October 1, 2026

New energy assistance funding opens Oct. 1; DTE kicks off “Month of Warmth” events to help customers apply

Events will include four customer resource fairs across southeast Michigan to help families access support before winter

DETROIT, Oct. 1, 2026 – As new state energy assistance funding becomes available Oct. 1, DTE Energy is launching Month of Warmth, a series of four customer resource fairs across southeast Michigan where customers can get help applying for bill assistance, exploring payment options and finding ways to lower energy use.

Oct. 1 marks the start of a new funding year for many state energy assistance programs, including the Michigan Energy Assistance Program and State Emergency Relief. That means income-eligible customers can begin applying for newly available help with their energy bills. The events come as cooler weather approaches and many households begin preparing for higher seasonal energy use.

“No one should have to choose between staying warm and paying for other basic needs,” said Evette Hollins, vice president and chief customer officer, DTE Energy. “Month of Warmth is about bringing help directly into communities so customers can sit down with someone, ask questions and get connected to support before winter.”

At the events, customers will be able to:

• Apply for energy assistance on site
• Learn whether they qualify for state and local support
• Get help with payment options and shutoff protection
• Find ways to reduce monthly energy use
• Connect with local agencies that provide food, housing and other support

Last year, DTE helped customers access nearly $125 million in energy assistance, underscoring both the need across southeast Michigan and the resources available for eligible households. Throughout October, DTE team members and community partners will be available at events across the region to help customers take the next step.

"As the new state funding window opens on Oct. 1, we look forward to working with DTE as they launch their Month of Warmth effort,” says Dr. Darienne Hudson, President and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Connecting families to vital energy assistance puts them on a more solid footing as costs continue to rise, especially as we approach our typically harsh Michigan winters."

Month of Warmth events

• Washtenaw — Monday, Oct. 5, 3–6 p.m., Washtenaw Community College, Morris Lawrence Building, 4800 East Huron River Dr., Ann Arbor 48105
• Southfield — Saturday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Southfield Pavilion, 26000 Evergreen Rd., Southfield 48076
• Detroit — Thursday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Fellowship Chapel, 7707 W. Outer Drive, Detroit 48235
• Inkster — Wednesday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Operation Refuge, 27741 Carlysle St., Inkster 48141

The events are free and open to DTE customers seeking help with current or past-due energy bills, payment options or ways to lower future bills. DTE offers a range of support to fit different needs, from bill credits and State Emergency Relief to flexible payment plans, shutoff protection and free energy efficiency upgrades that help lower bills over time.

Customers who need help with their energy bills can get started anytime by visiting dteenergy.com/help or by calling 2-1-1 to be connected with a local energy assistance agency.

About DTE Energy

DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric company serving 2.3 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.4 million customers across Michigan. The DTE portfolio also includes energy businesses focused on custom energy solutions, renewable energy generation, and energy marketing and trading. DTE has continued to accelerate its carbon reduction goals to meet aggressive targets and is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy, emission reductions and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.com,  empoweringmichigan.com,  x.com/DTE_Energy and facebook.com/dteenergy. 

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