DTE Energy Reviews

One time I called to ask why we have power off without notice: First customer service said payment due. Second, said information needed (this account been 2 years open). Third, said deposit needed. The last one, ask us to come to the office yet when went there they do not know what to do and why they ask us to come. I suggest DTE to ask deposit from everyone in the same day to open an account, but they do not agree. They ended to shut off the account with no reasons. As you can see, DTE have to improve their service.

3 weeks later the line crew came out. They drove into my backyard and destroyed my yard and pathway. Cracked concrete and nearly foot deep ruts from the truck. They could reach the pole from the apt complex parking but drove into my yard instead. Then when you complain they send a form and do nothing about it. You see NO ONE makes DTE do the right thing. No one seems to be watching these people.

Then I asked for a new construction start. They said a crew would call in 3 days. 3 weeks later no calls, no service. If you call the number they give you it is only a VM. I have left VM every day. NO CALLBACKS. Then they wake me up this morning, to ask about a $26 last bill on another address. This other address was turned off 2 weeks ago. Are you kidding me? The bill hasn't even been sent yet and they call on that but can't help when you need new service. In my opinion, this company is a corrupt disgusting example of what is wrong with utility monopolies in America. They are bullies that talk down to you on the phone like you're the idiot. If you could just understand that DTE is never wrong then you will get along with them well.

I want all my late fees refunded since I paid more than they told me to one year ago, still unresolved. I want them to correctly report this billing to the credit bureaus. They repeatedly report I'm late when I paid over what was owed. I want DTE to properly and immediately install my new service. I know in my heart none of these will happen.

DTE has only one office in Michigan consumers can interact in person with them over problems. I have 4 addresses with them, and they call on 26 bucks. I am considering moving my construction business out of DTE area so I can function properly with my utility company. That is what a huge obstruction these fools are to my business. If you can use any other company do yourself a favor and don't even think of these guys. I now ask what electric company before buying properties. I believe this terrible care is not a mistake, I think this company is corrupt. I believe they make millions ripping off customers. Just think how much they get off incorrect fees they refuse to discuss or repair fairly.

If I would have known that I was going to be charged the absolute full amount from month-to-month for my previous home, I would have altered my lifestyle to have the ability to pay this bill. The representative that I talked to kept repeating the same thing over and over again... I know this technique well as I was a long-time elementary school teacher... This is what you use with small children who do not hear you or respond in the way you want them to. You keep repeating the same thing over and over until 'submission' sets in. DTE did this same thing to us about 8 years ago when we initially moved into our home when they installed a new meter and sent us a bill for their own error in previous billing to the previous owner of the home. We owed over $700 this is a total monopoly. I feel 'kicked' when I was down.

Normally with utilities I'd end up without service during a situation like this, because I make 'too much money' to 'qualify' for an extension. I never have to wait to speak with somebody, the reps are truly helpful and always extremely kind. I've never been without electricity and I know if I were dealing with any other company I'd likely be SOL. Oh, and I've never had any problems with my bill amount, like some others seem to. I just wanted to say that If you're reading these reviews, keep in mind that most people only write reviews to complain, so the nature of these reviews in my opinion, is biased. DTE is the only utility provider I have only good things to say about. They're great.

I have had 3 electricians come out to look at the electrical in my house. The first 2 said they couldn't find anything wrong. The 3rd electrician said it may be a ground runoff from before I moved in and explained that it is a live wire somewhere just sucking energy. He instructed me to keep a few selected fuses off and insured me my bill would go down. It didn't. To make matters worse I was laid off from my job where I worked as a Graphic Designer in January of 2015. So over the year they put me on various payment plans that I could not afford. The last plan I defaulted on, I paid $980 down and they wanted $576 a month. I paid the downpayment but could not afford to make the big monthly payments.

They cancelled my payment plan and turned off my power. It's been 3 weeks of having no power and running a generator and staying at my family members' houses. Now that I work I am unable to get any help from DHS or THAW. I have a job but I do not have the almost $4,000 they want to get my power back on. The best DTE says they can do is $2,000 down and $400 a month. I do not have the $2,000.

I have no idea what to do. I do not have anyone that can lend me the money and If I pay it then I would not be able to pay my mortgage payment or any of my other bills. I am a hardworking single woman with a college education but DTE is treating me like I do not matter and that none of this is their problem, even though I have paid my bill every month for years and years. The fact that there are no other electricity companies in Harrison Twp, I have no choice but to go without power until I can figure out a solution. Does anyone have any suggestions? I already filed a complaint with the company and guess what? They do not care!

(5) The website - the bill history of DTE's website is not trustworthy. I do not recognize some of the billings and payments under my account - it looks like other people's accounts are under my history. I have a total lack of trust of DTE's website. (6) The lack of competition - I do not have a choice to switch to a supplier that offers essential heat and lights at a reasonable price - DTE acts as an unscrupulous monopoly. My tenants are paying for utilities that are more than the monthly rent. DTE price gauges. DTE should not be allowed to continue as a monopoly; as a supplier of essential services (heat and electricity) they do not act responsibly. They act as predators and bullies to those who are in most need of their services (the poor and infirm).

DTE claims that I have used 1344kw! For the past 5 years we have been consistent at around 400-600kw. Nothing new has happened where we are using more electricity. In fact we had a septic failure this last month, so I have been doing wash at the laundromat and I haven't owned a dryer since moving into this house. I never leave lights on, or anything running that isn't being used.

So after having a small heart attack at my over $200 bill, I called DTE. The lady I talked to didn't have anything helpful to say as to why its so high. She did set up to have someone come out and check that the meter is "working properly" on Monday 4/25. This gives me no peace of mind. They'll come out, look at it, tell me it's fine then I'm still stuck with this outrageous bill, that if I don't pay I'll have my power shut off.

