DTE Energy donates $2.5 million to help protect low-income residents in Southeast Michigan from extreme temperatures
Donation will drive enrollment of 3,000 customers in DTE's Low-Income Self Sufficiency Plan
DETROIT, Aug. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy announced today it donated $2.5 million to assist low-income residents in the city of Detroit and Southeast Michigan. This donation is expected to help drive enrollment of nearly 3,000 customers in DTE's Low-Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP), which will help customers stay cool during extreme summer temperatures and provide relief to residents who are struggling to pay their energy bills.
"DTE Energy invests significant resources into ensuring our customers have access to safe, reliable energy in the communities where we live and serve," said Trevor F. Lauer, president and chief operating officer, DTE Electric for DTE Energy. "Through this $2.5 million donation, we will help protect our customers from the dangers of extreme temperatures – and the financial impact associated with them – during the summer and winter months. We will also deliver ongoing services and education to empower these customers to reduce energy-related expenses in the short and long term."
Last month, Detroit experienced its eighth-hottest July on record, with nine days of temperatures reaching at least 90 degrees. Extreme temperatures – which have continued into August – have increased energy demand and financial strain for low-income residents.
The $2.5 million donation will be administered by the United Way for Southeastern Michigan for enrollment in DTE's LSP.
"As a result of DTE's generous $2.5 million donation, our combined organizations are able to make a positive impact on our communities, and improve the lives of people right here in our neighborhoods who may be challenged with paying their energy bills," said Herman Gray, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. "We are so appreciative of DTE's willingness to help us continue our mission of improving communities and individual lives in measurable and lasting ways."
More than 35,000 residents were enrolled in DTE Energy's LSP during the 2015-2016 program year. For individuals seeking utility assistance this year, United Way will begin the LSP enrollment process on September 1.
DTE's Low-Income Self Sufficiency Plan offers affordable fixed monthly payments based on customer income and energy usage. Please visit dteenergy.com/lsp for additional program information and for information about the LSP enrollment process.
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 utility serving 2.2 million customers in Southeastern Michigan and a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan. The DTE Energy portfolio includes non-utility energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects, natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage, and energy marketing and trading. Information about DTE Energy is available at dteenergy.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com
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SOURCE DTE Energy
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