DTE Energy launches new Personalized Service Protection program to help customers impacted by COVID-19 protect their energy s...
April 21 2020 - 8:38AM
DTE Energy today launched a new Personalized Service Protection
program to help customers experiencing financial hardship due to
COVID-19. The plan is available immediately and helps ensure
impacted customers can retain the energy service they need during
this ongoing, unprecedented crisis.
“We want our customers to know that we are here for them,” said
Jerry Norcia, president and CEO, DTE Energy. “We have made
modifications to our customer payments plans to accommodate a
variety of customer needs. We now have a flexible program that
draws upon the many forms of assistance we offer, so we can
personalize solutions for customers based on their
circumstances.”
Residential customers concerned they may not be able to pay
their energy bills due to income reductions or health impacts from
COVID-19 are encouraged to call DTE at
800.477.4747 to discuss their situation with a
representative, who can help set up a Personalized Service
Protection plan for them.
DTE also is assisting business customers experiencing financial
hardship due to COVID-19. Businesses are encouraged to
contact DTE at 855.383.4249 to explore options for
help.
“The worst thing a customer could do is not call us,” said Angie
Pizzuti, vice president and chief customer officer, DTE Energy. “We
don’t want to see our customers get further behind and have a
bigger burden to overcome as we emerge from the pandemic. If you
are in trouble, please call us so that we can work with you.”
DTE is notifying customers of the new plan through emails, phone
calls and its website, as well as working through human service
agencies who provide support for vulnerable Michigan
residents.
Some of the customized services that will be made available to
eligible customers include fee waivers, payment assistance and
flexible repayment options.
The newly launched plan is the latest in a series of steps DTE
has taken to help its customers and communities through the
COVID-19 crisis. Other actions include:
- Extending coverage through June 1, 2020 for customers enrolled
in its low income and senior shutoff protection programs
- Extending its 30-day medical hold policy to help low-income
customers who are physically exposed, infected or quarantined by
the COVID-19 virus (including influenza)
- Providing business customers with guidance on resources
available to them through state and federal agencies via its
COVID-19 business support site
- Providing energy efficiency guidance to customers spending more
time at home, with easy, low- or no-cost steps that can immediately
reduce usage and costs
- Encouraging customers to download the free DTE Insight app
which helps monitor energy use and take actions to reduce usage,
and thereby lower bills
- Stressing the benefits of its safe and convenient ways to
manage accounts – such as eBill, AutoPay, mobile payment and other
programs
More information on the Personalized Service Protection program,
as well as DTE’s other initiatives in response to COVID-19 can be
found at dteenergy.com/covid19.
Across our communities, the DTE Energy Foundation has donated
more than 800,000 respiratory masks to first responders and medical
professionals, with a goal of ultimately distributing 2 million
masks. In the first month of the crisis, the Foundation
supported one million meals, basic needs for 100,000 families and
helped 400 small businesses with grants. The Foundation also
launched a matching grant program for the Michigan Association of
United Ways and Michigan Action that has resulted in nearly $1
million in public donations to-date. In addition, the Foundation is
matching donations by DTE Energy employees, contractors and
retirees to nonprofits across Michigan, including faith-based
organizations.
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
Southeast 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 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 aspires to achieve net zero carbon 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.
ABOUT THE DTE ENERGY FOUNDATION - The DTE
Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of DTE Energy,
continuing the legacy of community support and involvement of its
electric and natural gas utilities, which serve 2.2 million
electric customers in Southeast Michigan and 1.3 million natural
gas customers in Michigan. In 2019, the DTE Energy Foundation
provided grant support to hundreds of non-profits throughout the
company's service territories. As one of Michigan's leading
corporate citizens, DTE Energy is a force for growth and prosperity
in communities across Michigan in a variety of ways, including
philanthropy, volunteerism and economic progress. Visit
DTEFoundation.com to learn more.
Chris Lamphear
DTE Energy
313.235.5555
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