Michigan winters can be harsh on more than just our roads. As the temperature drops and you begin to hibernate indoors, your heating system starts working for the season. However, during extreme weather, your system is working overtime to keep you warm and this can increase your energy costs and demand for natural gas.
To address these extremely cold days, DTE offers Energy Action Days, an opportunity to join your community in taking small actions to lower your natural gas use, help you save on your energy bill and lower overall demand.
How do Energy Action Days work?
- You receive an alert. When extremely cold days are forecasted during the winter and demand for natural gas is high, you will receive an alert the day before an Energy Action Day to help you prepare.
- You take action. During Energy Action Days, we ask that you take steps to lower your natural gas use, like dialing down your thermostat a few degrees or postponing laundry to another day. There are no penalties if you’re unable to participate, you’ll simply pay your standard gas rate. However, taking action can help your community and lower your energy bill.
- Adjust your thermostat. Consider dialing down the temperature of your thermostat by 5-8°F when you’re asleep or away from home. If you have one, you may be inclined to turn on your gas fireplace, but consider grabbing a blanket or layering up instead.
- Take advantage of sunlight. During Energy Action Days, use the natural warmth of sunlight from south-facing windows to help heat your home and cover them at night to reduce drafts.
- Hold off on doing laundry. Your washer and dryer are some of your most-used appliances. Use the cold water setting whenever possible. Water heating can account for up to 90% of the energy it takes to operate a clothes washer. You can also increase your savings and safety by cleaning the lint filter on your dryer after every load, and don’t overload it. If you can, wait to do laundry until after the Energy Action Day.
- Get creative with dinner. If you use a gas stove or oven to cook dinner, try one-pot meals or cook multiple dishes in the oven to minimize the amount of time and energy used. A crockpot is another energy-efficient option, especially during Energy Action Days.
- We send you a summary. Following the Energy Action Day, we will send you an overview of your estimated savings progress1.
Energy Action Days may occur on weekdays, excluding holidays, but no more than eight Energy Action Days will occur during each winter season between October 1 and March 31. It’s important to note that each Energy Action Day will last a full day (24 hours), from midnight to midnight.
Learn more ways to save on Energy Action Days and all winter long.
You’ve been randomly selected to participate in this program, but you can opt-out at any time. To unenroll, call 844.604.5510 or go online here. Please note, to unenroll online you will need to create an account, separate from your DTE online account.
Still have questions?
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions. You can also call 844.604.5510 or email us at DTE_EnergyActionDays@icf.com. Our dedicated team of Energy Action Days experts is here to help Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1Participants of Energy Action Days have been selected at random and can opt-out at any time. Savings are estimated for typical homes in the DTE Energy service area and actual savings may vary. DTE Energy cannot guarantee the amount of money or energy saved by implementing the recommended actions. Your natural gas rate will not change with enrollment in this program.