Need Help!

Help may be available to assist you with paying your energy bill

If you would like year-round protection from shut off, sign up for the Shut Off Protection Plan. This budget plan is available to all customers regardless of income, and provides year-round shut off protection. For more information call 800.477.4747.

If you are 110 percent or less of the federal income guidelines, you may qualify for the Home Heating Credit from the State of Michigan . You can receive assistance with filing for the credit by contacting the DTE Energy Home Heating Credit hotline at 866.200.2386 before Sept. 20, 2009 .

Call 211 to receive information from United Way about other available assistance services and resources, such as child and elder care, after-school programs, job training, counseling, and rent or utility assistance. If you use a cell phone, call 800.552.1183.

If you need temporary shelter, call 211.

BudgetWise® Billing is designed to help ease the impact of higher seasonal energy bills by spreading your energy bills into equal monthly payments. Enroll online at my.dteenergy.com or call 800.477.4747.

Use MyEnergy Analyzer, a simple to use and easy to understand online energy efficiency tool available at my.dteenergy.com to get customized energy savings tips and analyze your energy bills.

State Emergency Relief funds are available through the Department of Human Services (DHS). Contact your local DHS office for more information.

If you are 150 percent or less of the federal income guidelines, contact DTE Energy at 800.477.4747 to find out if you qualify to enroll in the Winter Protection Plan. Enrollment starts November 1 and ends March 31.

Assistance with Low-Income Weatherization may be available to those who meet household income guidelines. Please contact your local Action Agency or United Way at 211 to apply.

DTE Energy works with GreenPath, a non-profit consumer credit counseling service, which helps you develop a budget to manage your money. For more information, call 888.235.1003.

Use appliances only for their intended purpose. Never try to heat your home using your stove, outdoor grill or any other appliance not specifically designed for indoor heating. Portable space heaters and gas or electric fireplaces are convenient but can be hazardous if not used properly.

Don't wait. Help may be a phone call away. Call 800.4 77.4 747 or visit our Web site at my.dteenergy.com to find out more about our programs and how to use energy more efficiently.