DTE’s community “ground game” efforts are in full swing, especially ramping up this summer where its company’s Community Affairs team attended hundreds of local neighborhood and association meetings to proactively engage with customers. These conversations typically focus on DTE’s reliability work in a specific area, payment assistance options and support, and information on our environmental commitment.
While we were reaching more customers than ever before, we knew it was important to meet customers where they are, which might not be at a formal meeting. So the team headed to church.
Jerry Norcia and Evette Griffie, vice president, Customer and Community Engagement, recently attended a service at Vernon Chapel AME Church in Detroit where they were welcomed by a friendly crowd.
Following Reverend Sharinese Jackson’s lesson, Jerry and Evette joined her on stage to share our company’s work in their neighborhood and commitment to its residents. They also encouraged people to share DTE’s energy assistance options with their friends and neighbors who may need help.
Other members of our company’s Community Affairs team also attended the service and were available to discuss our work around reliability, affordability, and clean energy, while also offering free energy efficient light bulbs to the congregation.
“This work is at the heart of what it means to serve with our energy. It’s important that we embed ourselves in the community, whether it’s a school, recreation center or a place of worship,” said Griffie. “Community members need to see that the people of DTE are here for them and offering assistance however possible.”
Devoria Thomas, Community Affairs senior program manager, was onsite to support customer questions.
“Having the opportunity to be there and interact with the congregation to hear what’s going on in the community was so important. Plus, the passion that Jerry and Evette showed was so natural and inspiring that it made me proud to work for DTE,” said Devoria. “People sometimes don’t want to share their story and can be ashamed, but when we meet them where they are comfortable, it makes all the difference.
During the event, a woman approached DTE’s table and shared that her service had been disconnected for more than two weeks due to unpaid bills, but she was too embarrassed to contact the company. Our team was not only able to calm her concerns, they also connected her to support options and a payment plan which enabled her electric service to be restored the next morning.
“That’s what we do best here at DTE. We find new ways to engage with customers and support the community; it’s amazing. I’ve been at DTE for 39 years, and this part of giving back is what I love the most,” said Devoria.