DTE Energy offers new, convenient bill paying option for customers at Rite Aid

DETROIT, Feb. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy customers will have a more convenient way to pay their utility bills thanks to new self-service payment centers opening at Rite Aid stores in Michigan. The first kiosk will be unveiled at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19 inside the Rite Aid at 3 South Telegraph, Pontiac.

This will be the first kiosk of its kind in Rite Aid. Currently, there are four machines in the city of Detroit—three in DTE Customer Offices and one in the downtown Detroit headquarters lobby. By late 2015, DTE plans to install kiosks in 19 additional Rite Aid stores.

"Our customers told us they would like more options to pay their bills," said David Johnson, vice president, Customer Service. "We listened. Many of our customers shop at Rite Aid. Now they can walk through one door and check two items off their 'to do' list. We're happy to partner with Rite Aid to improve our customers' experiences with DTE."

Payment kiosk benefits include:

• No fees—Unlike payment agents, kiosk users are not assessed a processing fee.
• Quick payment acknowledgment—Payments are applied to the customer's account the same day, preventing late fees.
• Easy account look-up—No bill or account number is needed to use a kiosk.
• Payment methods—Cash, checks, plus certain credit and debit cards are accepted. Customers don't need a banking account to use a kiosk.
• Bilingual—On-screen displays are available in English and Spanish.

Eventually, DTE hopes to offer additional services at its kiosks. These enhancements would allow customers to manage their accounts without picking up a phone.

DTE selected a Michigan-based company, DIVDAT, to help develop the kiosk technology. Another Michigan company built the body of the kiosks and maintains them. In 2013, DTE spent $809 million with suppliers based in Michigan.

"Whenever we can find a company in our state that can meet our needs, we are happy to do business with them," said Johnson. "The team at DIVDAT used their expertise to create a convenient, easy to use tool. The feedback we've received from customers thus far has been very positive."

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.

SOURCE DTE Energy