DTE Energy connects customers to new, expanded energy assistance dollars as cold weather returns to Michigan

Rhea-AI Summary

DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) announced an expansion of its Low-Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP) effective Oct. 28, 2025 to help eligible Michigan customers with affordable, fixed monthly payments and past-due balance forgiveness.

The 24-month program offers shut-off protection, no late fees during participation, and up to $3,000 in forgiveness: $600 at enrollment, $600 after Year 1, and up to $1,800 on completion. Payments are set based on income and energy use with usage reviews every six months. Expanded Michigan Energy Assistance Program eligibility now includes households earning up to 60% of state median income (about $70,000 for a family of four).

Customers can call 2-1-1 for application help or visit dteenergy.com/help.

Insights

Consumer energy program analyst

DTE expands its Low-Income Self-Sufficiency Plan to provide fixed monthly bills and up to $3,000 in past‑due forgiveness for eligible customers.

The program ties payments to household income and energy use, offers shut‑off protection during enrollment, and stages forgiveness payments of $600 at enrollment, $600 after one year, and up to $1,800 at completion. The plan runs for 24 months and synchronizes with expanded state funding that raised eligibility to households earning up to 60% of state median income (about $70,000 for a family of four), increasing the pool of qualified applicants.

Primary dependencies include accurate income verification, six‑month energy reviews to adjust payments, and coordination with community agencies via 2‑1‑1 for enrollment. Watch program enrollment rates, average monthly payment levels, and the total dollars forgiven each winter season; initial milestones to monitor occur within the first 12 and 24 months of participant enrollment.

Eligible customers can now access affordable, fixed monthly payments – plus forgiveness of past-due balances

DETROIT, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As temperatures begin to drop, DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) is stepping up to help Michigan families stay safe and warm this winter. Through its Low-Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP), eligible customers can access affordable, fixed monthly payments and up to $3,000 in past-due balance forgiveness. To qualify, applicants must be DTE customers and meet income guidelines.

"Michigan winters can be challenging, and no one should have to make the difficult choice between staying warm and meeting other essential needs," said Evette Hollins, vice president of Customer and Community Engagement, DTE Energy. "We understand the stress financial hardship can bring, especially during the coldest months. That's why our Low-Income Self-Sufficiency Plan is more than just a program – it's a lifeline. By offering predictable monthly bills and forgiveness of past-due balances, we can help families feel secure, supported and cared for when they need it most."

The 24-month program allows customers to pay a fixed monthly amount based on income and energy usage while benefiting from forgiveness of past-due balances. DTE's LSP coincides with the recently expanded Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) funding, now allowing households earning up to 60% of the state median income, approximately $70,000 annually for a family of four, to enroll in the program and receive critical support.

Key benefits of the LSP include:

• Shut‑off protection throughout enrollment
  
  
• Affordable, fixed monthly payments tailored to household income and energy needs
  
  
• No late fee charges during active participation
  
  
• Up to $3,000 in forgiveness toward past due balances: $600 upon enrollment, another $600 after Year 1, and up to $1,800 upon program completion
  
  
• Energy usage reviews every six months to adjust payments and credits issued if usage is lower than estimated

Customers can call 2-1-1 to get connected with energy assistance agencies that will guide them through the application process. Learn more about LSP here.

DTE also offers additional energy assistance programs including Senior Winter Protection, Active Military Protection, Medical Emergency Protection and more. For more information, visit dteenergy.com/help.

About DTE Energy

DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric company serving 2.3 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers across Michigan. The DTE portfolio also includes energy businesses focused on custom energy solutions, renewable energy generation, and energy marketing and trading. DTE has continued to accelerate its carbon reduction goals to meet aggressive targets and is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy, emission reductions and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, x.com/DTE_Energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.

 

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SOURCE DTE Energy

FAQ

What does DTE's Oct. 28, 2025 LSP update mean for DTE customers?

Eligible customers gain access to a 24-month fixed-payment plan, shut-off protection, no late fees during enrollment, and up to $3,000 past-due forgiveness.

Who qualifies for DTE's Low-Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP) in 2025?

DTE customers who meet income guidelines, including households up to 60% of Michigan median income (about $70,000 for a family of four).

How is the $3,000 past-due forgiveness under DTE's LSP distributed?

Forgiveness is $600 at enrollment, $600 after Year 1, and up to $1,800 upon program completion.

How often does DTE review payments and usage for LSP participants?

DTE conducts energy usage reviews every six months to adjust payments and issue credits if usage is lower than estimated.

How can Michigan customers apply for DTE's energy assistance programs including LSP?

Customers can call 2-1-1 to be connected with energy assistance agencies or visit dteenergy.com/help for program information.