There are dozens of ways to save energy in your home if you know where to look. That’s where Energy Efficiency and Consumer Program Coordinator Heyde Mitchell comes in to help customers. Her goal is to educate customers on how to improve energy efficiency in their homes.

Mitchell has been in her role for more than two years. For her, the most fulfilling role is improving our customers' daily lives and making their homes comfortable. 

How would you describe your role to someone outside of I&M?

I like to say I have the fun job of helping our customers save money! My role focuses on making energy efficiency more accessible—especially for those who might not otherwise have the means to invest in it. Through our Income Qualified Weatherization program, we help customers reduce heating and cooling costs by improving the energy efficiency of their homes.

I also support our retail program, where customers can find energy-efficient products in local stores across our service territory. Look for our logos and stickers —those mark products with rebates that help lower both upfront costs and long-term energy bills.

Additionally, we offer a direct install program for multi-family units where we provide energy-saving upgrades on-site. This program is active in Michigan and will expand to Indiana next year!

What’s your favorite part of your role?

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is managing the Income Qualified Weatherization program. If you asked anyone on my team, they’d tell you how much I genuinely enjoy it. This program goes beyond helping customers save on products and electric bills it transforms their homes into healthier, more comfortable living spaces. Knowing our work directly improves lives and brings real, lasting benefits to our communities is what makes this role so meaningful to me.

How did you get interested in energy efficiency?

What drew me in was the opportunity to help people, especially in underserved communities, save money and live more comfortably. Energy efficiency isn’t about technology; it’s about improving lives.

Since we are in the sweltering summer months – what is your top energy saving tip?

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and soak up the sunshine but keep that heat outside! One of the easiest and most effective ways to save energy during the summer is to block out the sun’s heat from entering your home. While blinds and curtains help, window film is one of our top energy-saving products. It’s a simple upgrade that can significantly reduce heat gain, helping your home stay cooler and your air conditioner work more efficiently.

Why do you enjoy working at I&M?

I’m fortunate to be part of a collaborative, supportive team that truly works well together. There’s a powerful sense of purpose in what we do, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know our efforts have a real, positive impact on the lives of our customers and the communities we serve.

What advice do you have for those who are interested in working in the energy industry?

The energy industry is a dynamic and essential part of our world - driving sustainability, innovation, and economic growth. My advice is to explore the many different sectors within the field such as renewables, utilities, energy efficiency and grid modernization. There’s a wide range of opportunities, whether you're interested in technology, policy, customer engagement, or firsthand fieldwork. Let your passions guide you, stay curious, and be open to learning - there’s so much meaningful work to be done in this space.

For more information on how you can save at your home or business, visit www.electricideas.com.