UTILITY SHUTOFFS

An open letter to Customers, Community Partners, Local Officials and Friends

Dear Friends,

DTE Energy / MichCon has a long history of working with customers to resolve customer payment concerns in an effort to avoid shutoffs. As you can imagine, current economic conditions have made the effort even more difficult as the scope and scale of those in need rises exponentially. Additionally, the continued upward price pressure on natural gas has not helped. As a result, the amount owed by customers with payment problems has escalated to historic levels. With each passing month, tens of thousands of our customers are falling further and further behind in their utility bills.

Consequently, DTE Energy is forced to manage this issue far more aggressively than it has in recent years. This will undoubtedly result in shutoffs for customers who have not been able to otherwise resolve their past due balances. While we plan to implement shutoffs on a schedule consistent with industry norms and Michigan Public Service Commission guidelines, we plan to continue to proactively offer customers opportunities and support in reconciling their bills. We will continue to actively enroll, and provide shut-off protection to seniors and qualifying low-income customers who remain enrolled in the winter protection plan. (Winter Protection Plan: http://my.dteenergy.com/paymentOptions/assistance.html )

We're making every effort to reach out to our customers to make them aware of the programs and services available to help them avoid shutoff. We're immediately taking the following steps:

· We are reaching out to community groups, elected officials, community leaders and, most importantly, customers, to help spread the word about this effort and direct them to sources of help.
· We are giving customers who have defaulted on previous payment agreements, a last chance to re-enroll in a payment plan.

In spite of these steps, we recognize that these are difficult times for our customers and that our collection efforts may result in further hardships. If you encounter one of our customers, a client or constituent of yours, or perhaps a friend or family member that finds themselves in need - please direct them immediately to the link above, or to our customer service line: 800-477-4747, where they can access information on a program or service that may help them avoid a utility shut-off.

Thank you for your understanding and assistance. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.

Sincerely, Steve Rawlings

Office: (231) 932-2841
E-Mail: Rawlingss@dteenergy.com