As Michigan continues to swelter under a record-breaking heat dome, DTE Energy is stepping in to offer relief for residents struggling to stay cool and safe. The utility company announced this week an $800,000 donation to the United Way for Southeastern Michigan to help thousands of low-income residents, seniors, and people with disabilities cover rising energy costs.
The funding comes at a critical time. According to United Way, demand for energy assistance has jumped by 72 percent from last year, driven in large part by extreme summer temperatures and increased pressure on household budgets.
“This donation will help us support Michiganders accessing the help they need to pay their energy bills,” said Jeff Miles, vice president of Community Impact at United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “While MEAP recently expanded assistance amounts and eligibility requirements, this donation helps address current gaps and keep families enrolled now.”
The Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) was recently expanded by the state legislature, increasing funding and widening eligibility for low-income families. That expansion goes into effect on October 1. But with summer in full swing, thousands of residents need help now. DTE’s donation aims to bridge that gap.
Evette Griffie, vice president of Customer and Community Engagement at DTE, said the company’s decades-long partnership with United Way has become even more crucial as Michigan faces new climate realities.
“This donation isn’t just about meeting the needs of today,” said Griffie. “It connects families to the right programs that can prevent these crises in the future.”
Last year alone, more than 5,000 residents across the state were enrolled in DTE’s Low-Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP), a program that offers affordable payment plans and energy education to help customers avoid shutoffs. With the added pressure of this summer’s heat and rising utility bills, DTE expects to support more than 6,400 customers this program year through its new donation.
The financial support will go directly to customers who are already enrolled in energy assistance programs, many of whom are elderly, disabled, underemployed, or facing other financial hardships.
“DTE’s strong partnership with United Way of more than 40 years continues to be a lifeline for Michigan families – especially in the summer, when rising temperatures can lead to unexpected energy costs,” Griffie added.
The United Way will use the donation to continue providing immediate assistance while preparing to deploy additional state resources in the fall.
“We’re grateful for this critical support from our partners at DTE, which will allow us to help families not just get through tough times, but stay on solid ground,” said Miles.
Over the past five years, DTE says it has helped connect customers to more than $660 million in energy assistance, working with federal, state, and nonprofit partners to make support more accessible. The utility also played a key role in advocating for the new legislation signed into law last year, which expands energy assistance funding and eases eligibility requirements for struggling households.
“DTE works every day to connect customers to energy assistance – we are doing everything in our power to ensure customers are never without the energy they need,” Griffie said. “Our work doesn’t end here. We will continue to advocate for the most vulnerable so they can receive the support and resources they deserve.”
Residents who are struggling to pay their energy bills or want to learn more about eligibility for assistance can visit unitedwaysem.org/utility-assistance or dteenergy.com/help.
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