DTE Energy gifts $6 million to local outreach agencies to assist customers with heat, lights and financial stability during the frigid holiday season across Michigan

DETROIT, Dec. 22, 2016

"We understand the challenges some of our customers face, especially during extreme weather, and we are committed to providing assistance to help lighten the load, especially during the holidays," said Mark W. Stiers, president and chief operating officer of DTE Gas, DTE Energy. "This $6 million donation will allow our agency partners to help many of our customers keep the heat and lights on during the upcoming holiday season and through the New Year."

The donations will be administered by The Heat and Warmth Fund and the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, and will provide relief to elderly, unemployed, underemployed and disabled DTE customers across Michigan who are struggling to pay their energy bills. The Accounting Aid Society will also receive a donation to help them provide financial counseling and tax preparation services to middle- to low-income households.

"With this new $3 million donation and DTE's continued commitment to delivering safe, reliable energy to families in need, THAW is even more empowered to help families stay safe and warm this winter," said Saunteel Jenkins, chief executive officer, THAW. "Michigan winters can be frigid, and at THAW, our goal is to assist as many residents as possible with basic human needs like heat and electricity."

This $6 million donation follows a $5 million donation that DTE made to THAW and the United Way for Southeastern Michigan earlier this year.

"This significant DTE contribution, on top of the $2.5 million donated earlier this year, allows United Way to widen its Basic Needs safety net to serve even more families and ensure that they are warm throughout the winter," said Herman Gray, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. "We are very grateful to DTE for their longstanding partnership that enhances our collective commitments to residents throughout Southeast Michigan."