About the only thing I have as "proof" is all my bills since living at this house which clearly shows a pattern of usage. So I blame these stupid "smart meters" which I have read many other people having huge bill increases since having them put on. I want my old meter back! But I think it's BS that I have to pay over $60 for them to put it back on...since it only takes a minute (!) and that I then will have to pay almost $10 extra because I have an old meter. I hate DTE, but higher ups have made it so there is no competitor so we are all stuck with these thieves!

I went to my doctor because all of this had me feeling ill. My doctor gave me a letter to give to DTE because I need power for my medical condition. They told me it will still be 48 to 24 hours before they let me know what they were going to do. They make a mistake and cut off my power and treat me like it's my fault. How can they get away with this kind of treatment of people? I pay my bills but it doesn't matter because if they make a mistake you still suffer for it. This is not the first time going through this with DTE.

Now, we are not the first people to own this home and it has had geothermal installed for years. I have called several times but nobody gives a crap. Not sure how I am supposed to be able to cover a bill like this. I can understand paying a higher bill if there was something overlooked, but in no way should we be responsible for something that was their mistake. I can't seem to get any sort of help on this and can't afford a lawyer, so I really have no idea what to do from here. It just disgusts me that a business can get away with stuff like this. Screw you DTE, everyone hates you guys as a company but unfortunately have no other options.

DTE would not return our calls and the rep you talk with keeps repeating the same thing, "YOUR ACCOUNT IS PAID," and I said "you are right but it was paid twice because of DTE's mistake and I want 1 payment back or apply it to my account." I then went back to my bank telling them I still have got anything back but now have another bill they sent me. My bank went further and finally I have money applied to my account but the only reason I found that out is because I stayed on the phone again to DTE only to have the first rep I spoke with to repeat what all the others have said. I asked to speak with someone else so transferring me to Lauren FINALLY I was told by her that the money has been credited to my account. Would not have known this if I had not called, set on the phone for 1 and 1/2 hrs again.

Thank you Comerica Bank for fixing this for me. And to DTE you need to help your customers especially when it is your mistake. Furthermore your employees need to know their job (they do not - they only know what is written down in front of them). And this goes for you supervisors as well. Your supervisor Crystal would not even return our calls. Shame on you DTE. Very poor business ethics. Very unhappy customer. PS. I have done business with you 48 yrs and never missed a payment nor been late with one.

Power on around 2PM. Examined broken crosstie. Saw no tree or branch, appeared rotten. Examined road near outage. Poor tree trimming. Why do I have all this documented? Because this has been going on since at least 2012. I have written to the Michigan Public Service Commission. I have received at least three different $25 credits for unreliable service due to frequent outages. I have spoken to Kellen in quality, many times. No satisfaction.

My own health and the health of many others has taken a terrible nosedive since DTE installed smart electric meters. DTE doesn't care how ill you are--heart palpitations, insomnia, breathing difficulties, ringing ears, etc. They tell you you can get the radio-transmitter in the meter turned off. It doesn't help. Your ears still ring, you still can't sleep, etc. WHY CAN'T I KEEP MY OLD ANALOG METER?!! It costs DTE NOTHING to leave it there! This company is the most uncaring company on the planet!

The other day, I called about Home Protection Plus. They will not give you any useful info over the phone, and they will not send you any literature regarding the contract you are thinking of making with them. They tell you, "It's not a contract. It's a service." Baloney! After reading the reviews here, it is very clear that DTE does NOT back up their service, and lies about what the contract covers. Get involved! Writing these reviews really helps. Get involved with the consumer group, Smart Meter Education Network. There is power in numbers!

Here's what they say verbatim -No additional charge for covered labor and parts, No trip charges, service fees or deductibles. That's a huge lie! There is a $75 service call and they only cover a certain amount. If your furnace dies they give you $700 toward a new one- not sure if the deductible is included but lets face it, a new furnace is between $3000-$6000 installed. They basically don't cover what they say and I expect a Class Action Suit will be in the works sometime soon once they piss off enough people. I'm disappointed really and I'm sure they have that reputation changer company taking care of their negative press so they don't lose there silver star status. How do people like that actually live with the fact they know they are misleading people who can barely afford their outrageous charges as it is? I'm disgusted!

So we call the supervisor, tells me just cause you made a payment arrangement It doesn't stop a shut off. Really? then why make my wife spend half a day talking to them to have them shut me off and tell me the only way is to pay this ungodly amount of money. Really? Then why make arrangement. It makes no sense. Unreal I have cancer and to do this to me and my family is called strong arming and I know there's laws against this and I know for a fact I ain't the only person, they did this too on my street. If you need any more info please feel free to contact me thank you.

When the service repairman from St Clair Shores drove to Romulus and showed up at 12:00, I mentioned the only problem I had had in the past was that the heat exchanger had been on recall and was replaced entirely by Coleman-Evcon including the cost of the repairman. This guy was in here no longer than 15 minutes. Said the fan was tight, but he felt around and said there were two cracks in heat exchange. He dropped the bill on the table and said for $1300 he would put in the new heat exchange--no mention of fan--which turned out to be motor. Called my old guy who of course is mad because someone else came.

Finally got a repairman who spent approximately an hour going over the entire inside of the heat exchange with a FLASHLIGHT and mirror, checked for carbon monoxide with his meter and said he found no cracks and it looked brand new. The DGAT Program would have replaced it as they did before, so I called them to say it wasn't necessary. Sure enough, the problem was the motor which was replaced and I paid $300 out of my pocket. Cancelled the Home Protection Plan. I was told that I could try to get my money back if I faxed the two bills to "Romeo" but if I was not in the program I probably would not get my money back. She tried to get me to re-enroll in the Core Program (for $14 a month it would cover the furnace and water heater).

