Detroit DTE Energy Bill Help 2026–27: Winter Protection, the LSP Payment Plan and Where the Money Comes From
DTE has more assistance programs than most utilities, which is good news and also the problem: a household behind on its bill in October is choosing among protection plans, payment plans, state emergency relief, charity funds and tax credits that each have different income limits, and a couple of them don't mix. This guide sorts them by situation so you can pick the right door.
All income limits below come from DTE's 2026–2027 Payment Assistance Programs brochure.
Last checked October 2026. Program rules and funding change. Confirm with DTE at 800-477-4747 or the agency before you rely on a limit or date.
If You Have a Shutoff Notice Right Now
Do these in order:
Call DTE at 800-477-4747. DTE's help page says to call if you're behind so you can avoid disconnection and set up a payment plan that fits your budget. Ask what the exact disconnect date is.
Apply for State Emergency Relief (SER) through MDHHS at newmibridges.michigan.gov, or call 2-1-1 for help applying. DTE's brochure says SER gives immediate help with a past-due bill or disconnect notice for households at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (for example, monthly income of $1,995 for one person or $4,125 for a family of four).
Call The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) at 800-866-THAW (8429) or St. Vincent de Paul Detroit at 313-393-2930. Both appear on DTE's agency list.
If someone in the home has a medical emergency, ask about a medical hold (details below) the same day.
The Protection Plans: Stop the Shutoff While You Catch Up
Winter Protection Plan (Nov. 1 – March 31)
Who: income-qualified customers (DTE's brochure lists it under the 150% of poverty guideline) and seniors 65 and older regardless of income. DTE notes that customers who were 62 before October 31, 2023 remain eligible.
What it does: prevents disconnection during the heating season, November 1 through March 31.
What you pay: income-qualified customers must pay at least 7% of their estimated annual bill each month during the protection period to stay on the plan.
Seniors: no specific payment is required during the heating season, and DTE says seniors whose service was disconnected for nonpayment before applying will be reconnected without any payment. DTE still encourages seniors to pay something monthly to avoid a big balance in spring.
The catch: DTE says that if you enroll in WPP, you can't apply for State Emergency Relief while you're enrolled. If you have a large past-due balance, talk to an agency or MDHHS about whether to use SER first.
Shutoff Protection Plan (Year-Round)
Who: households at or below 200% of poverty (monthly income of $2,660 for one person, $5,500 for four), and seniors 65 and older.
What it does: year-round protection from disconnection as long as you make your monthly payments. You'll need a down payment to enroll. Details at dteenergy.com/spp.
Medical Emergency and Critical Care
Medical emergency: if a physician or public health official confirms a medical emergency in your household, you can apply for shutoff protection for up to 21 days. You must submit DTE's signed Medical Certification Form.
Critical care: if someone needs home medical equipment or life support, submit the Medical Certification Form from a physician or medical facility identifying the equipment.
Submit the form through DTE's Document Submission Portal or email medicalhold@dteenergy.com. Fill out the form in English to avoid delays.
Active Military Protection
If you or your spouse is the customer of record and is called to full-time active duty during a national or state emergency or war, you can apply for shutoff protection for up to 90 days, and reapply for extensions.
Double-Notice Protection
You can ask DTE to send a copy of any disconnect notice to a consenting friend, relative or agency. This is worth doing for older parents.
The Payment Plans: Get the Balance Down
Payment Agreement
DTE's standard installment plan for a past-due balance. It includes a down payment and monthly installments that cover current energy charges and non-energy charges. Call 800-477-4747.
Low-Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP)
This is the most powerful program for a household with a big balance and low income.
How long: 24 months.
Your payment: set based on your income and average energy use, reviewed every six months.
Past-due forgiveness: DTE says your past-due balance at enrollment, up to $3,000, is forgiven in steps: up to $600 at enrollment, up to $600 more after one year, and up to $1,800 when you finish the program.
Income limit: DTE's brochure groups LSP with programs at or below 60% of state median income (for example, $3,114 a month for one person, $5,989 for a family of four).
When to apply: enrollment opens each October 1, and DTE says space is limited, so apply through a partner agency as early in the program year as you can.
How to apply: through a DTE partner agency, not directly with DTE. Start with 2-1-1, THAW or the agency list on dteenergy.com/lsp.
Rules that trip people up: missed payments can get you removed for the rest of the program year. Non-energy charges, like a Home Protection Plan, are billed on top of your LSP payment. At the 24-month review, if you used more energy than estimated in the final year, you must pay for it to complete the program.
You don't have to be the account holder to enroll, and LSP can transfer to a new address within 30 days if your payments are current. Questions: DTE Energy Advocacy Group, 800-582-8459, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Money: Who Pays Toward the Bill
State Emergency Relief (SER)
Run by MDHHS for households at or below 150% of poverty. Covers past-due bills, disconnect notices and some home repairs. Apply at newmibridges.michigan.gov or call 2-1-1.
Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
DTE's brochure says that if you're eligible for SER, you may be eligible for additional energy assistance through MEAP partners, which also offer budgeting and self-sufficiency help. See michigan.gov/energyassistance.
Charity and Agency Funds
DTE's 2026–27 brochure lists these agencies for Southeast Michigan (some may require a down payment, and some serve households at higher incomes):
United Way for Southeastern Michigan: dial 2-1-1
The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW): 800-866-8429, thawfund.org
Salvation Army: 248-443-5500
St. Vincent de Paul Detroit: 313-393-2930
The Accounting Aid Society (Southeast Michigan): 866-673-0873
Michigan Community Action: micommunityaction.org
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund
Temporary help for eligible veterans, which can include energy bills. Call 800-642-4838 or visit michigan.gov/MVTF.
Lower the Bill Going Forward
Residential Income Assistance Credit (RIA): a monthly credit equal to your DTE electric service charge and/or gas customer charge for income-qualified customers (listed under the 150% guideline). Ask DTE about it.
Home Heating Credit: a state credit for households at or below 110% of poverty for the 2026 tax year ($17,556 a year for one person, $36,300 for four). File between mid-January and September 30, 2027. LSP customers can still file.
Weatherization Assistance Program: free home energy improvements for households at or below 200% of poverty. See michigan.gov/weatherization.
Which Path Fits You?
Senior, any income: Winter Protection Plan now; consider the Shutoff Protection Plan for year-round coverage.
Low income with a large balance: LSP through a partner agency as soon as possible after October 1, plus SER if you have a shutoff notice.
Short-term setback, income above the limits: a DTE Payment Agreement, plus THAW or another agency that serves higher incomes.
Medical equipment at home: Critical Care certification, before you fall behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can DTE shut off my power in winter?
DTE can disconnect service, but customers on the Winter Protection Plan are protected from November 1 to March 31, and seniors 65+ qualify regardless of income. Income-qualified customers must pay at least 7% of their estimated annual bill each month to stay on it.
How much of my past-due balance can LSP forgive?
Up to $3,000: up to $600 at enrollment, up to $600 after one year, and up to $1,800 when you complete the 24 months.
Can I get SER if I'm on the Winter Protection Plan?
DTE says no. You can't apply for State Emergency Relief while enrolled in WPP.
How do I stop a shutoff for a medical reason?
Submit DTE's Medical Certification Form signed by a physician or public health official. A medical emergency hold lasts up to 21 days.
Where do I apply for LSP?
Through a DTE partner agency. Dial 2-1-1 or call THAW at 800-866-8429 to find one.
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