DETROIT – No one ever wants to be in a situation where a utility company shuts off the power. However, far too many people do end up in a crisis situation, and end up struggling to pay the bill.
A Metro-Detroit woman recently called Help Me Hank about her shutoff situation. The consumer unit would learn she misunderstood the rules of one assistance program, and that left her home in the dark.
She wanted to share her story to warn others, while maintaining some level of privacy. To honor her wishes, we are not sharing her name, but the challenges she faces are faced by many other Metro-Detroiters.
Struggling with bad health, bill payments
The woman who called Help Me Hank claims she ended up in the hospital because she lost power. She tells us she suffers from a host of health issues, including C.O.P.D. Like many people with serious health issues, she needs electricity to cope with her illness.
"It's very important for me so I can use my breathing treatments," she told Help Me Hank. "I had to go to the hospital. I couldn't breathe."
While her power shutoff was hazardous to her health, it was also hazardous to her pocketbook, "I had to throw everything out of my refrigerator. Everything," she said.
Her crisis ended when her church and other donors stepped up to pay off her electric bill. But, what's the best way to avoid shutoffs in any situation?
What's the key to avoiding shutoffs?
"It is probably the No. 1 most important thing for customers to remember," said Angie Pizzuti, Director of Revenue Management and Protection at DTE. "I really encourage customers to not wait, to reach out, let us know when you're having issues."
Pizzuti said reaching out for help should happen well before you miss a payment. At that point, there's a chance you can make arrangements to keep your payments from falling behind.
"We're able to put them on great affordable payment programs and negotiate great terms with them that they can afford," Pizutti said.
DTE is just one of the big utilities in Metro-Detroit, but each company has budget plans that might help you manage your finances. Pizutti said DTE has budget plans to make your bills more affordable all year long. They also have shutoff protection plans and programs for those with low-income.
Whatever program you join, make sure you understand all the fine print. The customer who shared her story with Help Me Hank says she misunderstood the medical emergency exception.
"My understanding was that as long as there's a letter on file they could never turn my power off," she told Help Me Hank.
That is not the case.
"These are for emergency situations. This isn't a long-term thing," Pizzuti said.
The medical emergency exemption only gives you about 21 extra days to make your payment, requires a doctor's documentation, and does not protect you from shutoff forever.
In summary, to avoid shutoffs, take these steps.
- Ask your utility for guidance as soon as you realize you might have trouble paying your bill. Never wait until you've already missed a payment.
- Make sure you understand any programs you enter to help your finances. Ask plenty of questions and understand all the fine print.
- Be sure to make the new monthly payment that you're able to negotiate.
DTE Energy payment information
Consumers Energy payment information