Sure, I want to keep paying $14 a month for a furnace that they already refused to cover. I hate it when these kinds of people take advantage of their customers. Also, I noticed that during the 11 days that I had no furnace--the cost of my gas usage has not changed. This astounds me. It kind of tells me they are guesstimating rather than actually reading the meters. Totally a rip off. I advise one to save that $29 per month and keep it in a savings account.

Other web sites about DTE HPP had the same problem--some random HVAC guy will drive from anywhere, spend 10 minutes in your house (doesn't have to use anything more than a screwdriver--the guy they sent me used nothing more), write that your appliance has too many problems and you get the note "UNREPAIRABLE. Your money is gone. Whoever de-regulated these energy companies should be voted out of office. I see it as a scam between DTE and several HVAC companies who take your money and pay some nit-wit to take a joyride to your community. Word of advice to DTE--our park has NO SOLICITORS ALLOWED. Next time I will call the management and get them thrown out. The consequences are that I paid a small fortune for nothing.

Updated on 1/13/2016: I moved almost a year ago and this program says I'm not eligible because well THEY HAVE THE WRONG ADDRESS! The 5 supervisors I spoke to never fixed the issue, never called back like I was told. Ridiculous when a DTE rep is telling these people they're wrong! And to fix my address. Unprofessional rude and tired of the ghetto talk and being hung up on "by accident"!

I felt it was a scam but called and set an appointment. I have been moving the appointment date over the last few months but have not ignored or not had any contact with DTE. I feel it's my prerogative to decide when or if a stranger is in my house. Especially without a clear explanation. I'm a senior and my safety is my first concern. After changing the appointment date several times, I started receiving almost threatening letters from DTE saying I wasn't cooperating with them and they were going to interrupt service. I would call and it was always verified I had an appointment, the incompetent customer service rep would apologize and tell me to disregard the letter. This happened many times.

Then I got a letter saying my service was being disconnected on 11/3/15. Apparently, DTE feels everything in my house should use gas like it did 15 yrs ago when I moved in. I have changed to electric appliances but they think I'm stealing gas. The demand to come into my house and check everything (big brother) or they will shut my gas off at the street and charge me almost $800 to do this. Mind you, I have never been late on a bill. They have screwed my bills up for years never taking responsibility and I even over pay and most of the time have a credit for the next bill. DTE is the mafia. They need to have a federal investigation on their illegal activity.

What DTE and Davey had offered me - Davey had offered to cut down my Ponderosa Pine Trees (a value of at least $2000 each) and replace them with Emerald Arborvitaes (a value of $49.00 each), DTE refused to compensate me financially for my trees. I feel totally violated. A company can come on your property and damage it, replace it with something that is less than 3% of the original value and feel no obligation to reimburse financially. If seven trees out of the 30 could be trimmed around the electrical wires so could the other 23, they were all in a straight line.

I filed a “Damage Claim Form ” and was told by DTE I would receive reimbursement for my trees. DTE hired an Arborist and a manager from the DTE Vegetation Management accompanied her as she evaluated my trees. The very person who told me I would receive nothing prior to submitting the Damage Claim Form called me and offered me a little over $8000 for my trees. The next day, he offered to cut them down, replant, and give me $2500 for my trees. I found out yesterday from the Damage Claim Department that I will receive nothing. I asked her, "What was the purpose of hiring an Arborist?” The Damage Claims Supervisor was unaware an Arborist was hired by DTE. UNBELIEVABLE!! Davey is no longer communicating, they told me DTE will handle it. WOW! I would still like to resolve this. I have not hired an Attorney yet.

Last week we received a email bill stating that we had a balance of $176.08 for the month of July! Now we live in Michigan, and in July you would not be using the heat/gas. In our apartment the only thing that is hooked up to our gas is our heat. We have an electric stove, and electric hot water heater. So I was concerned as to why we were being charged for heat. I went back and looked at our previous bill statements for our DTE bills. And between the month of October and July we only used a total of .3 units. And now all of the sudden for some reason we are using 7.2 units of gas in July?

I called DTE and was trying to figure out what the issue is. The first representative that I spoke to wasn't very helpful. She just said that it wasn't an estimate reading, and that they actually came out and did the reading. She said that we must have left it on or something. WHY WOULD I HAVE MY HEATER ON IN JULY IN MICHIGAN when I barely had it on at all in the winter. I asked to speak to a supervisor and they directed me to a women that wouldn't even let me explain. And when I finally was able to get a few words out she said "yes I can see that on my computer, you don't need to tell me!" She said that there may be a leak or misread.

She said "someone couldn't get out there till Friday." It is currently Wednesday. I then began to worry that there was a leak. I asked her to send someone out today to look at it. She said that she can't. I said "what if it is a leak?" and she said "well can you smell gas?" I said "is that the only way to get someone out to resolve this issue?" She said yes. So I said, "yes I smell gas then!" She barely let me get a word out the entire time we were on the phone. She kept sighing like I was wasting her time. She also stated that I must have had the heat on and didn't know it. Which is crazy because I can't have both my heat and air on at the same time since it uses the same controller. A meter reader then came out and was with one of the maintenance workers for my apartment and they told the Office Manager at my complex that the reading they showed was at .08!

So my question is, why is DTE trying to say I used 7.2 units when in actuality I only used .08!!! Someone is trying to pull a fast one. It has now been 4 hours since they arrived and I still have not received a call from anyone from DTE about why we were wrongfully charged. Horrible customer service of all time! I wish there was another company that my complex would use instead of a company that is just a bunch of lying thieves that are unable to treat their customers with respect! I already contacted to local news department about the inexcusable bill and unprofessional customer service. BEWARE OF THE CHEATING AND LYING COMPANY THAT IS DTE.

