DTE Energy helps vulnerable customers, as frigid weather sets in, with $5 million donation to Michigan outreach agencies

United Way of Southeastern Michigan, the Salvation Army, True North and The Heat and Warmth Fund to receive customer assistance funds

Detroit, Jan. 11, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DETROIT, Jan. 11, 2021 — DTE Energy today announced it is donating a total of $5 million to help low income residents across the state stay healthy, safe and warm during Michigan’s freezing winter weather. 

The company donated $2.25 million to the United Way of Southeastern Michigan; $1 million to the Salvation Army; $1 million to True North; and $750,000 to The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW). These non-profit outreach agencies will help DTE customers who are struggling to pay their energy bills, while also helping them enroll in affordable payment plans, including DTE’s Low-Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP) payment program.

“Many Michigan families are still facing financial hardships and may be challenged to keep their homes warm this winter,” said Jerry Norcia, chief executive officer and president, DTE Energy. “This donation will help Michiganders who are struggling to access the help they need to pay their heating bills and, if they are eligible, enroll in payment programs that will provide more financial assistance.”

DTE has donated more than $50 million since 2016 to help customers stay warm and keep their lights on. These donations to human services agencies enable them to help Michigan residents pay down past-due balances and current energy bills.

“DTE’s longstanding partnership with THAW helps stabilize and empower Michigan families, particularly during the winter months,” said Saunteel Jenkins, chief executive officer of The Heat and Warmth Fund. “What’s important to recognize about this donation is not only the ability for THAW to help even more families with their urgent energy needs, but to also help them access programs that can prevent these crises in the future.”

DTE has taken additional steps during the pandemic to deliver help directly to customers in need, working closely with the State of Michigan to administer CERA (COVID Emergency Rental Assistance) aid to our customers who rent their homes and MIHAF (Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund) help for homeowners. DTE was also recently recognized by the White House  as an example for other energy companies to follow, spotlighting how DTE directly applied enhanced Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) aid to eligible customer accounts.

More than 36,000 residents were enrolled in DTE’s affordable payment plan, LSP, during the 2020-2021 program year, and DTE anticipates potentially greater need this heating season. All four agencies will be conducting open enrollments to LSP for eligible customers seeking energy assistance. Visit dteenergy.com/lsp or call THAW, the Salvation Army, United Way for Southeastern Michigan and True North for additional program information or to enroll in the program.

 THAW – 800.866.8429

• The Salvation Army – 855.929.1640
• United Way for Southeaster Michigan – 844.211.4994
• True North – 231.355.5880

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 1.3 million customers in Michigan. The DTE portfolio also includes non-utility businesses focused on industrial energy services, renewable natural gas, and energy marketing and trading. As an environmental leader, DTE utility operations will reduce carbon dioxide and methane emissions by more than 80% by 2040 to produce cleaner energy while keeping it safe, reliable and affordable. DTE Electric and Gas aspire to achieve net zero carbon and greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. DTE is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.  

CONTACT: Dana Blankenship
DTE Energy
313.235.5555