Those programs were on display at DTE’s Customer Assistance Forum at Escanaba's Bay College
ESCANABA -- Energy is on the government's economic chopping block. Ninety million dollars was recently cut from Michigan energy assistance funds, and the U.S. Government has also flicked the switch on their energy aid programs, cutting $100 million. As a result, 600,000 Michigan consumers who would have received assistance, no longer will.
Tuesday, DTE Energy was at Escanaba's Bay College with some solutions.
“We’re here today because we recognize that our customers are going to have a difficult winter, and we want to help them to prepare for the challenges in front of them,” said Carolyn MacKool, DTE Director of Customer Service. “We actually are here setting up payment programs.”
Those programs were on display at DTE’s Customer Assistance Forum at Escanaba's Bay College.
Here's what we found at the event:
If you're within 200 percent of the poverty level, the Community Action Agency offers a free weatherization program, making homes 20 percent more energy efficient.
If you have received a shut off status from your utility service, the Department of Human Services will cover up to $850 per electric or gas utility.
But what if you don't fit that criteria and still need help? Saint Vincent de Paul and the Salvation Army can help.
“We offer them money management for them to come in, and we have someone that can help them learn how to budget their money better,” said Mary Martin with Saint Vincent de Paul.
Only a handful of people showed up at Tuesday’s event, most likely because they were out working, trying to keep up with those energy bills. If you couldn't make it, DTE recommends visiting their website.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWLUC