We all love a great deal. But when we come across a special offer, we have to do our research – whether it’s for a new phone or car, or even our energy.
Did you know Michigan allows you to choose who provides your natural gas, through the Gas Customer Choice program? While you have the right to choose your natural gas provider, there are some things you should consider before deciding which supplier to use.
Review your bill.
Your natural gas bill will show the Gas Cost Recovery charge, which is DTE’s cost for the natural gas you use. Note that DTE does not mark up this cost – the company simply charges what they paid for the gas. If you are served by an alternative gas supplier, your bill will show the name of the company providing your natural gas service and the price they are charging you.
Compare prices.
Visit the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC)’s comparison website at gaschoice.apps.lara.state.mi.us to see how DTE’s price compares to alternative suppliers. Some providers may offer variable rates, which can change month-to-month, and providers may also offer lower introductory rates that can increase after a specific period. DTE’s rates are regulated by the MPSC and cannot increase without its approval.
Lock in your supplier.
Some alternative gas suppliers go door-to-door asking if you would like to switch suppliers. This practice is permissible by the Gas Choice program but be on guard for “slamming” – when your natural gas supplier is changed without your permission. You can protect your account and “lock in” your supplier, whether it’s DTE or an alternative supplier, by calling 800.477.4747 and asking to “lock in” your choice to prevent “slamming.”
Know that DTE does not go door-to-door offering discounts or asking to review your bill. If you are unsure if the person at your door is a legitimate DTE employee, ask for identification. You can protect your personal information by not showing any of your previous bills or providing your account number. Providing your account number to an alternative gas supplier serves as consenting to switch natural gas supply, leaving you vulnerable to “slamming.”
Have questions? Go to dteenergy.com/gaschoice to learn more or call us at 1.800.477.4747 to “lock in” your supplier.
It’s also important to remember natural gas safety tips – especially as the weather continues to cool down. Follow these tips to stay safe this fall and winter:
- Install carbon monoxide detectors on a wall or ceiling near all sleeping areas in your home to detect the presence of carbon monoxide.
- It’s important to maintain a clear path to your gas meter all year to accommodate service visits, periodic safety inspections and emergency situations. Please trim overgrown vegetation and remove piles of leaves and debris that can hinder access and prevent the meter from venting. Please also keep you meter free of snow and ice by carefully removing accumulations by hand, brush or broom.
- If you ever smell rotten eggs or suspect a natural gas leak please leave the area immediately, call 911 and then call DTE’s dedicated natural gas leak hotline at 800.947.5000.
- Learn more at dteenergy.com/gassafety.
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