DTE Energy Offers Payment Assistance Programs
December 02 2005 - 2:16PM
PR Newswire (US)
DETROIT, Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- As another cold Michigan winter
approaches, residents can find help managing their energy bills and
avoid service shut-offs through payment assistance programs
available from DTE Energy utilities, MichCon and Detroit Edison.
"If you think you may have a problem paying your utility bill this
winter, it's best to contact us as soon as possible," said Joyce
Hayes-Giles, senior vice president - customer service for DTE
Energy. "There are a number of programs and agencies available to
assist customers, and we are always willing to work with customers
who are having trouble making payments." Heating bills are expected
to rise this winter because natural gas prices are at record levels
across the country. "We want our customers to understand that the
natural gas we provide to them produces no profit for MichCon or
DTE Energy," Hayes-Giles said. "We obtain gas throughout the year
at the lowest possible price, and pass the cost on to our customers
with absolutely no mark up." DTE Energy's BudgetWise Billing
program can help customers better manage their heating costs by
averaging monthly energy payments throughout the year. By knowing
what to expect to pay each month for gas and electricity, customers
don't have to worry about the seasonal ups and downs of energy
costs. DTE Energy also has a team of specialists who can assist
low-income customers by providing individual payment plans, agency
referrals and follow up. Customers who anticipate having trouble
paying their energy bills this winter are encouraged to contact DTE
Energy at (800) 477-4747. The following programs are available to
qualified low-income and senior customers: Winter Protection Plan
The Winter Protection Plan protects qualified seniors and
low-income customers from service shut off due to non-payment
between Nov. 1, 2005 and March 31, 2006. While enrolled in this
program, customers must pay a portion of their estimated annual
bill, plus regular payments on any past due bills. Customers
wishing to enroll in this program must meet eligibility
requirements, and should call (800) 477-4747. Double Notice
Protection An additional safeguard provided by MichCon and Detroit
Edison is the Double Notice Protection plan. Customers may identify
a friend or relative to receive a copy of any overdue or shut-off
notice. The backup helps protect against service shut-off in the
event that a customer is ill, out-of-town, or otherwise unable to
receive utility shut-off notices. Medical Emergencies If a medical
emergency exists, the utilities will not shut off service for up to
21 days if customers obtain verification from their doctor or a
public health agency. Home Heating Credit E-filing Eligible
customers may receive funds from the state of Michigan to apply
toward their heating bill. To qualify, a customer must meet the
Home Heating Credit income guidelines. DTE Energy will help
customers file for the credit between Jan. 9 and Sept. 22, 2006.
State Emergency Relief Program and Energy Direct Eligible
low-income households may receive help paying energy bills year-
round through the Department of Human Services (DHS). Customers
currently receiving assistance from DHS -- and whose energy service
is subject to shut- off -- may automatically qualify for the Energy
Direct program. This program protects against service shut off and
places the account on a budget plan. DHS will make a payment
directly to DTE Energy. Low-Income Weatherization Assistance with
home weatherization may be available to those who meet eligibility
guidelines through the Community Action Agency. Earned Income
Credit This credit is available based on the income level and
number of qualifying child dependents. To be eligible for this
credit, customers must file a federal income tax return with
Schedule EIC, and apply for the credit through the Internal Revenue
Service. The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) When qualified low-income
customers have exhausted other public and private community
resources, The Heat and Warmth Fund, a non-profit organization
offering energy payment assistance, may provide last-resort energy
assistance. For assistance, contact one of the following program
administrators: * Detroit Area (THAW) - (313) 226-9888 * Kent
County (ACSET) - (616) 454-4511 * Muskegon County (Red Cross) -
(231) 726-3555 * Southeast Michigan (TeleHelp) - (800) 552-1183 *
All other areas (THAW) - (800) 866-THAW DATASOURCE: DTE Energy
CONTACT: Len Singer, +1-313-235-8809, or Lorie Kessler,
+1-313-235-8807, both of DTE Energy Web site:
http://www.dteenergy.com/
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