DTE Energy Offers Payment Assistance Programs
December 01 2006 - 10:21AM
PR Newswire (US)
DETROIT, Dec. 1 /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." 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, 2006 and March 31, 2007. 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. 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. 16 and Sept. 21, 2007.
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.
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: * United Way --
24-hours 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 For
more information on these programs as well as home energy-saving
tips, visit http://www.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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