December 16, 2008
An open letter to Community Partners, Local Officials and Friends
Dear Friends,
DTE Energy (MichCon and Detroit Edison) has a long history of working with customers to resolve customer payment concerns in an effort to avoid shutoffs. As you can imagine, current economic conditions have made the effort even more difficult as the scope and scale of those in need rises exponentially. As a result, the amount owed by customers with payment problems has escalated to historic levels. With each passing month, tens of thousands of our customers are falling further and further behind in their utility bills.
We are doing everything we can to help and to guide our customers to resources that can help them avoid a shutoff. For example, we have successfully brought more federal dollars to Michigan residents in the form of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds.
While utility shutoffs will occur consistent with Michigan Public Service Commission guidelines and industry norms, we plan to continue to proactively offer customers opportunities and support in reconciling their bills. We will continue to actively enroll, and provide shut-off protection to seniors and qualifying low-income customers who remain enrolled in the winter protection plan. (Winter Protection Plan:http://my.dteenergy.com/paymentOptions/assistance.html )
In addition, we're immediately taking the following steps:
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- We are reaching out to community groups, elected officials, community leaders and, most importantly, customers, to help spread the word about this effort and direct them to sources of help.
- We are giving customers who have defaulted on previous payment agreements, a last chance to re-enroll in a payment plan.
- We are renewing our efforts to collect from customers who can afford to pay their bills but simply choose not to.
- We are working with customers – especially those who’ve recently lost their jobs – to direct them to sources of financial assistance as well as providing information that they can use to reduce their energy use.
In spite of these steps, we recognize that these are difficult times for our customers and that our collection efforts may result in further hardships. If you encounter a client or constituent of yours, or perhaps a friend or family member that finds themselves in need - please direct them immediately to the link above, or to our customer service line: 800-477-4747, where they can access information on programs or services that may help them avoid a utility shut-off.
Thank you for your understanding and assistance. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Carla Gribbs
Regional Manager