I have contacted ** in their own customer service Supervisory department in hopes of resolving this. I have had the owner of home that I rented contact Ms.** to state that she owns the home and that she is the responsible party. I have called and left my number to try and resolve, I call faithfully every week to make certain that this issue is resolved without any assistance on the part of DTE. I am disgusted and outraged that it takes such lengths to straighten out what should be an extremely resolvable issue.

This is crazy. It's not fair and what pissed me off is what Ruth says that as a parent it's up to me to let my kid stay in this cold house! Don't she even think that's why I call customer service if they could help to get the power back on. That's the purpose why I call cause I have a son who's freezing. What was the purpose of having a customer service after hours if they can't help you! What happen if there's power outage? It's impossible that they cant even find someone who will do it. I don't care if they explain that the guy who do the power outage is different to the one who do residential meter. I even youtube how to do it! Oh my gosh this is not fair like we pay that much of money every month but the service that they provide is not right!

Another thing they do is prolong time on sending you your bill just to relax you so they can let the bill stack up and then they will send you a high bill, tell you you gotta pay it. You pay it then they stack your new current bill onto your owed balance, send you a shutoff and no regards how anyone feels. This company and the company workers need to be investigated. DTE is a crooked company for allowing people that work in customer care misuse clients. I cannot pay 909$, they will not assist me with the many thaw programs. So just to let everyone know, I live below poverty level and me and my little girls will be living in a dark and cold house. I sought help, they are brushing me off because I am their money source and I don't even have it like that. This DTE Energy is crooked.

I called DTE twice on 8/22/14 and 8/26/14 and told them that the technician need to come and put back the parts which he removed so that we can get our A/C working as before he removed that part, with whatever gas left in it. The operators at DTE told me that the technician will not come back as the A/c is not repairable. I tried to explain to them that the technician need to put back the thing which he has removed, so that my A/C can start with what ever gas is left in it, but the customer reps were not cooperative and matter of fact one was very rude too. I am paying $350-/ per year for so many years and in return the kind of service and the treatment I got from this company is extremely bad. I want to change my protection plan and even my electricity supply with another company.

I have never stolen lights but they have my light bill account on thief. But I’m still receiving a gas bill every month here with my name, same address, same number and all. Someone has tampered with my account in 2012 and here it is, 2014. Now they're demanding me as a DISABLED person to come up with this amount of money. How CAN I GET HELP WITH THIS ACCOUNT AND WHO CAN I TALK TO ABOUT IT? SOMEONE HAS GOT MY ACCOUNT ALL MESSED UP.

I decided to go check out the meter for my apartment, and saw that it was different from the rest and looked like it did not belong there, and must be malfunctioning. Again I called DTE to schedule for a tech. to come and check the meter. No one came. I called DTE again, the rep. asked me to go to the meter, and give her the number of the meter (not the meter reading). I read the #**. The rep. said that's not the right meter for my apartment, and in fact that meter belongs to a house in Mt. Clemens. I then looked at my bill, and the meter number was #**, with an actual reading. She then ask me to do a test by shutting of all the power in the apartment, and the result were someone was stealing my electric. After the rep. calculations, she realized I had over paid and due a credit for over $155.00. The $187.00 would be removed from my account and she would take care of things right away, and I will be getting a new meter. I felt relieved.

A week went by, and the account remained the same, and no one changed the meter. I called DTE and got another rep. She did not know what I was talking about and said I owe $187.00, and there was nothing wrong with the meter and I will not receive a credit. Since then, I have spoke to several reps asking about the meter that is on my bill, and where are they reading it from, because it's not here at the apartment, and I still have concerns about this high bill. I was then told by the rep. that the Landlord could be responsible for hooking something up to my meter, and if so DTE could do nothing about that. I ask why not, because that would be energy theft, and was told "because that is the Landlord property, and he can do whatever he want to do, as long as he doesn't mess with the utility poles. I even told DTE that I have witness the manager and a strange man constantly tampering with the meters on the apartment, but they could careless.

Finally on December 13, 2013, a tech changed the meter on my apartment. Then strangely I get a call from DTE rep. She told me I should have kept the old meter, because my bill is now higher. I started trembling again. How could that be with a new meter installed and the fact that I am monitoring my usage very carefully? I later found out before the tech. installed the new meter, he read the old meter again, that should not have been there in the first place #** and rebilled me for 117 days, and again I was already being billed for #** which was in Mt. Clemens. I could go on and on, but I will end this letter with, as of Jan. 2014, my bill has increased to $545.00.

These problems have been corrected as of this past year, but no credits to our account or claims satisfied. I am very upset with DTE and will continue to complain to departments as we have power issues. I have called an attorney to assist me in the 4 inch binder that I have kept and the many people I have spoke to from customer service to quality engineers.

Well, now its Nov 25, 2013 and I called them again to come and fix my furnace. They came out the following day like they said they would but this time I was not home. Now this is the best part. They pulled in my driveway at 11:13am and walk in at 11:14:22. I told my wife when they come to give me a call and she did at 11/26/2013, 11:14 AM INCOMING 2 minutes (copied and pasted from my T-Mobile phone records). So I explain to him what was going on and that I was hearing a noise like a tick, tick, tick sound assuming that it was a possibility of being the ignition, because that was the same sound that it makes before it starts up but it was doing it consistently while the furnace is running. His words were, "Sir, don't worry, we have a process that we do, we basically go over everything."

