Michiganders have the right to choose who supplies their natural gas. As the weather warms up, alternative gas suppliers are pitching their services door-to-door, which often leads to confusion or concerns about who these people may be. Learn the facts about gas choice and alternative gas suppliers below.
Recruitment tactics
Alternative gas suppliers solicit customers over-the-phone and at their door. Some suppliers may imply a connection with DTE, but know that DTE will never offer deals on rates over the phone or in person.
Suppliers often pitch contracts with short-term promotional rates – such as free gas during low-usage summer months – but these rates can change quickly, and higher prices usually follow once the promotion ends.
Regulation
Although using an alternative gas supplier is legal in Michigan, the rates of alternative gas suppliers are not regulated by the MPSC and can change at any time. DTE’s gas rates are regulated and must be reviewed and approved by the MPSC on behalf of customers.
Choosing your supplier
You can choose any natural gas supplier with unregulated rates or stay with DTE at regulated rates. DTE will still deliver gas to those who switch, as well as maintain equipment, read meters, perform safety checks, and handle billing.
If you are considering an alternative gas supplier, you should compare options as you would for any product. We encourage checking the MPSC’s comparison tool at michigan.gov/compareMIgas, reviewing supplier prices and contract terms and reading all materials before signing.
Once you are using an alternative gas supplier, you should regularly review your bill and compare rates, which are subject to change.
Avoid involuntary sign-ups
Do not give out your account number over the phone or at your door to an alternative gas supplier unless you know who you’re speaking with and would like to sign up for their service.
You can lock in their supplier – whether it’s DTE or an alternative gas supplier – to keep your supplier from being changed without their knowledge. Call us at 800.477.4747 to do this.
Learn more here.