Tips and Resources for Residential Customers Coping with COVID-19 Crisis

Get full details on most of these helpful programs on our General Assistance page, and contact us at 800.477.4747 to explore what options are best for you.

NEW: Personalized Service Protection

  • If you’re having trouble paying your bills due to reduced income or health impacts from COVID-19, please call us right away at 800.477.4747. We can personalize a payment plan for you that gives you more time to pay while protecting your energy services. Reach out now!

NEW FUNDING AVAILABLE: State Emergency Relief (SER)

  • See if you qualify for expanded financial assistance funds to cover part of your energy bill or help restore service. Contact your local Department of Health and Human Services office or apply online at newmibridges.michigan.gov. Even if you have received SER funds recently, you may still be eligible for additional funds. If you have trouble filling out the application, help is available. Call 211 or visit mi211.org to connect with an agency who can help you apply.

Extended: Senior Winter Protection Program

  • We have extended coverage through June 1, 2020 for customers enrolled in our senior protection program. All seniors (62 and older) are covered by this program unless they chose another payment option. See eligibility and other details here.

Revised: DTE Medical Hold Policy

  • Our 30-day medical hold policy has been broadened to include low income customers that are physically exposed, infected, or quarantined by the COVID-19 virus (including influenza). Get the form and start the process here.

​Shutoff Protection Program

  • If you're having trouble managing your energy bill payments, the Shutoff Protection Plan can help. It can put you back on track to paying your overdue balance while avoiding the cost and inconvenience of a service shut off.  See eligibility and other details here.

Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP)

  • This plan offers a low, affordable payment plan for eligible income qualified customers. This program allows customers to make affordable monthly payments based on income. The remaining portion of the bill is paid monthly with energy assistance funds. To be eligible for additional assistance, you must have State Emergency Relief (SER) funds approval. Get started at newmibridges.michigan.gov, and if you need help filling out the application, call 211 or visit mi211.org to connect with an agency who can help you apply. Learn more here.

Ways to Pay Your Bill While Sheltering in Place

  • We want to make it as easy as possible for you to receive account information and make payments. Please visit dteenergy.com/online to learn about our multiple payment options, which may make it easier for you to budget and pay your bills.
View Energy Efficiency Tips

Energy Usage at Home
Many customers are being directed to work from home by their employers. When you are staying at home, you’re using more energy. Below are some tips to help keep costs down.

Change Your Air Filter
A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm, wasting energy. At a minimum, change the filter every three months.

Program Your Thermostat
Set it at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or lower—the recommended setting for winter. Dress appropriately for the weather, and on cold nights, put an extra blanket on the bed and lower your thermostat another degree or two to save even more.

Water Heater Maintenance
Drain a quart of water from your hot water tank every three months to remove sediment that impedes heat transfer and lowers the efficiency of your heater. Check your owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's advice when performing this operation.

Put Your Computer to Sleep or Shut it Off
Make sure your computers automatically switch to "sleep mode" or manually turn off your monitor when not in use.

Dishwasher Tips

  • Running Full Loads - Load it up. Dishwashers use about the same energy and water regardless of the number of dishes inside, so run full loads whenever possible.
  • Scrape, Don't Rinse - Rinsing dishes can use up to 20 gallons of water before the dishes are even loaded. Save yourself the rinsing just scrape food off dishes.
  • Setting Air-Dry Option - Use the air-dry option. Avoid using the heat-dry, rinse-hold and pre-rinse features.
  • Setting Water Temperature - Check the manual that came with your dishwasher for the manufacturer recommendation on water temperature. It may have an internal heating element that allows you to set the water heater in your home to a lower temperature.