DTE Energy donates $5 million to THAW and MCAAA to help keep Michigan families warm

DETROIT, Jan. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, DTE Energy announced it is donating a total of $5 million to The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) and the Michigan Community Action Agency Association (MCAAA), in an effort to help vulnerable Michigan families stay warm this winter.

The contribution is DTE shareholders' response to the recent record-setting frigid temperatures.

"We want to ensure our most vulnerable low-income customers have timely access to the assistance they require," said Mark Stiers, president and chief operating officer, DTE Gas Company. "This contribution to THAW and MCAAA is our most effective means of accomplishing that goal."

THAW will receive $4 million and MCAAA will receive $1 million. The donations are the single largest private gifts either organization has received. THAW and MCAAA will match DTE's donation with public resources and other funds. Ultimately, up to 10,000 households could benefit.

"This generous gift from DTE Energy is coming at a time when many families are desperate for help," said Susan Sherer, CEO, THAW. "The recent bitter cold temperatures have made this a challenging winter for everyone, but it hits those in need especially hard. The funds provided by DTE will help us stabilize thousands of vulnerable families during this very cold Michigan winter."

"We are exceptionally grateful to DTE for the contribution of $1 million," said Kate Birnbryer White, executive director, Michigan Community Action Agency Association. "Our 29 Community Action Agencies will be able to make critical investments in the homes of low-income families to help them to be warm and energy efficient this winter."

"We are pleased to be able to contribute to not only one, but two worthwhile organizations," said Stiers. "We know THAW and MCAAA will deliver the much needed assistance in a timely, efficient and compassionate way."

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 2.1 million customers in Southeastern Michigan and a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan.  The DTE Energy portfolio also includes non-utility energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects and energy trading.  Information about DTE Energy is available at dteenergy.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.

About The Heat and Warmth Fund
The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) is a Detroit-based leading provider of utility assistance for Michigan residents in need. THAW is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) agency that provides low-income individuals and families throughout Michigan with emergency energy financial assistance. Since 1985, THAW has distributed more than $125 million in assistance to over 175,000 Michigan households.

About MCAAA
Michigan Community Action Agency Association (MCAAA) is the state association of 29 Community Action Agencies that provide programs and services to help low-income individuals and families achieve greater economic self-sufficiency and stability. Since 1975, MCAAA has supported the important work of its member agencies through advocacy with state and federal legislators and policymakers, professional development conferences, grant administration, and communications efforts.

SOURCE DTE Energy