While we are working to deliver cleaner, more reliable energy that requires significant financial investments, we also recognize there are many customers struggling to meet their basic needs, so we’re committed to keeping bills as low as possible and providing resources for our most vulnerable customers.
We never want anyone to fall behind or go without power and work hard to help our customers avoid an interruption. We encourage customers to reach out to us as soon as they think they may not be able to pay an upcoming bill. If you or anyone you know needs assistance, find more information about available assistance at dteenergy.com/help or call us at 800-477-4747.
Every day, DTE connects customers to energy assistance to avoid an interruption of service. Our team works closely with state and agency partners to provide financial assistance and last year alone, we connected our customers to nearly $144 million in energy assistance, and we stand ready to help find the best support for you.
There are a variety of energy assistance programs to help get customers back on track with their energy bills. Read on to learn about the different types of assistance that are available and to see if you qualify.
For a full list of available assistance, download our 2024-2025 payment assistance brochure.
Financial assistance
- State Emergency Relief (SER): Administered by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS), SER provides immediate help if you have a past due bill, disconnect notice or home repairs. To see if you qualify, call 2-1-1 or visit newmibridges.michigan.gov.
- Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP): If you submit an SER application, you may be eligible for additional financial assistance through MEAP. This program also educates you on budgeting, energy efficiency and paying your bills on time. Visit michigan.gov/energyassistance to learn more.
- Home Heating Credit: You may be eligible for a Home Heating Credit for the 2024 tax year to help offset winter heating bills. File anytime between mid-January and Sept. 30, 2025. If you are approved and receive an energy draft from the State, please return it to our lockbox with a postmark of Dec. 15, 2025, to make sure you receive the credit in full: PO Box 740786 Cincinnati, OH 45274-0786. Contact United Way or the Accounting Aid Society if you need help filing.
- Residential Income Assistance Credit (RIA): You may qualify for a monthly credit on your account equal to the electric service charge and/or the gas customer charge. Visit dteenergy.com/help to learn more.
Payment programs
- Low-Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP): This 24-month program allows you to keep up with energy bills and eliminate arrears through a fixed payment plan based on income and energy use. Visit dteenergy.com/lsp to learn more.
- Payment Agreement: A Payment Agreement is an installment plan available for all customers needing more time to pay off their past due balance. The agreement includes a down payment and monthly installments, including current energy and non-energy charges. Visit dteenergy.com/help to learn more.
Shutoff protection
- Active Military Protection: If you are called to full-time active military duty during a national or state emergency, you can apply for shutoff protection for up to 90 days and can then reapply for extensions. Visit dteenergy.com/help to learn more.
- Critical Care Protection: If you require a life support system in your house, you may be eligible for restoration of service or delay in shutoff. You will need a Medical Certification Form completed by your physician or public health office. Visit dteenergy.com/help to learn more.
- Medical Emergencies: If you have a proven medical emergency, you can apply for shutoff protection for up to 21 days. You will need a Medical Certification Form completed by your physician or public health office describing the emergency. Visit dteenergy.com/help to learn more.
- Senior Winter Protection: Protects all customers aged 65 and older* from disconnects during the heating season Nov. 1 – March 31. You are encouraged to pay your monthly bill to avoid a large balance in the spring and reduce the risk of service interruption. Visit dteenergy.com/help to learn more.
- Winter Protection Plan: Prevents service disconnection during the heating season (Nov. 1 – March 31). To remain on the plan you must pay at least 7% of your estimated annual bill during the protection period. Visit dteenergy.com/help to learn more.
- Shutoff Protection Plan: This plan provides year-round protection from service disconnects if monthly payments are met. You will need to pay a down payment to enroll. This program is also available to seniors 65 and older*. Visit dteenergy.com/spp to learn more.
Energy Efficiency Assistance
- Energy Efficiency Assistance Program (EEA): This program provides FREE energy efficiency upgrades to single-family and multifamily customers. EEA works in partnership with over 32 community action agencies and nonprofit organizations to help identify customers most in need. Visit dteenergy.com/eeassistance to learn more.
- Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program: This program provides free home energy conservation services that help reduce energy use and lower utility bills. Visit michigan.gov/weatherization to learn more.
Eligibility
| Type of Energy Assistance | Home Heating Credit | SER, LSP, MEAP, RIA, Winter Protection Plan | Shutoff Protection Plan, EEA, Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program |
| Number of Household Members | Annual Income | Monthly Income | Monthly Income |
| 1 | $16,566 | $1,883 | $2,510 |
| 2 | $22,484 | $2,555 | $3,407 |
| 3 | $28,402 | $3,228 | $4,303 |
| 4 | $34,320 | $3,900 | $5,200 |
| 5 | $40,238 | $4,573 | $6,097 |
| 6 | $46,156 | $5,245 | $6,993 |
| 7 | $52,074 | $5,918 | $7,890 |
| 8 | $57,992 | $6,590 | $8,787 |
| For each additional person, add: | $5,918 | $673 | $897 |
To find an agency to help you apply for assistance, visit dteenergy.com/help.
* Customers age 62 prior to October 31, 2023, will remain eligible for protection.