DTE, Consumers Energy suspend electricity shutoffs for Michigan low-income customers

DTE Energy and Consumers Energy are temporarily suspending electricity and natural gas shutoffs for low-income customers during the coronavirus pandemic, the companies said Monday.

As businesses begin to lay off workers, the risk has increased of many low-income residents in Detroit and elsewhere being unable to pay their electric bills, while authorities are advising everyone to stay as close to home as possible to avoid increasing transmission of the virus.

"In the face of this global coronavirus pandemic, we are on high alert to help those customers whose lives are being disrupted," DTE said in a news release.

"As a result, we are suspending shutoffs for non-payment for those customers who are low-income eligible, effective immediately through April 5, 2020."

Consumers also issued a news release.

"Recognizing that many of our customers are in a position where they are unable to work, we are suspending shutoffs (for non-payment) for low-income and senior customers beginning March 16, 2020, through April 5, 2020," the company said.

DTE has more than 3 million customers in Michigan.

The company said its "No.1 priority is the health and safety of our employees and customers," and "we have well-established processes that provide financial assistance to hundreds of thousands of customers who, at times, need help to ensure their energy delivery is uninterrupted."

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Where to call for help

DTE customers impacted by COVID-19 — those with a sudden loss of income or medical condition — as well as vulnerable seniors are encouraged to call 800-477-4747 to determine eligibility for payment assistance, the company said.

Consumers, which provides natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million Michigan residents, believes it has "a responsibility to help slow the spread of this illness," the company said in its news release.

"Senior citizens and qualified low-income customers already enrolled in our Winter Protection Program have already had their end dates extended through May 3, 2020, without any additional actions required on their part," Consumers said.

"This ensures our most vulnerable customers have the services they need during this state of emergency. All shutoff notices will be withheld to prevent any additional stress for these customers."

Consumers said its affected customers can call 800-477-5050.

Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @paulegan4. Read more on Michigan politics and sign up for our elections newsletter.