Energy theft can take several forms -- meter or equipment tampering, copper theft, identity theft

Here's what you should know to protect yourself and your community from energy theft.

Meter or Equipment Tampering

To minimize the risk of property damage, injury or death, DTE Energy has adopted a zero tolerance policy. This means that anyone caught stealing energy may be prosecuted. In Michigan, energy theft is a crime and can result in fines and/or jail time. 

But more importantly, energy theft is a safety issue no matter where you live. Energy theft situations can create shock, fire and explosions that can lead to property damage, personal injury and even death. These hazards endanger everyone; not just those involved in the theft.

Report Theft

If you suspect that an electric or gas meter in our service area might have been tampered with, report it now online or call our theft hotline at 800.441.6698. All reports are kept strictly confidential. Telephone reports may be made anonymously. Remember, reporting energy theft may protect you, your family, your neighbors and your property.

Penalties and Fees

In addition to potential prosecution, energy thieves can be charged the following fees or penalties to have their service legally restored.

• • Pole Reconnect Charge: $25
  • Gas Street Reconnect Theft Cut and Cap: $500
  • Gas Meter Relocation Fee for Reconnect Theft Cut and Cap: $250
  • Equipment Tampering Charge (per occurrence): $50
  • Unauthorized Energy Use Charge: $50
  • Investigation Fee:  As determined by our Revenue Protection Dept. 

Any arrears from previous sites may be required to be paid prior to restoration of service, in addition to a deposit and possible fees.

Getting Service Restored

When energy theft occurs at a location, any customer seeking to restore service at that address - even if it is a new tenant or owner - will be required to provide Positive ID and proof of ownership or tenancy. If your services have been disconnected, please do not attempt to reconnect your own service. If your electric and/or gas meter is disconnected, do not tamper with the meter. Instead, contact our Revenue Protection Dept. at 800.441.6698 for assistance in reconnecting your service.

Positive ID is verified through one or more of the following:

• Social Security card ( or official and authentic papers with SSN, such as W-2 form)
• Driver's License or State ID
• Passport, Work Visa and Drivers License or State ID
• Military ID
• Employer Identification Number/Tax ID Number (for a business)

Proof of tenancy:

• Notarized Rental Affidavit or Rental Lease (signed by both landlord and Tenant)

Proof of ownership:

• • Lease and/or Final Judgment Eviction Documentation (previous & current tenant information)
  • Registered Warranty Deed
  • Closing Package
  • Sheriff Deed with Bill of Sale
  • Registered Quit Claim  
  • Registered Land Contract
  • Business Ownership Documents (Articles of Inc., DBA, LLC.)

Other acceptable authentic pieces of documentation to support your claim will be accepted when applicable.

• • Police Report- squatters report
  • Probate Document/Death Certificate
  • Divorce Decree
  • Power of Attorney Paper
  • Signed Affidavit/Letter of Responsibility (Billing time frame to be included on affidavit)

Copper Theft

Copper cable theft is a growing problem across our state and across the country.  Copper thieves have targeted live power lines and have taken transformers from Detroit Edison utility poles. Both practices are not only illegal, but extremely dangerous.

Both the Detroit City Council and the Michigan Legislature have acted to try to stem the tide of copper thefts. The City Council amended an ordinance to place stricter regulations on scrap metal dealers and scrap iron and metal processors, while the state legislature placed tougher penalties on certain entities caught buying or selling stolen copper cable.

We are offering rewards ranging from $2500 to $5000 for information leading to the arrest of copper thieves and people buying stolen copper.  To report this illegal activity, contact our security department at 313.235.9119.

Identity Theft

If you believe your personal information has been fraudulently used to open an electric or gas service account, or to conduct transactions related to your utility account, e-mail Customer Service or call 800.477.4747.