DTE Energy Pledges $13 Million to Support Michigan Residents Struggling with COVID-19

Strategic Insights -

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect Michigan residents, DTE Energy has pledged $13 million to support customers who are struggling to pay their energy bills. The company's commitment consists of donations to human service agencies and direct financial assistance to customers with arrears. DTE expects these efforts to help nearly 40,000 of its most vulnerable customers keep their energy flowing during this challenging time.

Key Takeaways:

  • DTE Energy has pledged $13 million to support customers struggling with COVID-19 pandemic-related energy bills.
  • The commitment includes donations to human service agencies, such as The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), the United Way, and the Salvation Army, as well as direct financial assistance to qualifying customers.
  • DTE's donation to human service agencies will enable them to help Michigan residents pay down past-due balances and enroll in affordable payment plans.
  • The company's Personalized Service Protection plan enables DTE representatives to create customized assistance based on a customer's unique situation, including affordable payment options and connections to financial aid through state and federal programs.
  • DTE has also revised its Low-Income Self-Sufficiency Plan to keep customers on affordable payment plans even if they miss payments during the pandemic.
  • The vast majority of DTE customers have continued to make their energy payments throughout the pandemic, and the company has provided them with ongoing savings opportunities, such as nearly 30% lower gas prices compared to ten years ago.

Statistics:

  • $13 million: DTE Energy's pledged support for customers struggling with COVID-19 pandemic-related energy bills.
  • 40,000: The number of customers DTE expects to help with its assistance efforts.
  • 30%: The amount by which DTE customers pay less for gas compared to ten years ago.
  • $30 million: The value of bill reductions passed along to electric customers over the summer.
  • 2.2 million: The number of customers served by DTE Electric.
  • 1.3 million: The number of customers served by DTE Gas.
  • 80%: The reduction in carbon dioxide and methane emissions DTE utility operations will achieve by 2040.
  • 2050: The target year for DTE to achieve net zero carbon and greenhouse gas emissions.

Sources:

  • DTE Energy
  • The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW)
  • United Way
  • Salvation Army
  • Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency
  • St. Vincent de Paul
  • True North
  • DTE Energy News Release (Oct. 5)
  • DTE Energy Website (dteenergy.com)