DTE Energy Offers Payment Assistance Programs
January 04 2008 - 2:15PM
PR Newswire (US)
DETROIT, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With another cold
Michigan winter under way, 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
bills 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." 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) 545-8046. 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, 2007 and March 31,
2008. 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. For more information customers can call
(800) 477-4747. Shut-Off Protection Plan The Shut-Off Protection
Plan provides year-round protection from shut-off and is available
to all residential customers regardless of income. Enrollment
requires an initial down payment of 10 percent of a customer's
total bill. A monthly budget plan then spreads the customer's
future bills and remaining balance into 12 equal monthly payments.
More information is available by calling (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. Active Military Duty Customers
called to full-time active military service during a time of
declared national or state emergency or war, may apply for shut-off
protection for up to 90 days and may request extensions of this
protection by re- applying. More information is available by
calling (800) 477-4747. 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. 15 and Sept. 26, 2008.
For assistance, call (800) 411-4348. 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. For
more information, customers should call their local DHS office or
the Energy Assistance Hotline at (800) 292-5650. Low-Income
Weatherization Assistance with home weatherization may be available
to those who meet eligibility guidelines through the Community
Action Agency. To apply, customers need to contact their local
Community Action Agency or the United Way (2-1-1). 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 nonprofit organization
offering energy payment assistance, may provide last-resort energy
assistance. For assistance, contact one of the following program
administrators: -- United Way -- 24-hour service from home phones
-- 2-1-1 -- United Way -- for cell phone users (800) 552-1183 --
Muskegon County Red Cross -- (231) 726-3555 -- The Heat and Warmth
Fund (THAW) -- (800) 866-THAW (8429) For more information on these
programs as well as home energy-saving tips, visit dteenergy.com.
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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