DTE Energy joined with 120 human service agencies, religious organizations and businesses, known as the “Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm,” to celebrate new laws that will expand energy assistance to more Michiganders. DTE and other members of the coalition, were joined by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, legislators, and community leaders to celebrate the bipartisan collaboration that was necessary to successfully break down barriers and secure this vital funding for Michiganders in need.
The new laws will double Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) funding from $50 million to $100 million over five years, increase eligibility threshold from 150% to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, ensure funds are allocated to low-income customers in areas where generated, and implement a $2 per meter surcharge adjustable for inflation.
The expansion will benefit approximately 330,000 Michigan families, helping them maintain comfortable temperatures year-round.
“I am so proud that Republicans and Democrats came together to expand energy assistance for 330,000 Michigan families, helping them stay warm in the winter and cool through the summer,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Michiganders are still facing high costs, and we need to work together to keep finding commonsense ways to save them money. By expanding MEAP eligibility and making it even easier to sign up, we are making sure that no one has to put on an extra sweater just to eat dinner and kids can come home after a long, hot day playing outside and cool off. Everyone deserves to live in a safe, comfortable, and affordable home, and I am grateful that we came together to lower costs and get this done.”
DTE Chairman Jerry Norcia emphasized the company’s commitment to providing cleaner, reliable energy while keeping bills below the national average. The new legislation will take effect on October 1, 2025.
“While DTE is focused on making transformational investments to provide our customers with cleaner, more reliable energy, we’re also committed to keeping bills as low as possible. Despite these investments, we’re proud to have kept residential customer bills below the national average and bill increases below the rate of inflation – every bit of savings counts for our customers,” said Norcia said. “We’re so grateful for the passion brought by The Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm, legislators and community leaders who stood together to knock down barriers and better meet the changing needs of our most vulnerable customers.”
Rev. Wendell Anthony, president of the NAACP Detroit Chapter, was on hand as a member of the coalition helping fight to increase the state’s funding.
“It’s very unusual for us to be standing with corporate leaders. But Jerry Norcia is a different kind of corporate leader. DTE not only has heat, but they have a heart, and that is for the benefit of the community. As a pastor I see a lot of people who come in with bills and issues that they cannot handle. It’s often a question between eating and heating,” Rev. Anthony said. “So I’m very glad that the governor doubled this and has even indicated that an additional $25 million can go towards this effort. There are a lot of ways in which people can reduce the cost of energy. And I’m glad the DTE is taking a lead, and perhaps there’ll be other companies and corporation that will take leads as well to give people some relief in this very critical time.”
Rev. Anthony continued: “I’m glad that we have a governor that is sensitive to the needs of the community and a corporation that is not only concerned about profit, but people we know the bottom line is the bottom line. But we’re on the line, too – the lives of people. So, on behalf of folk in the community, thanks DTE.”
At the end of last year, the Michigan legislature, with a bipartisan vote, passed four pieces of legislation to expand the funding available for low-income Michiganders under the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), as well as expanded the eligibility criteria for the program.
The four bills recently signed into law by Governor Whitmer will:
- Double MEAP funding from $50 million today to $100 million over the next five years, allowing the funds to serve twice as many customers.
- Increase the eligibility of MEAP funds so that any Michigander at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level would be eligible. Today, that threshold is 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- MEAP funds will be allocated to low-income customers who reside in the geographic area where the funds are generated.
- Create sustainability as the surcharge that funds MEAP will be capped at $2 per meter but can be adjusted by the Michigan Public Service Commission, based on inflation.
During the event, remarks were provided by Whitmer, Norcia, United Way for Southeastern Michigan CEO Dr. Darienne Hudson, and President of the Council of Baptist Pastors Reverend Richard White III of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church.
“I’m thankful for the Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm and our government partners who worked tirelessly to advocate for the passage of these bills, which will help so many families across our state,” said Dr. Hudson. “This MEAP expansion will ensure more households living below the ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) threshold can access critical utility assistance in a time of need. United Way is committed to helping families move from crisis to stability, and from stability to prosperity, and we’re thrilled to celebrate this additional pathway of support.”
“I’m proud to have partnered with nonprofit leaders, religious organizations and businesses to form the Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm that fought for those in my community, making sure their needs were heard,” said Rev. White. “I’m thrilled to celebrate the passage of the energy assistance expansion bills alongside these advocates and to know that more funding will be available to even more Michiganders.”
These bills will go into effect on October 1, 2025, at the beginning of the State’s fiscal year.
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