Wind Energy

Harnessing the winds of change.

Wind is the most abundant clean energy source in Michigan. So it’s only natural we are the state’s largest investor in this environmentally friendly technology.
DTE is leading the way toward a green energy future and is committed to providing customers with energy that is safer, cleaner and more affordable. Wind is a completely renewable and non-polluting energy source. It is emissions-free and reduces environmental impact.

Capturing the power of the wind provides many benefits to our customers, the environment, landowners and our stakeholders. Once the equipment is in place, the operating costs of producing wind-based electricity is less than traditional generation technologies.

Wind energy is a variable power source, meaning we will still need 24/7 power sources. Wind energy is still important, however, because it helps reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and secure our energy independence.

Wind Energy in Michigan

Stoney Corners Windmill
Michigan ranks among the top 15 states nationwide for potential for wind energy generation. The area around the Great Lakes is particularly well-suited for wind energy development because of the availability of higher wind speeds across flat land.

DTE has been developing wind parks in Michigan since 2008 and has driven more than $2 billion in renewable energy since then. The cost of wind generation has decreased significantly as the technology has advanced and the industry has expanded, making wind energy the most cost-effective renewable energy resource.

As the state’s largest investor in and producer of wind energy, DTE produces enough energy from renewable sources to power nearly 450,000 homes.

Renewable Energy Project Map

Michigan Service Map
DTE Energy is Michigan’s largest producer of renewable energy. Our 13 wind parks and 31 solar arrays generate enough clean energy to power 450,000 homes.

Check out where our current projects are located on our renewable energy project map.

Wind development process

Wind development can require up to 5 years for siting, zoning, feasibility and environmental studies, permits and construction. The exact timeframe required to complete a wind project is dictated by site and project specifics.

The size of a wind park depends on the area of land available, additional electrical demand required and available electrical system capacity.

Once complete, turbines and their service roads require only 3 to 5 percent of the total land in the wind park. The vast majority of the land remains available for other uses, such as farming or grazing.
1. Acquire Easements
2. Collect Data
3. Apply for Electrical
    Interconnection
4. Microsite Turbines
5. Secure Permits
6. Procure Turbines &
    Other Components
7. Construct Access Roads
8. Pour Foundations
9. Install Turbines & Other
    Components
10. Complete Substations
     and Interconnections
11. Test Turbines
12. Commission and
     Operate Wind Park

Wind development steps

Here are just a few of the specific development activities our team performs:

  • Seeking community feedback through multiple meetings and open houses
  • Performing three years worth of wildlife studies, including migration analyses
  • Installing meteorological (MET) towers to gather weather data, such as wind speed, direction, temperature, pressure and icing conditions
  • Reviewing local zoning and permitting requirements
  • Consulting drainage tile maps for collector system design
  • Working with multiple local agencies like planning commissions and road and drain commissions
  • Educational presentations at schools, civic clubs, meetings and events
  • Establishing a complaint resolution process
  • Aiding landowners with title clearance issues
  • Serving on advisory panels, including Great Lakes Wind Collaborative, Utility Variable-Generation Integration Group, and Wind Energy Resource Zone Board.

How large is a wind turbine?

One turbine can require 150 acres of land, or 136 football fields for proper placement within a wind park. See our Anatomy of a Wind Turbine puff to learn more about these modern marvels of renewable energy.

Wind Grantor forms and documents

Do you have pre-existing land agreements with DTE Energy?
If so, these are common documents you or your organization needs to submit. All forms should be returned to: Wind Development Program Team, One Energy Plaza, 1000 G.O., Detroit MI 48226-1279.

W-9 Form
A W-9 Form is required by the IRS in order to properly report taxable income.
Grantor Information Form
Use the Grantor Information Form to notify DTE Energy of a change in your contact information (mailing address, telephone, etc.)
Payment Instruction Form
Complete a Payment Instruction Form if easement payments are to be divided between more than one party. All parties must sign in the presence of a notary public.
EFT Authorization Form
For direct deposit (Electronics Funds Transfer) into your account, please complete an EFT Authorization Form.
EFT Confirmation Form
A completed EFT Confirmation Form is also required to activate direct deposit (Electronic Funds Transfer).
EFT Examples
The EFT Examples document demonstrates the proper way to complete the two EFT forms.

