Detroit Edison offers a special geothermal heating and cooling option that could save you approximately 50 percent off of the regular heating and cooling rate. 

The geothermal option is a time-of-use rate

This means you will pay a lower price for energy used during off-peak hours and a higher price for energy used during on-peak hours.

• On peak:  Monday though Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Off peak: All other hours 

The average energy use for most households is 75 percent during off-peak hours and 25 percent during on-peak hours.  If, after installation of a geothermal system, your energy use is above the average on-peak use, consult the dealer who installed the system.

Seasonal rates apply

The geothermal heating and cooling option is also a seasonal rate.  This means that you pay one rate during the summer (June through September) and a different rate during the winter (October through May).

What goes on a geothermal meter?

• Furnace
• Fans
• Motors
• Electric water heater
• Electric resistance heat
• Well pump (if it is on an open loop geothermal system)

Who qualifies?

To qualify for rate code 036, with a D 1.7 meter, homes or businesses must have either:

• Geothermal ground source heat pumps
• Split systems with a natural gas, propane or an oil booster, if the geothermal heat pump is designed to operate at least 80 percent of the time

Air source heat pumps qualify for rate code 086, with a D1.1 meter. This is the same rate as the interruptible air conditioning rate.  Detroit Edison does not interrupt during the heating season of October through April.

How to get the Geothermal option

Residential and business customers must meet specific requirements to qualify for the geothermal heating and cooling option. Customers must meet the following requirements, and are responsible for the costs to:

• Have wiring installed by a licensed, independent electrical contractor for the separate geothermal meter (D 1.7)
• Install any other equipment that may be required for the geothermal rate
• Contact Detroit Edison’s customer service, at 800.477.4747, to request installation of the meter once the wiring is completed. Refer to the D 1.7 meter and rate code 036 when speaking to the DTE Energy customer representative.

Whether the geothermal system is for a new or existing home or building, it is always good to contact a Detroit Edison service planner before installing the system.  A service planner will check that the existing electrical equipment can handle the extra load. Extra charges may apply if additional equipment is need for the larger load.