Ann Arbor-area residents struggling with energy bills can get in-person help at a free DTE Energy resource fair Monday, Oct. 5, at Washtenaw Community College.
The event runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at WCC's Morris Lawrence Building, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. DTE team members will help customers apply for energy assistance, review payment options and find ways to lower monthly bills, according to a City of Ypsilanti public notice about the event.
The fair is part of DTE's "Month of Warmth," a series of four resource fairs across southeast Michigan this October, according to a DTE press release. Thursday, Oct. 1, marked the start of a new funding year for state energy assistance programs, including the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) and State Emergency Relief (SER). That means income-eligible customers can now apply for newly available help.
Last year, DTE helped customers access nearly $125 million in energy assistance across southeast Michigan.
"No one should have to choose between staying warm and paying for other basic needs," Evette Hollins, DTE's vice president and chief customer officer, said in the Oct. 1 press release. "Month of Warmth is about bringing help directly into communities so customers can sit down with someone, ask questions and get connected to support before winter."
Several Washtenaw County organizations will staff tables at the fair. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development, SOS Community Services, Food Gatherers and A Brighter Way are all confirmed partners. Additional organizations will also attend, though DTE has not released a full list.
SOS Community Services, based in Ypsilanti, focuses on homeless families with children and serves more than 7,000 people a year. Food Gatherers, the county's lead hunger-relief agency, distributed 10.3 million pounds of food in its last fiscal year. A Brighter Way, also Ypsilanti-based, provides mentoring and reentry support for people rebuilding after incarceration.
Free food will be available. The event is free and open to DTE customers seeking help with energy bills, payment options or ways to lower future bills.
Residents who cannot attend the Oct. 5 fair can visit dteenergy.com/help or call 2-1-1 to connect with a local energy assistance agency. Questions about the event can be directed to [email protected].
Upcoming community events
- Monday, Oct. 5: DTE Customer Resource Fair, 3–6 p.m., Morris Lawrence Building, Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Dr., Ann Arbor. Free.
