DTE signs genset distribution agreement with Kohler

DTE Energy Technologies, an unregulated subsidiary of DTE Energy, signed a distribution agreement for standby electric generators with Kohler, a manufacturer of integrated power systems. Financial details of the agreement weren't released.

DTE Energy Technologies plans to market the prepackaged Kohler products on a non-exclusive basis in Southeastern Michigan under the "energy|now standby power" brand, said Paul Horst, president of DTE Energy Technologies. In a deal announced earlier this year, DTE Energy Technologies also plans to be the distributor in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Indiana for Plug Power fuel cells, which will be available and marketed to residential customers in early 2001.

"This association with Kohler, a well-known name in millions of homes and businesses, is an important step toward establishing DTE Energy Technologies as a pre-eminent supplier of distributed generation products and services," Horst said.

The standby power units operate on natural gas or liquid propane, with rated power ranges of 7.5 kW to 2 MW. The units feature the Kohler line of electronic controls and transfer switches, which permit automatic startup when emergency power is needed, Horst said.

"Kohler Power Systems is pleased to have entered into this agreement with DTE Energy Technologies to jointly market standby generators," said John Hartlieb, manager of Kohler Power Systems. "The agreement will allow homeowners and small businesses alike peace of mind and increased reliability with an installed standby power system."

Edited by April C. Murelio
Managing Editor, Power Online