DENTON, Texas, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Denton Power LLC started operation of its landfill gas-to-energy project at the City of Denton Landfill today. The project will utilize landfill gas to produce enough renewable energy to supply 1,600 households. The renewable energy project by Denton Power, a subsidiary of DTE Biomass Energy, utilizes one Caterpillar engine for an initial capacity of 1.6 megawatts. The energy produced at the landfill, along with the related renewable energy certificates, are sold to Denton Municipal Electric (DME), which distributes the electricity to its customers. "As a locally owned municipal electric utility, it is important for DME to look for innovative projects that can provide renewable energy to our customers while still providing consistently low rates," said Phil Williams, DME general manager. DTE Biomass Energy has 25 projects across the United States that convert landfill gas into some form of useable energy. "This project is unique in that we're partnering with the city by working with the landfill to collect the landfill gas and by selling the renewable energy to DME," said Mark Cousino, DTE Biomass Energy president. "We're proud to be associated with the city of Denton on this project that converts an otherwise unused resource into a long-term supply of sustainable, renewable energy." This is the company's first project in Texas. DTE Biomass Energy develops, owns and operates landfill gas-to-energy projects and forms strategic partnerships to leverage its expertise with that of others. The company's projects annually collect significant amounts of methane that otherwise would escape to the atmosphere. Since 1995, the company has collected more than 300 billion cubic feet of landfill gas, which is approximately 50 percent methane and 50 percent carbon dioxide. "We're glad to be working with DTE Biomass Energy on this important project," said Denton City Manager George Campbell. "By capturing the landfill's methane gas, we can help protect the environment and build a sustainable future for Denton." DTE Biomass Energy is a subsidiary of DTE Energy, a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. DTE Energy's operating units include Detroit Edison, an electric utility serving 2.2 million customers in Southeastern Michigan, MichCon, a natural gas utility serving 1.3 million customers in Michigan and other non-utility, energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects, coal and gas midstream, unconventional gas production and energy trading. Information about DTE Biomass Energy is available at http://www.dtebiomassenergy.com/. In operation since 1905, Denton Municipal Electric is Denton, Texas' municipally-owned electric utility. DME provides safe, reliable electricity to more than 43,000 customers. Seven residents make up the public utility board that sets policies for the city's electric utility operations. More information about DME is available at http://www.dmepower.com/. DATASOURCE: DTE Energy CONTACT: Scott Simons, DTE Energy, +1-313-235-8808, or Lisa Lemons, Denton Municipal Electric, +1-940-300-4466 Web site: http://www.dteenergy.com/ http://www.dtebiomassenergy.com/ http://www.dmepower.com/

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