983; Access code: 467-7425 and follow the instructions.

This year's competition, co-sponsored by Detroit-based NextEnergy in partnership with The Engineering Society of Detroit, will focus on innovative energy efficiency technology in advanced lighting. Up to a total of $250,000 will be distributed amongst the winners to create the demonstration for their innovation. Submissions are due by Friday, Sept. 6.

The purpose of the E-Challenge, which was launched in 2012 is to showcase innovation through market-ready advanced lighting solutions. This year's competition requires that demonstrations showcase advanced lighting in areas including, but not limited to: integration of sensors, adaptive controls; network controls to optimize energy savings; utilization of advanced lighting luminaire designs; creative lighting designs; advanced optics designs; and exterior lighting applications.

Submissions also must integrate energy efficiency solutions through collaborations, bring under-utilized energy efficiency products to the DTE Electric service area, or accelerate the commercialization of Michigan-based energy technologies.

While companies don't have to be from Michigan to submit for the E-Challenge, demonstration sites must be located in Michigan and within the DTE Electric service area.

More than 60 companies submitted entries for last year's E-Challenge. After a rigorous judging process conducted by volunteers from ESD, two winners were chosen and proceeded through the testing and verification phase of the program, which was completed at Oakland University in Rochester, Mich.

The Mackinac Technology Co. in Grand Rapids and Los Angeles-based Enovative Group Inc. won the 2012 competition. The two were selected for having the highest projected potential energy savings, as well as the potential to fill a gap in the DTE energy efficiency portfolio. Awards were based on the inherent qualities of each project as perceived by a panel of judges from ESD.

All entries must be submitted online by 5 p.m. Eastern time Sept. 6. To download the E-Challenge brochure, and/or for more information, visit www.e-challenge.net, and or contact Tim Walker, CMP, at twalker@esd.org