DTE Energy launches ‘Caring in the Crisis’ to encourage customers to reach out for help
May 21 2020 - 9:02AM
DTE Energy has launched “Caring in the Crisis,” an awareness effort
aiming to make sure Detroit-area residents who need help know how
to get it during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The effort includes a series of public service announcements and
digital messages encouraging DTE customers to contact the company
to explore payment assistance and financial help options if they
are experiencing a hardship due to COVID-19. It will culminate with
a May 22 “Day of Caring” radio event on Detroit stations WJLB, WDMK
and WDMK HD2. The “Day of Caring” programming will include messages
from influential community leaders and elected officials, all
encouraging Detroiters to take advantage of the help available to
them.
“Throughout this crisis, we have had one core message to our
communities, and that’s ‘we’re here to help you,” said Angie
Pizzuti, vice president and chief customer officer, DTE Energy.
“There are many people who have never had problems making ends
meet, and now are experiencing income loss and don’t know where to
turn. We want to connect with them right away to deliver the help
that DTE and the state have made available to them.”
DTE formed partnerships with local faith-based leaders, elected
officials and human service agencies to create messaging for the
campaign, which will be seen and heard on the participating radio
stations, social media outlets and other digital channels
throughout May.
Guests who will be heard during the May 22 day of caring will
include:
- Mayor Mike Duggan, City of Detroit
- Reverend Wendell Anthony, Fellowship Chapel
- Jerry Norcia, president and CEO, DTE Energy
- Pastor Solomon Kinloch, Triumph Church
- Commissioner Tremaine Phillips, Michigan Public Service
Commission
- Dr. Darienne Hudson, CEO, The United Way
- Louis Piszker, CEO, Wayne Metropolitan Community Action
Agency
- Eric Sabree, treasurer, Wayne County Tax Office
DTE Energy has taken multiple actions to respond to customer
needs during the COVID-19 crisis, with programs available by
calling 800.477.4747:
- New Personalized Service Protection plan for any customers
impacted by income loss or medical condition due to COVID-19. Based
on customer circumstances, help may include additional time to pay
and flexible payment options, all while protecting the customer’s
service.
- State Emergency Relief (SER) financial aid which can cover
energy bills, available through the State of Michigan at
newmibridges.michigan.gov. DTE representatives can connect
customers to local agencies who will help them apply for this aid.
- Extended 30-day medical hold policy to include low-income
customers who are physically exposed, infected or quarantined by
the COVID-19 virus (including influenza).
- Distribution of personal protection equipment (PPE) to 5,000
small businesses May 26 and 27 in cooperation with the public and
private coalition recently created by Mayor Duggan, Detroit Means
Business. This PPE starter kit will help Detroit’s small businesses
open safely.
- Guidance for business customers on resources available to them
through state and federal agencies via DTE’s COVID-19 page for
businesses.
- Energy efficiency guidance to customers spending more time at
home, with easy, low- or no-cost steps that can immediately
reduce usage and costs.
More information on all DTE initiatives in response to COVID-19
can be found at dteenergy.com/covid19.
Across our communities, the DTE Energy Foundation is fully
activated to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. The Foundation has
donated 2 million respiratory masks to first responders and medical
professionals. 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 percent 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.
Chris Lamphear
DTE Energy
313.235.5555
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