WELL, sure enough, I get a phone call from my wife at 11/26/2013, 11:26 AM INCOMING 2 minutes (copied and pasted from my T-Mobile phone records) and this is what he had told me that SOB!! "Sir, I am very sorry to tell you this but you need to know because you have a young one here and he looks like he's really cold but your furnace has 3 valves and all 3 are cracked, so you need to replace your furnace and in reality, it is a very old unit but I am really sorry that I have to be the one to tell you this." As soon as I hung up the phone with him, I called around to see if I can borrow some money from family to replace my furnace because times are tough nowadays.

Lucky for me, I have such a great close family and my sister called her heating and cooling guy to come to my house to install a new furnace for me and to bill her. If I did not have someone to help us out, then my 3-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter well would have been freezing that night because, I would have had no place to send them. When the new company came out, I told that I was told by DTE that my valves were cracked. They too had a smirk on their face and they took a look at the furnace and said there are no crack valves. But when I looked at the paper that the DTE left me it said "Heat exchanger is cracked and must replace the furnace."

Sure enough, it was only a "spark control module". The person told me that there is no way that a person can give you that diagnostic in less than 4 minutes. So when I called DTE to complain, they said, "Sorry sir, there is no reimbursement on the $400 for what you spent and your furnace and ac unit no longer have a warranty on them". When I ask why, they said "Because once the tech person says that it needs to be replaced, automatically we void the warranty even if you get it repaired." Here's the funny part. When I told the lady that I would take matters my way, since they are not going to help me by submitting the recorded video that I have of him walking in my house and leaving under 4 minutes, she paused and said, "Sir, let me send this up to the head supervisor in charge of the drivers and leave a note to get back with you by end of next week."

Let's see if they do call me and if not they made a mistake, because what I do on the side is online marketing for a company and I am really good because I love it. Email me for the video. I will let the people know if I am not taken care of. I will give them to 12/9/2013. If not, I will blast it all over the web so bad that my goal will be to hit YAHOO front page.

Well at the 10-day mark I called the servicer and was told that the part was not available anymore and there was nothing more they could do. I was a bit POed at that point and then called DTE service and got the same answer that it could not be repaired. And since I did not have the Greenback option I was on my own. 10 days later. I did have a beef with just when were they going to tell me that it couldn't be fixed? After a week and a half with no oven I went out and got one and had it in in 24 hours. One point is that they don't ask you what year/make/model you have when you sign up so it is pretty much a crap shoot if you want to spend $36@ month for the coverage and Greenback plan. And at $432 I find that overkill. And in my case a year of coverage was basically useless.

The transducer on the power line in our yard has been blown apart and has to have been replaced. The surge that happened in late May of this year actually left burn marks on our roof and had to have wiring replaced by DTE. It started the surge protector in my daughter's room on fire. Every time, the linemen from DTE and the electricians that come to do the repairs tell us we are lucky the house did not burn down. We have placed surge protectors, GFI plugs, GFI circuits and special appliance surge protectors on everything to no avail, everything still gets destroyed. We filled out the DTE paper work to only get no response or to get a form letter saying it was an act of nature. The neighbors who have lived their longer are resigned to the fact this is just the way it is, losing appliances consistently. I am convinced that DTE needs to do something or be held accountable before someone does die in a house fire.

We have two children who are terrified to go back to our house because the hard wired smoke detectors have even been blown out in previous surges. We have a neighbor who is wheel chair bound and dying who must now worry not only how to replace all of his medical equipment but how he and his wife would get out of the house if there was a fire. But still no one will help our neighborhood. Our insurance company tells us DTE is too big to take on and that they never settle or pay. I just want DTE to make our neighborhood safe and stop this from happening over and over again! The DTE workers who come out say DTE knows there is a problem but since we are in a rural area without much high end money or political clout, they will not pay to properly fix the lines.

A surge happened again yesterday destroying wiring, appliances, fuse boxes, etc throughout the neighborhood. DTE was again out to replace their meter which was charred and caught on fire as one of the linemen said last night. Please help us end this nightmare and make our neighborhood and homes safe!

Prior to this incident in January I had their plumbing protection plan. The plumber came out to fix my toilet. Another day off from work - first visit he said I need a new toilet. They will replace it but you need a second appointment. He said he had to get everything. So I scheduled a second day off with him, and he shows up with some rubber part, puts it on the toilet and says problem all fixed. It was for a few days but then my mother ended up in the hospital. I got sick and a friend of the family died. I did not have time to schedule a third appointment to get the toilet fixed. So now that I am in financial trouble and have a day off (DTE is on a payment plan) I called about getting the same problem fixed. They can’t do it. It is past thirty days and even though I have been making payments on the bill and they have been billing me for the plan, they can’t fix anything. Here is the best part, they stopped my plan but I still owe for the plan I can’t use.

I requested my name to be removed in 2009. DTE refused. My mother's health declined from 2008 until her death on 02/22/2012 - Cardiac infarction, spinal reconstruction (bedridden), severe shingles/pain, hip fracture, bowel obstruction, transfusions, blood clots, second invasive hip surgery, nausea, and death unexpectedly at home. I was her caregiver 24 hrs. per day, & it prevented me from earning income. I lost not only her, but all my investments, and retirement funds. Knowing this, I would do it all over again to help her regardless of the financial hardship.

DTE has recently generated a new bill over $4,500 demanding payment, or shut off in 3 weeks' time. I am unemployed, selling my residence, have health problems, and frustrated in their lack of good faith, and the inability to resolve the matter. I asked them to credit my mother's bill (from 2011, $2,000) since the estate is in foreclosure, and it has no finances left to pay. I was willing to pay any usage while maintaining the home & property after her death... title in bank name/her trust. They are violating laws, disrespecting and harassing me. I reported complaints to DTE Complaints Dept., Public Service Commission MI and the local media. False advertising is evident in flunking customer service, taking forever to contact the complainant and incompetence in proper meter readings/actual usage/proper billing practices.

