The Department of Energy finalized a $1.6 billion loan Monday to a Michigan-based utility to upgrade the natural gas distribution system, adding to Trump administration efforts to bolster fossil fuels.
The funding for DTE Energy is intended to “modernize and strengthen” roughly 800 miles of gas distribution and service lines in the state, DOE said. The loan, which was first announced during the Biden administration, also would help rebuild an existing compressor station to store the fuel during low demand periods.
“This loan to DTE Gas will lower energy costs, create jobs and increase grid reliability for the people of Michigan,” Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in a statement.
The loan is in line with a Trump executive order from 2025 calling for support of domestic energy resources, particularly oil, natural gas, coal, hydropower, critical minerals, nuclear and biofuels, the department added.
