Here’s a quick guide to the key terms you’ll see each month on your business’ DTE gas bill:
Customer charge: You’ll see this charge on your bill – even when your gas usage is low – to cover the billing, customer service and meter reading costs to support all of our customers. If you are a DTE Electric customer, you will also see a similar service charge on your bill.
Gas distribution charge: The people and systems that deliver natural gas to your business. This charge goes up as you use more natural gas.
Gas cost recovery: The cost of the gas you use. You pay what we pay, with no-mark up.
IRM surcharge: Funds the replacement of older service lines with newer pipes to ensure ongoing safe and reliable service. This will also appear on your bill regardless of how much gas you’re using.
Reservation charge: The cost of storing enough natural gas for our customers so it’s always available when you need it.
Monthly energy usage: A graph that compares your current gas usage to previous months. Usage can vary based on weather and business size.
Are you a DTE Electric customer too? Here’s some more terms to know:
Power supply charges: The cost to generate the energy you use from sources like renewables, nuclear and natural gas.
Distribution charges: The cost to deliver the energy you use and upgrade the grid to be more reliable and resilient to extreme weather.
Other Delivery Volumetric Surcharges: Includes various delivery-related surcharges, including costs for nuclear plant decommissioning and safety, tree trimming and infrastructure recovery.