DTE Energy Affordable Payment Plan.

DTE Energy raises money and donates to the Affordable Payment Plan. This is a charitable donation service that help low income customers of the energy company pay their utility and heating bills. Though it is a donation program, most of the funds originate from DTE energy and the applications to the Affordable Payment Plan are managed by local agencies.

While there are funds (millions of dollars over the years) to help pay utility bills (mostly during the winter months), the donation service also mandates self-sufficiency too. The goal there is to ensure that the customer keeps up to date on future utility bill and is not facing a disconnection of their service. The self-sufficiency part is one of the main reasons that DTE Energy relies on non-profit partner groups in the region.

Help provided by DTE Affordable Payment Plan

There are two forms of utility assistance available. The first is emergency financial aid and this one will help the struggling, income qualified low income customer pay some of their old heating and/or electric bills. It in effect takes care of any past due balance, or a portion of it. It is effective at paying down any arrears on the account. This is more the direct financial help from the DTE Energy Affordable Payment Plan. It is paid for by donations from the company and other local providers or individuals.

The second part of the program is known as the Low Income Self Sufficiency Plan. It is a payment service that in effect lowers the cost of future utility bills. It is a form of abatement, conservation, reduction scheme. It is meant to help lower income families manage their future utility bills. Over 80% of customers who get money to pay their utility bills are also given payment plans. Some of the millions of dollars in donations goes to pay for this part of the service too.

 

 

In addition, DTE Energy will give other support too. This is in addition to the Affordable Payment Plan donation utility bill assistance program. The other primary options for customers includes LIHEAP grants to pay bills, weatherization as a form of conservation, and also guidance around free energy audits and more. They will direct the needy to local charities as well as public aid too.

Applying to Affordable Payment Plans

There are a few local non-profits that partner with DTE Energy. They accept applications, distribute the grants and self-sufficiency, and otherwise help people navigate their options. The agencies in question include United Way for Southeastern Michigan, the Heat and Warmth Fund, TrueNorth Community Services, as well as the local Salvation Army charpters.

Since there are multiple assistance programs, including the DTE Energy Affordable Payment Plan and resources such as LIHEAP, it is best to call customer support at 800-477-4747 to learn more or apply. The team can not only direct the customer to emergency utility bill help, but also process donations and answer other questions. The goal is to always help find the customer find some form of solution to their heating or energy bill crisis.