DTE Energy Will Give Automatic Credit To Those Affect By Power Outage

METRO DETROIT — DTE Energy customers who have been without power for more than 96 hours following Wednesday's historic ice storm will get an automatic $35 credit on their next utility bill.

More than 50,000 DTE customers in metro Detroit were still without power Tuesday morning, as most outages in the area approach one week.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel pushed the utility company, along with Consumers Energy on Monday to issue the credits.

Although Nessel noted the effects of the historic ice storm, she argued winter weather is an "expected occurrence in Michigan," and Michiganders "deserve a grid they can rely on."

"Despite asking for record increases time and time again, our utilities have failed to adequately invest in their own infrastructure or prepare for these storm events, choosing instead to leave ratepayers in the dark," Nessel said. "Our current service quality standards are not sufficient, and it is incumbent on the utilities to right this wrong."

Nessel's request comes a day after Michigan House Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash, D-Hamtramck, pushed for committee hearings over the two utility companies inability to keep the lights on during inclement weather.

Those wishing to contact DTE Energy or Consumers Energy to request a refund should call DTE at (800) 477-4747 or Consumers at (800) 477-5050.