Get assistance on utility bills from DTE Energy

Several different resources and services are offered from DTE Energy. they include the programs below.

Heating and Utility Service Shut Off Protection Plan - This is an option that is available to all residential customers in Michigan regardless of their total household income. It in effect provides year-round protection from shut off of your heating and utility service. This monthly budget plan will then go ahead and spread out your future energy bills over 12 equal monthly payments. In addition, customer will be responsible for making monthly payments on their unpaid balance with an initial down payment of 10 percent of your total bill.

Charities and United Way - DTE energy partners with various local charities and non-profit agencies to administer utility bill assistance programs. Interest customers can dial 211 to receive information from the United Way about available assistance resources and services, such as utility or heating bill, or even rent payment assistance. The agency may even be able to refer people to program that provide child and elder care, job training, emergency shelters, debt and credit counseling, etc.

Home Heating Credit E-Filing - This is a government program. Eligible DTE customers may receive grants and funds from the Michigan Department of Treasury to apply towards paying their heating bills.

State of Michigan Emergency Relief Program (SER) - Another assistance program that is offered by the state of Michigan. Qualified low-income households may receive help paying their energy and utility bills year-round through the State Emergency Relief program.

THAW - The Heat and Warmth Fund - Customers who have limited income and who meet the guidelines from the 2009 Household Income Eligibility Guidelines chart, who may be in a shutoff status on their utility account, and who have exhausted all federal and state government funding programs may be eligible for assistance. Dial 800.866.THAW (8429) to learn more.

Medical Emergencies - If you are facing a medical emergency or crisis, the shut off of your utility account may be postponed for up to 21 days due to the medical emergency. There are some requirements, including written proof from a doctor, medical professional, or the customer must have a notice from a public health or social services agency stating that service shutoff will aggravate an existing medical emergency must be provided.

If you are interested in any of these utility bill assistance programs from DTE Energy, dial 800.477.4747 for more information or to apply.