You have a lot of bills to manage – whether it’s internet, streaming services, natural gas, electric or water. It can be hard to keep up with monthly bills and understand them. This summer, we’re working to ensure you know the charges listed on your bill.
Here are a few terms you should know:
- Gas Cost Recovery: This charge represents the actual cost DTE pays for the natural gas you use. There is no markup – you pay what we paid for the natural gas. This rate can fluctuate throughout the year.
- Customer Charge: This monthly charge helps cover basic administrative costs, such as billing, customer service, meter reading and more. This charge applies even if you do not have any natural gas usage for the month.
- IRM Surcharge: This surcharge helps fund the replacement of cast-iron service lines with newer, safer materials across Michigan communities.
- Reservation charge: This represents the cost of acquiring and storing enough natural gas to maintain a safe and reliable supply for you, even during the most extreme weather conditions.
Additionally, it’s important to know the weather, the number of people in your home and the number of days in your billing cycle can all impact your monthly bill.