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As winter sets in across Metro Detroit, keeping homes warm becomes a crucial priority. For those facing financial hardships, heating bills can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, DTE Energy offers numerous programs to ensure no family is left in the cold.

Jason Sparks, DTE Energy’s Director of Energy Assistance, emphasizes that disconnecting service is a last resort, especially in extreme weather. “Shut-offs won’t occur if temperatures stay below 15°F for two or more days in a row,” he explains.

To help, DTE has two key shutoff protection programs during the winter months:

  1. Winter Protection Plan – Designed for low-income households, this plan prevents disconnections from November 1 through March 31. Customers can stay covered by making smaller, manageable payments of at least 7% of their estimated annual bill.
  1. Senior Winter Protection – Senior citizens in DTE’s service area are automatically safeguarded from service disconnections during the winter.

Beyond these seasonal initiatives, DTE offers solutions year-round for those struggling to pay their bills. These include partnerships with the State of Michigan, United Way, THAW, and Salvation Army to provide energy assistance. Additionally, DTE’s Low-Income Self-Sufficiency Plan provides affordable monthly payments based on income while maintaining service.

Other available credits include:

  • Home Heating Credit – This helps reduce heating costs for individuals at 110% of the Federal Poverty Level and can be claimed with tax filings.
  • Residential Income Assistance Credit – Offers a monthly bill credit for energy service charges.

DTE also promotes specialized programs for unique circumstances. These include Critical Care and Medical Emergency Protection, which safeguards households relying on life-support systems, and Active Military Protection, allowing service members to defer potential shut-offs while on duty. There’s also year-round coverage for households at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level under the Shutoff Protection Plan, extending its benefits to seniors over 65.

For anyone struggling, DTE urges prompt action. “We encourage customers to reach out as soon as they’re in trouble,” says Sparks. “There’s a lot of help available, but the first step is contacting us.”

This winter, Metro Detroit residents have options to keep warm without the worry. Visit DTE Energy’s website or reach out to learn about your eligibility and support programs.

Keywords: DTE Energy, heating resources, winter assistance, energy-saving tips, utility assistance

#StayWarm, #EnergySaving, #WinterTips

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