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Usage & Rates Explained

Your energy use: the more you know, the more you can save.

What makes up your bill each month?

Learn about the ways weather and billing cycles impact your energy bill and how rates are determined. You’ll also find insightful information that will help you:

  • Better understand your bill
  • Learn more about payment options
  • Manage your account
  • Save money by reducing energy usage and waste

Weather is a big factor

Just like the seasons change, so do your energy needs. When temperatures rise during the summer, for example, the increase in energy needed to cool your home can increase your energy bills.

This is where energy efficiency comes into play. If you adjust your thermostat 7° to 10° from your normal settings for eight hours each day—regardless of the season—you can save as much as 10% on energy costs over the course of a year!

As temperatures rise and fall, your energy bills will vary.

ElectricPriceChart

The above chart demonstrates how changes in the weather impact the amount of energy a typical household uses throughout the year. You’ll notice when average temperatures are at their peak in July and August (98°), energy consumption is also at a high point (800KWh). Conversely, when average temperatures fall during cooler months like April (50°), energy usage is also reduced (600 KWh).

How "Days Billed" affects your monthly payment

Since billing cycles can range from 26 to 35 days, comparing one month’s bill to another may not help you fully understand your usage. For a handy way to evaluate your bills, check out our Understand Your Bill feature. We also offer helpful payment programs such as Flexible Due Date and BudgetWise Billing, which can help you manage your energy payments—and find a payment solution that works best for your budget.

Saving money starts with saving energy

Making energy-saving changes that fit your lifestyle can be easy. Start with simple things, like turning off lights and the TV when no one is in the room and using energy efficient LED light bulbs.

You may also want to consider replacing inefficient appliances. To help you spot and prevent inefficient energy use, visit our wide-ranging Save Money & Energy section, where you can explore our interactive, energy efficient home, get tips and rebate information and download the DTE Insight App to help you understand and monitor your energy use.

How your rates are determined

Your bill reflects the total amount of energy used (kWh), measured by a meter reading at the end of each of your billing cycles. The rates you pay are set by the Michigan Public Service Commission—an independent third party that conducts a public process known as a regulatory rate review. To learn about this process, watch this short video and visit electric rate information in the Quick Links section.

Want to learn more about lowering your energy bills?

Check out our Ways to Save, download the DTE Insight App and visit our Save Money & Energy section.

Get the latest electric rate information

Electric Bill Insert

Electric Rate Card

Electric Rate Book

We're always looking to the future

Renewable energy — the new power in Michigan

We recognize our vital role in providing you safe, affordable, reliable and cleaner energy. That’s why we’ve greatly expanded our renewable energy generation portfolio. Today, more of the energy you use comes from wind and solar—and this is only the beginning! Learn more about our commitment to Renewable Energy and discover how you can support clean energy by enrolling in MIGreenPower.

Building strong, smart systems

Our work never ends. In fact, we’re always upgrading and maintaining our plants, substations, poles and wires to safely deliver the energy you count on without interruption. Plus, our advanced technologies help us correct problems before they can affect you. For additional information, please see our Electric Enhancements page.
 

Usage & Rates Explained

Your energy use: the more you know, the more you can save.

What makes up your bill each month?

Learn about the ways weather and billing cycles impact your natural gas bill and how rates are determined. This information will help you:

  • Understand your bill
  • Learn about payment options
  • Manage your account
  • Save money by reducing natural gas usage

Weather is a big factor

Just like the seasons change, so do your natural gas needs.

Your energy bill is shaped mostly by how much energy you use, and in the winter, you are likely using more natural gas and electricity because:

  • You’re using more heat: Cold weather means you turn up the heat to stay warm. Your furnace uses both natural gas and electricity to heat your home. 
  • Your furnace is working harder: Big drops in temperature make your furnace work extra hard to keep your home at your desired temperature. 
  • You’re staying indoors more often: Shorter days and colder weather may keep you inside more, using more lights, electronics, and seasonal heating items like gas fireplaces or electric space heaters.
Average gas usage graph

How "Days Billed" affects your monthly payment

Your monthly billing date depends on when you started your DTE service. If your billing period ends on a holiday or weekend, we shift the dates of your monthly billing period slightly. Your billing periods can be anywhere from 26 to 35 days, which will also affect your monthly bill amount. 

To dive deeper into your monthly bill, check out our free Bill Analyzer Tool, which breaks down your bill and how you use energy, so you can make the right decisions for your household’s budget. 

What can you do to lower your natural gas bills?

Making natural gas-saving changes that fit your lifestyle can be easy.

  • In the winter, set your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you can while remaining comfortable during the day, and slightly colder at night as temps drop even further. 
  • When you see freezing temps in the forecast, adjust your heat and energy usage so you won’t see a larger bill next month. 
  • In the winter, keep the blinds open on east facing windows in the morning and west facing windows in the evening to naturally warm your home. 
  • Seal air leaks around your doors and windows, or use draft blockers 
  • Replace your furnace filter at least every three months to keep your system running efficiently.

To learn how to weatherize your home and prevent inefficient natural gas use, visit our Save Money & Energy section, where you can explore our interactive, energy efficient home, and get tips.

How your rates are determined

DTE is a regulated energy company, meaning our prices must be reviewed and approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) - an independent third party. Through a public process known as a regulatory rate review, DTE provides the MPSC the true costs of providing natural gas to our customers, which determines your natural gas bill. To learn about this process, watch this short video.

We buy natural gas when prices are lowest

We do everything in our power to keep your gas prices low while maintaining a reliable supply of natural gas to your home:

  • We buy gas year-round, often when prices are lower, up to three years before you need it. Our team is always looking for the most economical option available that will provide you with reliable gas service. 
  • We use our unique underground reservoirs to store gas we buy in advance, so it’s ready when you need it.

This buying method keeps our gas prices stable and helps you budget. Plus, we don’t mark up the cost of the actual gas you use – you pay what we paid when we bought it.

Want to learn more about lowering your natural gas bills?

Check out our Ways to Save, and visit our Save Money & Energy section.

We're always looking to the future

Building strong, smart systems

Our work to continually improve our natural gas delivery system never ends. In fact, we’re always monitoring our system, and we make timely repairs and upgrades to keep your service safe, affordable and reliable year-round.

Learn about our natural gas line replacements and other enhancements.