DTE has doubled their rates since 2009, received millions of dollars in federal grants for smart meter installations, and ended up in court due to charging customers additional fees in order to finance the meters (double dipping). The joke is that my late mother was an employee post World War II. Once she became married, she was forced to give up her position. This discrimination practice was experienced by many women in their day... most deceased by now. How convenient for DTE, formally Edison, that the greatest generation has passed on, and opened doors for women to hold positions today, namely young, rude, & inexperienced women .

My other residence, which is on the market, has all electricity off except the dusk to dawn light, normally $20 per month, had a recent meter reading showing $250 of usage. I reported a billing mistake, or a meter malfunction. The amount is now over $550. They are apathetic, and laughing at me. I have owned the property for six years, and use minimal energy due to the care of my late mother. I swear that they tampered with the meter to cause further financial hardship for me. My average yearly bill is $200. Timing is quite notable!

I plan on redeeming my mother's property and developing a Pure Michigan Farmer's Market which will be operated with green energy. DTE will have to pay me for energy developed. How do you like that "multi-billion dollar integrated monopoly bastards"?

Because she and her now 11-year old son have respiratory issues, they have a lot of equipment to keep the air purified. The 11-year old has sleep apnea. When she recovered enough to handle her own affairs, she learned how much she owed to DTE and even what her former caregiver did. At that time, she also took on the added responsibility of caring for her 80-year old grandfather after her grandma passed suddenly. Her home was the logical choice because of the hospital/home care she was getting. Now, having 3 people with medical conditions in one house, she was receiving a monthly living expense stipend from her employer; however, it was just enough to cover the basics (including the utility bills). Her caregiver kept the details of the account status from her to avoid stress that would adversely affect her health. She began working from home, but only making between $600 and $800 per month, which depended on how much she could do.

DTE refused her a deferment payment plan because her caregiver defaulted on agreements. They also told her the caregiver used medical holds back to back. Last week, DTE turned off her service in the middle of her dialysis and in the middle of the attending nurse suctioning out her grandfather's mucous (due to end stage COPD). He nearly choked to death. She was hysterical, and I spoke with DTE on her behalf. I was told by CSR Janice ** that DTE was too generous. She needs to find someplace else to live, make arrangements for her family and just try to survive the best way she can. ** said that she is the only one at DTE that could make the decision to restore service, and she wouldn't do it. She said she knew that no agency would help my friend when she got the case months ago, yet they continued to tell her to seek assistance. The only thing my friend wanted was to make monthly payments to catch up and keep her life sustaining equipment on for her family, and she's been denied that.

The balance is more important than the well being of three people. Her son is being bounced from house to house because no one knows how to care for him during an episode. Her grandfather is placed in hospice against doctors’ wishes (he fairs better with home care). I've checked on her, and I've found that on cold nights, she's sleeping in her car while it's running. She has no place to go. I understand that DTE feels like they've helped her enough, but to know she wouldn't get help and still encourage her to contact these agencies was a waste of time. She wants the chance to do this herself, and it's denied.

I spoke to DTE on her behalf and Janice ** was horrible in her attitude toward the severity of the situation. I made the point that everyone wins and benefits with an arrangement. She made it a point to tell me that she's going to tell everyone not to help my friend. I asked what she meant by that. She stated that anyone that had previously spoken to my friend or someone who acted on her behalf would know not to help her now. Janice ** said she'd contact MPSC to make sure no one helped. She'd tell a DTE manager, **, not to help and she'd make sure all her colleagues knew that my friend had no money; and unless she paid the entire bill, she goes without service. Since getting out of that bed, my friend has done everything they asked her to do. Now, not only is she sleeping in her car, separated from her son, her physical and mental state deteriorating, she's going into a deep depression and her grandfather is doing worse than ever, and Janice ** is making sure she doesn't get help. The fix: a payment plan and that's it.

This morning when I talked with the CSR, I was short $103.06 of the total past due being paid and was told to not even bother paying that amount until after the disconnection, and to pay it at the same time as the reconnect fee. I cannot believe DTE Energy has this policy with today's technology, especially if the total past due is paid prior to the service tech arriving at the door. I'm assuming, after reading the rest of these complaints, they will arrive tomorrow. I have had financial difficulties with a lack of employment and unemployment not being paid for 7 weeks now. My mind is in all different directions trying to make ends meet, keep utilities on and searching for a job. Had I received something in the mail, I would have responded someway, maybe not with a payment, but at least with a call.

The CSR told me 2 notices had been sent. I did not receive either one. Her response was "talk to my postal carrier." She was very, very rude with responses only being "no, not possible." Also, if I was to take my past due bill to DHS, the state would pay my bill and I wouldn't have to make a deposit. Hello! The state doesn't have enough problems financially? For a company (or its representative) to tell someone to take the unpaid bill (that the person is trying to pay, but being told it wouldn't do any good to keep service from being disconnected) to DHS for the state to pay is just unethical! So my complaint is against the company and the CSR. If any of my complaint isn't DTE's policy, then this complaint is totally against the CSR. I, myself, would love a job and would treat customers with respect!

Oh and PS: Wonder why we can't file unethical practices with the company against the billing/customer service department?

I've recently lost the father of my children (April 20 2012). I was left with 2 young children, and they want to place me on a budget plan, $327 month, which is twice as much as my actual usage in October 2012. I told them, “I can't afford that.” “Well, that's all we can offer you.” What company defines a budget plan that people can't afford? I asked to be removed from the plan because I couldn't afford it. They noted in their system that I defaulted in November, after I know I asked to be removed; actually I never asked to be enrolled. Go figure!

