DETROIT, July 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy wants
all of its customers to remain safe and comfortable, as well as
save on their energy bills, during the next several days of high
temperatures in Michigan.
DTE performs power plant maintenance and inspections along with
energy grid upgrades to help ensure system reliability year-round,
including periods of extreme weather and heavy energy use. DTE is
also helping customers understand and implement steps they can take
to ensure they remain comfortable while keeping bills affordable as
temperatures rise.
"Weather is one of the biggest factors impacting energy
bills," said Angie Pizzuti, vice
president of customer service for DTE. "As temperatures rise past 90 degrees this week, we're reaching out to our customers
with easy ways to avoid both the heat and large energy
bills."
DTE is alerting customers via emails, social media posts, web
messaging and other channels to share these tips:
- Run a ceiling fan to create a cool breeze. Use a ceiling
fan while turning up the thermostat just two degrees to save as
much as 14 percent on cooling costs. Since fans cool people and not
the room, it's important to turn the fan off when leaving to save
even more. DTE recommends fans certified by ENERGY STAR, which are
60% more efficient than non-certified fans.
- Close blinds and curtains on south- and west-facing
windows. This easy step blocks out summer sunlight, making
rooms cooler. Create shade by positioning potted trees and plants
in front of windows to lower indoor temperatures
further.
- Remove anything that's blocking registers. Make
sure that rugs, drapes, furniture or other items are not blocking
the air flow from cooling
registers.
- Avoid activities that add heat and humidity to your home
during the hottest parts of the day.
-
- Avoid using the oven when possible.
- Postpone laundry and dishwashing until night when the outside
air is cooler.
- Let dishes air dry in the dishwasher rather than using the
drying feature.
- Air-dry clothes instead of using a laundry dryer.
- Purchase ENERGY STAR® room air
conditioners. A room air conditioner with the ENERGY
STAR label uses about 9 percent less energy and costs less than
$75 a year to run, on average.
- Download the DTE Insight app to monitor usage. The
free Insight app shows how and when you're using energy so you can
manage energy use and save. Download in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
DTE also stresses the importance of checking on loved ones and
neighbors, particularly seniors and those without air conditioning,
during periods of extreme heat. Reach out at least twice a day to
watch and listen for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. If
necessary, help get vulnerable people someplace cool, such as a
local cooling center. Check with your local municipality for
cooling center availability.
If a customer has trouble paying an energy bill, DTE can help
find assistance. Customers are encouraged to call DTE at
800.477.4747 as soon as they feel they may have difficulty paying a
bill. DTE will work with customers to set up affordable payment
plans and advise them of local agencies that may offer additional
relief.
For more tips on beating the heat, visit
dteenergy.com/summer
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 2.2 million customers in
Southeastern Michigan and a
natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers in Michigan. The DTE portfolio includes energy
businesses focused on power and industrial projects, renewable
natural gas, natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage, and
energy marketing and trading. As an environmental leader, DTE will
reduce carbon dioxide and methane emissions by more than 80 percent
by 2040 to produce cleaner energy while keeping it safe, reliable
and affordable. DTE is committed to being a force for good in the
communities where it serves 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.
View original content to download
multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dte-energy-helps-customers-stay-safe-and-cool-while-keeping-bills-affordable-during-extreme-heat-300887196.html
SOURCE DTE Energy