DTE Energy Predicts 7.5 Percent Customer Savings on Gas Bills this Winter

2028

DTE Energy natural gas customers can expect to save about $44 or 7.5 percent on their gas bills now through March 2019 compared to the same period last year.

The decrease is the result of reductions in the cost of natural gas and a usage-based tax credit reflecting the company’s federal tax savings from 2018. DTE Energy has an electric utility serving 2.2 million customers in southeast Michigan. Its natural gas utility serves about 1.3 million customers in the state and 700,000 in southeast Michigan.

“Customers are going to save this winter because DTE has been able to keep its cost for natural gas down through our buying strategy, and what we pay is what customers pay,” says Dan Brudzynski, vice president of gas sales and supply at DTE Energy in Detroit. “By purchasing gas throughout the year and storing it until now when customers need it, we’ve been able to take advantage of lower prices and lock those savings in.”

Under DTE’s plan, which was approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission, customers will see their share of DTE’s tax savings from the first half of 2018 returned as credits based on monthly usage in the first half of 2019.

“DTE is committed to returning 100 percent of its tax savings back to customers, and this credit will benefit customers by lowering their monthly bills when their gas usage is at its peak,” Brudzynski says.

The National Weather Service and DTE’s internal meteorologist are forecasting a slightly warmer winter than last year, and one that is closer to historic norms. This will also decrease bills.

DTE has launched a webpage at dteenergy.com/staywarm of energy efficiency tips and information on billing and winter safety. Information specific to business can be found at dteenergy.com/heatingseason. The company is also launching a statewide campaign in the fall and winter to teach customers to better manage their heating costs.