We offer several programs to assist our customers with paying their energy bills.

Please contact us at 800.477.4747 BEFORE your service is subject to shutoff. We will work with you to set up a payment plan or advise you of assistance agencies in your area.

* Seniors 62 years of age or older qualify for this program regardless of income

How do I know if I qualify as a low income customer?

2011 Household Income Eligibility Guidelines

*Based on 150 percent of poverty level set by U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services.
**Based on 200 percent of poverty level set by U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services.
*** Add $5,730 for each additional household member.
****Add $7,640 for each additional household member.
*****Add 4,200 for each additional household member.

Programs offered to all DTE Energy customers

United Way 211 

United Way 2-1-1 is a free phone service that links people with information or agencies that can help with utility assistance and other needs. For more information, call 211.

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Credit Counseling

DTE Energy works with Green Path, a non-profit consumer credit counseling service, to help you develop a budget. For more information, call 888.235.1003

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Double-Notice Protection Plan

Let DTE Energy send a duplicate shut-off notice to a friend, relative or agency. Your designate is not responsible for paying the overdue bill; the duplicate notice simply alerts them to take some action on your behalf. For more information, call 800.477.4747

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Medical Emergencies

Shut off due to non-payment may be postponed up to 21 days. Written proof from a doctor or notice from a public health official stating that service shut off will aggravate an existing medical emergency must be provided. For more information, call 800.477.4747.

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Shut Off Protection Plan (SPP)

DTE Energy has customer care representatives available to help residential customers reduce their past due balances by providing payment plan options and referrals to government or private agencies for bill payment assistance. The Shut-Off Protection Plan is available to all residential customers regardless of income, and can provide year-round protection from shut off if payments are maintained. This plan is designed to help you manage your energy use by setting up a monthly payment plan. The past due balance is divided in equal installments for a period of 9 months to twelve months based on eligibility. The monthly payment amount is calculated based on the past due balance and projected future bills. Please contact Customer Service at 800.477.4747.

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Shut off Protection: Active Duty in the Military

If you or your spouse is called to full-time active military service during a time of declared national or state emergency or war, you may apply for shut-off protection for up to 90 days. For more information, call 800.477.4747.

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Programs for low income customers only

Federal Earned Income Credit (EIC)

A federal earned income credit is available based on income level and number of qualifying child dependents. To apply, you must file a federal income tax return with Schedule EIC. You can receive part of the credit in your paycheck by completing a W5 form with your employer for Advanced EIC or apply for the credit at tax time. For more information, call the IRS at 800.829.3676

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State Earned Income Credit (EIC)

A state earned income refundable credit is available for low-income working individuals and families who meet requirements for a federal earned income credit (EIC). In order to claim the Michigan EIC you must complete and file a federal 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ. After your Federal EIC has been approved, you must complete a Michigan form MI-1040 to apply. For more information, call the Department of Treasury at 313.456.4340.

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Home Heating Credit (HHC) 

Eligible customers may receive funds from the Michigan Department of Treasury to apply toward their heating bills. To qualify, you must meet the 2011 Household Income Eligibility Guidelines (see chart). If you need help filing between Jan. 16 and Sept. 30, 2012, ask your local tax preparer. You can also get FREE assistance from:

• Accounting Aid Society - 866.673.0873 or 313.556.1920 or visit www.accountingaidsociety.org
• AARP –Visit www.aarp.org
• At various DTE Energy community outreach events.

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Low-Income Weatherization

Assistance with home weatherization may be available to those who meet the household income guidelines. Weatherization includes caulking, weather stripping and insulation. Please contact your local Community Action Agency or United Way at 211 to apply for the Low-Income Energy Optimization Program offered through DTE Energy.

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State Emergency Relief Program (SER)

This program is available year-round to assist low-income households that have a shut-off notice. For more information, contact the nearest Department of Human Services (DHS) office. Call their Energy Assistance Hotline at 800.292.5650 or visit www.mi.gov/mibridges. You do not have to be a DHS client to apply.

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The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW)

Customers who meet THAW’s income guidelines and are in arrears, have a shut-off status or are disconnected and have exhausted all federal and state funded programs, may be eligible for assistance. For more information, call The Heat and Warmth Fund 800.866.THAW(8429).

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Winter Protection Plan (WPP)

This plan protects seniors and low-income customers from shutoff due to non-payment between Nov. 1 and March 31. During this period, customers must pay a budget amount that consists of a portion of their estimated annual bill plus regular payments on any past-due bills. After March 31, the required bill payment will increase to cover the winter bills and must be paid in full before the next heating season. For more information or to enroll, call DTE Energy at 800.477.4747 between Nov. 1 and March 31.

You must meet at least one of the following requirements:

• Age 62 or older
• Receive Department of Human Services cash assistance
• Receive Department of Human Services food assistance (FAP)
• Receive Medicaid
• Meet Federal Income Guidelines (see Income Guidelines chart)

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Residential Income Assistance Credit

Low income customers may qualify for a $6 per month credit on their account ($12 per month if served by both Detroit Edison and MichCon). For more information, call 800.477.4747.

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Affordable Rental Housing

Customers looking for affordable rental housing may use the free Michigan Housing Locator at www.MichiganhousingLocator.com.

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Link-Up/Lifeline

Link-Up and Lifeline make basic local telephone service more affordable for income-eligible individuals and families in Michigan. Contact your local telephone company.

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Energy Efficiency Tips

• Have your furnace inspected annually. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently.
• Lower your thermostat while no one is home, or while everyone is in bed. Every degree you dial down below 72 degrees could save up to 3 percent on your heating costs.
• Install a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature according to your schedule.
• Plug air leaks with caulking, weather stripping or by adding insulation.
• Replace furnace filters regularly.
• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs.
• Lower the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees.
• Wash and rinse your clothes in cold water.
• Use My Energy Analyzer, an online energy efficiency tool to get customized energy savings tips and analyze your energy bills.  You will receive more customized tips if you use the tool while logged into your DTE Energy Account.
• Visit our Save Energy sectionfor more energy efficiency tips.

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Community Energy Solutions Program

Community Energy Solutions Program (CESP) offices are located in several local churches within the City if Detroit. To find out more about the CESP program call 866.554.2653 or contact one of the offices below:

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