Next, I started requesting the 10 hold plan in November that prevents shutoff. I paid my payment on time. I need another 10 hold at the end of on December 29th, which takes me to January 8th. Well, I didn't get my pay wages until January 11. I need 2 more days until payment could be made. They said, “No, we can't help. Come up with $500 or your subject shutoff within the next 48 hours.” So basically, damn you have young children, damn that fact that there's activity of communication and payment shown on the account.

We want our money. So I had to do a payday advance two days before payday, and paid $492 on January 9. I called DTE, wants my status; “Oh yes, we have your payment.” But guess what? I'm still in shutoff status for $300+ after I just paid DTE $500! On January 11th, DTE sent me another Shutoff Notice! What the hell is going on?! DTE is getting away with ruthless and reckless service policies, and nothing’s being done about. I can't even afford to shelter me and my children because utilities cost is higher than the mortgage. Class action lawsuit in order!

But that was not enough, so the day after Christmas I was sent a shut-off for the remaining balance of $466.I was told by my worker that my funds were exhausted and I had to find another source for help. I went to a friend and he paid $150 off of his credit card. I then called DTE and asked if I could get on the shut-off protection plan and they told me, no, because I defaulted twice already in 2012. I asked them, “Will the $150 take me out of shut-off?” and they said, no. I asked to speak to the supervisor and they asked me in regards to what and I stated, “To this crap.” They put me on hold for 30 minutes, came back and told me the supervisor was in a meeting and that she would call me back. I never got that call back.

I then called DTE back and was told no supervisor was available. I was so upset and hurt, feeling so helpless and angry. I called my worker back and found out that DTE denied my ten-day hold and said they will not do a hold. So I called DTE back and they told me that if I paid $266, I would be put back on the shut-off protection plan. I called my friend back and he paid 200 bucks on my account off of his credit card again and this stopped my shut-off and DTE told me that my payment every month will be $110 a month and that if I miss paying, I will be shut-off any given day. On 1/11/2013, I received a call from my friend saying that someone from DTE went on a spending spree, but when they got to $700 bucks it was declined. He and I traced the fraudulent act back and apparently they went online and used his credit card information all that day and he and I both know, it was done by someone that works at DTE Energy because that specific card has never been used. It is his “emergency only” card.

I know for a fact that DTE has crooks working there and I also know for a fact that they get paid by people on the download to put other people's bills onto innocent people's bill and this has been going on for a long time now. My main concern is the fraudulent act and stealing money off of people's credit cards, which is against the law and not permitted and soliciting people, lying and using manipulating tactics to get money out of low income people or people in general that do not have money like that. DTE covers their tracks and humiliates people and pockets money on the down-low. I want a full investigation done and I am pressing charges for mental stress, fraudulent acts and theft.

The rep said that they couldn't change anything on the bill. We tried to work it out with their payment plan, but we ended up not able to pay what they ask for each month. We are facing shut off on Oct. 10 with a bill of now over $2,000. DHS will help pay $450 if we pay $1,300 first and show them the proof of payment. We don't have that kind of money. We believe that DTE should take responsibility on their part for failing to recognize that their own meter was broken. We did not pretend not to know that the bill was out of ordinary. We called and inquired about the bills. Even if we wanted to pay during that period, DTE had nothing for us to pay for. This is the first time we own a house and never thought about broken meter or anything like this would happen. Please help us. Thank you.

About a month or so into my participation in the program, my dishwasher quit working. The warranty company/DTE sent out a repairman who determined there were several problems. I got a call a few days later that the dishwasher would not be repaired, presumably due to the expense. I was outraged because the person on the other end of the phone when I signed up told me nothing of a review policy and that they could choose whether or not repairs would be made. When I called to complain and cancel participation, I was informed that the contract they sent me, which I had not thoroughly read, nor signed, stated that once a service had been initiated, one could not cancel the program.

What I object to are several folds:

3.) I am being kept in the program because of a contract I did not sign that states that the contract supersedes all other agreements. This reeks of consumer deception and needs to be stopped. They need to tell people over the phone what the details of this program are. I cannot believe a public utility would behave this way. I am outraged to the point that my whole body is vibrating with anger.

And they show up on the 21st and barged in. So what gives DTE the legal rights or moral liberty to show up days before their written reading date on their statement and their reader to jump over the fence on private property when the homeowner is inside without ringing the doorbell or knock? I was sitting in my living room, watching television, fifteen feet from my front door.

I locked my chain link-fence about my property for security concerns in the neighborhood. This is also relevant, because I'm legally blind; and this fence encompasses only my backyard where the meter is located. My front doorbell works, and I unlock my gate for a three-day period based on the date of a reading on my bill, a day on each side based on business days M-F, which for this February bill read "Your next meter read date is on or around February 23, 2012."'

My plans as usual was to unlock the gate between 8 AM and 5 PM on February 22, 23, and 24, but the DTE meter reader showed up today, February 21, and jumped over my fence without even knocking or using my door bell. This trespass was clearly evident, because we had a fresh coat of snow this morning, and I had not even left my home yet and the pathway led directly to my meter.

An apartment owner has no rights to enter their own premises without a more adequate pinpoint time frame, not a week's latitude. But with what arrogance and discourtesy can DTE employees jump fences with a week's latitude outside of their scheduled meter date on private property within a 2-3 day span of a scheduled meter reading on each side of the 23rd?

