DTE Energy ranks highest among large utilities in the Midwest region for residential natural gas customer satisfaction

DETROIT, Sept. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy is ranked highest in customer satisfaction with residential natural gas service in the Midwestern U.S. among large utilities, according to the J.D. Power 2014 Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study^SM released today.

The study, now in its 13^th year, measures residential customer satisfaction with gas utility companies across six factors: billing and payment; price; corporate citizenship; communications; customer service; and field service.

"It is an honor to be recognized by our customers," said Mark Stiers, president and COO, DTE Gas. "At DTE Energy, we believe improvement is our daily responsibility, and those we serve have the right to expect that from us. I would like to thank all of our employees for their commitment to providing excellent service."

Among the 17 award eligible large utility providers included in the Midwest region, DTE earned an overall satisfaction score of 676, compared with the segment average of 640. DTE, which achieved this ranking for the first time, also received the highest score in three study factors: communications, billing and payment, and corporate citizenship.

DTE has enhanced its focus on customers in several ways. The company regularly communicates and educates customers about important natural gas safety information, as well as energy efficiency techniques to save money. Customers can now more conveniently pay their bills by using self-service payment kiosks. New products and services are available. Plus, customers receive four-hour appointment windows, reducing wait times.

To keep rates relatively low and stable, DTE utilizes a strategy that calls for buying natural gas far in advance of the winter and then storing significant quantities of gas underground during the summer months when demand is low. This strategy was effective again last winter, as record-breaking frigid temperatures impacted the Midwest.

DTE shows its commitment to the communities it serves through employees' volunteerism efforts across Michigan; senior leaders being actively engaged in local organizations; and the DTE Energy Foundation supporting key community institutions as well as future-oriented educational, environmental, diversity and development initiatives.

"We aspire to be the best-operated energy company in North America and a force for growth and prosperity in the communities where we live and serve," said Stiers. "This award will keep us motivated to continue striving for that goal."

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, 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/dteenergy.

SOURCE DTE Energy