Wind Grantor easement payments

For easement payments, including payments, forms or other legal and monetary issues, email your DTE Energy representative or call 855.227.3245.

For operational issues at a wind park, please contact:
Thumb Wind Parks (Minden, Sigel and McKinley)
Dr. Dennis Buda, Operations Manager
313.318.6866

Gratiot County Wind Park
989.842.1004

Echo Wind Park
Jordan Mitchell or Michael Sage
989.453.2032.
The dteenergy.com website is a great resource for addressing any of your concerns, such as your current billing or services issues. You can also call us at 800.477.4747

    Benefits to Property Owners

    Property owners who lease land for a wind park receive annual payments, much of which will be spent in the local economy.

    Benefits to Municipalities

    Counties and townships receive tax revenue from the wind park owner, providing funding for police and fire, roads, schools, and other community services.

    Benefits to Property Owners

    The installation and maintenance of the wind park creates both temporary and permanent jobs.

    Benefits to the Economy

    The people employed in the construction or operation of a wind park will be spending money in their area, boosting the local economy.

    Benefits to Farmers

    Once a wind park is constructed and operating, 95% of the land is still suitable for farming.
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    Wind Grantor FAQs

    I just moved. How do I make sure that DTE Energy sends my payments to the right address?
    Two forms are required for a physical change of address. First, please complete a Grantor Information Form (PDF) with any changes to your personal information. Secondly, complete a W-9 form (PDF) for each person on your contract. Mail the forms to:
    Wind Development Program Team
    One Energy Plaza, GO 1000
    Detroit, MI 48226-1279
    My phone number and/or email address has changed; how do I provide DTE Energy with updated information?
    Please complete the Grantor Information Form (PDF) to update your personal contact information. Mail the forms to:
    Wind Development Program Team
    One Energy Plaza, GO 1000
    Detroit, MI 48226-1279
    If a landowner passes away, do I need to update any account information?
    Yes. If the account is held jointly, and one person pre-cedes the other in death, please provide a certified copy of the death certificate. If all parties on the account are deceased, please contact your legal expert to determine the proper treatment for estate purposes. Mail the forms to:
    Wind Development Program Team
    One Energy Plaza, GO 1000
    Detroit, MI 48226-1279
    If I sell property which is under contract to DTE Energy, how do I transfer ownership and who do I notify?
    Please contact the DTE Energy Renewable Energy Team at 855.227.3245 to discuss the transition and required paperwork for updating your records.
    How do I provide DTE Energy with direction on splitting the easement payments for my account?
    Complete the Grantor Payment Instruction Form (PDF) and mail the form to:
    Wind Development Program Team
    One Energy Plaza, GO 1000
    Detroit, MI 48226-1279
    Please note, all landowners must sign the form and approve the payment directive.
    What paperwork is required to have my payments directly deposited to my bank account?
    Please complete both the EFT Authorization Form (PDF) and EFT Confirmation Form (PDF) (a sample prepared form is available). Mail the forms to:
    Wind Development Program Team
    One Energy Plaza, GO 1000
    Detroit, MI 48226-1279
    Learn more about wind energy
    U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Wind Program
    The U.S. Department of Energy Wind Program works to enable rapid expansion of clean, affordable and reliable domestic wind power to promote national security, economic vitality, and environmental quality.
    National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
    The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is the U.S. Department of Energy's primary national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development.
    American Wind Energy Association (AWEA)
    The American Wind Energy Association is the national trade association for the U.S. wind industry. AWEA promotes wind energy as a clean source of electricity for American consumers.
    Utility Variable-Generation Integration Group (UVIG)
    Previously known as the Utility Wind Integration Group, the Utility Variable-Generation Integration Group was established in 1989 to accelerate the development and application of good engineering and operational practices supporting the appropriate integration and reliable operation of variable generation on the electric power system.
    Wind Powering America
    A nationwide initiative of the U.S. Department of Energy's Wind Program, Wind Powering America is designed to educate, engage and enable critical stakeholders to make informed decisions about how wind energy contributes to the U.S. electricity supply.
    '