DETROIT, Nov. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy is hosting its third annual Customer Assistance Day at Cobo Hall, to help as many as 5,000 customers struggling to pay their utility bills.

From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., customers who are having difficulty paying their bills will be assisted by DTE Energy customer service representatives and other human service agency representatives to review their cases and determine appropriate solutions.

DTE Energy and The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) are working together – more than 400 volunteers from DTE Energy, THAW and other agencies will be at Cobo – to highlight how cuts in government funding for home energy assistance programs could negatively impact Michigan residents. Every dollar raised during the campaign will be distributed to customers who are struggling to pay their energy bills and maintain their service.

More than $1 million in energy assistance is expected to be distributed to low income families today. But, a great need still remains, since state and federal energy assistance funds are expected to be significantly reduced this heating season.

"We have thousands of customers in arrears – it's a sign of the times," said Joyce Hayes-Giles, DTE Energy assistant to the chairman and senior vice president of customer service. "We want to reach out to them before the heating season, before their bills get too big. The bottom line is we don't want any of our customers shut-off."

Customers must bring the following documents in order to receive help: their last DTE Energy bill, photo identification, proof of income and Social Security Number. Eligible, low income customers will be referred to agencies like DHS and THAW for energy assistance.

DTE Energy's Customer Assistance Day is the culmination of its Week of Warmth campaign, which was designed to raise awareness of the growing concern of vulnerable families heading into the winter months.

The events included the Neighborhood Energy Efficiency Day, the Night of Warm Hearts VIP reception and fundraising affair, the Warmth with Wings collaboration with the Detroit Red Wings and the Hallelujah for Heat Gospel Concert featuring Vickie Winans and Deitrick Haddon.

To donate, people can use their mobile phones and text the word THAW to 50555 to make a $10 donation, or they can log on to [ www.thawfund.org ].

About DTE Energy

DTE Energy (NYSE: [ DTE ]) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include Detroit Edison, an electric utility serving 2.1 million customers in Southeastern Michigan; MichCon, a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan; and other non-utility energy businesses focused on gas storage and pipelines, unconventional gas production, power and industrial projects, and energy trading.

About The Heat and Warmth Fund

The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) is a Detroit-based leading provider of utility assistance for Michigan residents in need. THAW is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) agency that provides low-to-moderate income individuals and families throughout Michigan with emergency energy financial assistance. Since 1985, THAW has distributed more than $102 million in assistance to over 150,000 Michigan households.

SOURCE DTE Energy

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DTE Energy Helps Customers in Need by Distributing More than $1 Million in Energy Assistance at Cobo Hall

DTE Energy Helps Customers in Need by Distributing More than $1 Million in Energy Assistance at Cobo Hall