DTE Energy, Community Leaders Help Families Cope With Rising Energy Costs
19 November 2008 - 6:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
DETROIT, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- With heating costs rising and
Michigan's economy struggling, DTE Energy and a number of community
organizations are working to help families keep their heat and
lights on this winter. "Michigan is going through some very tough
economic times, and we recognize that energy bills are going to be
difficult for many people to pay," said Jerry Norcia, president and
COO of DTE Energy's MichCon natural gas utility. "We want our
customers to know that there are options available that can help
them manage their utility bills and get through the winter safe and
warm." DTE Energy was joined today by representatives from local
community service agencies and others who share concerns about the
economic realities of the upcoming heating season. Organizations
joining the company included THAW (The Heat and Warmth Fund), the
Salvation Army, United Way - 211, the Michigan Department of Human
Services and a number of Detroit-area churches. "To heat or to eat
is a tough choice -- and a decision that no one should have to face
this winter," Norcia said. "DTE Energy has a number of programs
that help customers manage their utility bills and we are casting a
wide safety net for our customers with support from many of the
organizations represented here today." Heating costs across the
country are expected to be about 10 to 30 percent higher this
winter than last season, according to David Parker, president of
the American Gas Association which represents more than 200 energy
companies nationwide. While Michigan will see costs at the lower
end of the anticipated increase -- about 10 percent -- local
households will experience a tougher challenge than other regions
because of the state's difficult economy. "Collaborative efforts
between utilities, community and governmental organizations are
exactly what we need to lessen the blow on those struggling to stay
warm this winter," Parker said. "I can assure you that the common
goal of all those present today is to avoid having to shut off
service to those who are unable to pay, and to find options for all
customers to maintain service this winter." With a growing number
of families trying to meet basic financial obligations, cooperative
efforts between DTE Energy and the community will play a critical
role in helping households maintain utility service, according to
Dr. Bertram Marks of the Council of Baptist Ministers of Detroit
and Vicinity. "Whenever we are challenged in this region, we come
together as a community to work things out," he said. "This is an
excellent example of how we can help family, friends and neighbors
manage their energy bills and safely maintain utility service by
working together." While DTE Energy understands that many
households will have to make tough choices about what bills to pay
this winter, the company warned that stealing electric or gas
service is not only illegal, but extremely dangerous. "Some
customers are going to extreme measures to heat their homes and
keep their lights on by reconnecting their gas or electric service
in some of the most dangerous methods imaginable," Norcia said.
"Let me be clear -- energy theft is dangerous ... not only for
those choosing to do so, but for others who may live nearby. If you
steal electricity or gas, you are risking your life and the lives
of others who are nearest and dearest to you." While the heating
season will present a particular challenge to those suffering
economic hardships this winter, Steve Kurmas, president and
COO-elect of DTE Energy's Detroit Edison electric utility, said
that virtually everyone is looking for ways to manage their energy
bills and reduce their energy use. All households can benefit from
energy conservation and efficiency. "For instance, by lowering
their thermostat just a few degrees consumers can save about 10
percent on their monthly heating bills," Kurmas said. "A number of
simple, cost-effective energy saving tips are available on DTE
Energy's Web site, and through an interactive online tool called
MyEnergy Analyzer." Kurmas said DTE Energy has conducted 50 free
Energy Efficiency Forums around the state this year to teach
customers how to seal air leaks, insulate their homes and obtain
the most energy efficient appliances. The company also has launched
a pilot program offering rebates to customers who purchase a
high-efficiency furnace or have a professional energy audit
performed on their home. While DTE Energy offers a wide array of
energy assistance programs, it is going to take a community effort
to solve the significant challenges facing the state this winter,
according to Kurmas. "DTE Energy, the organizations represented
here today and others working toward solutions need to be joined by
individuals around the state to ensure that those people who need
help this winter get it," Kurmas said. "No company, no individual,
no church or social service agency will be able to tackle this
alone. It must be a community effort." Additional information about
resources available to DTE Energy customers is available at
http://www.my.dteenergy.com/ or by calling DTE Energy customer
service at (800) 477-4747. DATASOURCE: DTE Energy CONTACT: Len
Singer, +1-313-235-8809, or Lorie N. Kessler, +1-313-235-8807, both
of DTE Energy Web site: http://www.my.dteenergy.com/
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