Legally, what rights, which the apartment landlord/manager doesn't have to enter into their rented property which they own, gives DTE the right to trespass, jumping fences on private property, well outside their stipulated date? I'm not leaving my gate open for a week (which includes two days on each side of the scheduled date), because DTE cannot better estimate a monthly schedule for routes they have been doing for years. I'm not going to read my own meter either. Given a scheduled meter reading date of February 23 and giving them a day's window on each side should be more than an appropriate time frame for their 20-second task using the dates of February 22, 23, and 24 with the central date of February 23.

In any event, the readers have been taking readings of my meter the last three years, since I purchased this property in August 2009. My bills have all been paid at least two weeks before their due date via the internet, and nothing gives DTE employees the at-will freedom to do as they have been doing in this incident. (This may have happened before, but today, it was clearly evident as I was in my living room.)

Apartment owners, who own the property, have no such loose rights; and to a more relevant degree, what gives DTE employees the liberty to potentially damage and destroy a Michigan taxpayer's private property because they cannot better determine a reading date but by a week's span? Such readings and routes have been going on since 1959 in this area, so such liberties of 2, 3, 4 days outside of the reading date on each side shouldn't be expected if they knew how to run their business. But it has been my experience in the last approximately 20 years that DTE is a very disrespectful operation with very little consideration for their customers as illustrated by such arrogance.

I couldn't believe it. I said If I knew that I had to go to DTE instead of a payment center I would have. He said, "Oh, I'm sorry." Then I asked to speak to his supervisor. He said she was busy and would have to call me back. I said can I have the name of your supervisor. He said no. I asked him if I could come to his office and show him the receipts. He said yes. I asked for the address and he said I would have to look it up. I couldn't believe this. Yes, we owed the money and we paid everything. Why were we treated like criminals? Holding off restoring until we have been punished enough. Is DTE owned by the mafia?

Why would a receipt number be needed anyway? They are full of you know what and why are they allowed to monopolize the utilities anyway. I don't know how electricity and gas are brought into our home but paying over $2000 a month for both is ridiculous. When I was a girl we had a fridge, a stove, a washer, a radio and a TV. I don't ever remember my parents complaining about utility bills. I have just a few extras that ma and pa did, and here i am paying in the thousands. They are very cruel and the law is allowing them to steal from us in the name of DTE.

2. Three days later they sent a bill for $150.00. This was a Wednesday.

3. I called and asked when they would restore my electricity and they said I had to call and request that it be restored. They were going to restore it on Thursday. Someone came out on Thursday but replaced a meter. They did not restore the service. I called the office and they sent someone on Friday who did restore the service and replaced the old meter.

4. The Monday of the following week, someone came out and started to dig up the gas meter. I wasn't aware this occurred. On Tuesday, they completed the job of digging up the meter for gas. On Wednesday, I noticed no hot water and called DTE. They said they would have someone out there on Thursday, but someone had to be at home. I told them don't come Thursday, but come on Friday. They came on Friday, but they didn't complete the job. They said no one was at home. This was not true because I was there all day. I called back, and they sent a second team to complete the job. The second team got the meters installed.

Since September 24, 2010, I have been unable to get a gas bill. They have not issue a gas bill since I paid them the large payment in September. I have called many times and no one has been able to help me. The last lady in new residences said she could rectify the problem, but that has not happened. Where is the help for these types of problems within this company? The next bill will be so high I can't pay it!

The total charge for the repair was $483.50 for an inspection, a fan motor, and installation. I missed a day and a half of work to accommodate the DTE repair company, and they did not fix the unit, even though the repair was a simple replacement of a covered part. After I cancelled my protection plan, I spoke with Ms. Nakieshia ** of DTE. She asked me to send her a copy of the repair charges and indicated she would attempt to get me reimbursed for the repair. Six months and several phone calls later, I still do not have a response from DTE. The total amount I would like to be reimbursed for is $483.50, for the repair that should have been covered by DTE.

I tried calling several times only to find out they have designed a "perfect" complaint dept. The first tier operator has no authority to do anything and supervisors have always been with other callers. They are supposed to call you back within 24 hours. They have about three hours left to call me. When I asked to speak to a manager, I was told that the tier one operator didn't have the ability to transfer me. I was then transferred to the "higher" level customer service. However, after 20 minutes on hold, I had to go back to work! So in a nutshell, I am forced to buy power from DTE. They have extorted $400 from me and brushed me off each and every time I called. I was hesitant to post this until I noticed that DTE actually has a pull down option for complaining about their extortion policy and several customer service reps have agreed and apologized to my wife for enforcing what they also consider an unfair practice.

So I went through the whole process again. They said they sent out someone to investigate and was told that the house is occupied because of footprints in the snow and a boat in the garage. I told DTE that the boat is being stored by my daughter who lives across the street and the snow was removed off of the walkway to give the impression to would be vandals that the home is not vacant. I also have proof from the village that the water had been shut off for over a year. We were buying the home on land contract and had paid on it for about 14 years.

We ended up signing the house back over because of finances and residing in a Texas RV park. I went to the bank this last year for a loan of $20,000 to purchase a small home in Texas. The bank denied any credit because DTE had put a charge off on my once perfect credit rating. DTE has broken a trust and misused the personal info I gave them for identity purposes to ruin my credit rating.

With that said, I drove to the location as requested, waited in line for over an hour to provide DTE with documentation supporting that they received and cashed my check. I also had documentation to show how I paid my bill on time, every month. The women stated, "Wow, you sure do pay your bill like clockwork! The problem is that its 3:30 and the techs have gone home for the day. You will have to go without power for the rest of the day." I stated but I have been here for over an hour and I had to drive over an hour to get here. You refused my information over the phone and made me drive to you to show proof of payment. You don't have an on-call technician to call in instances where you made the mistake? The rep called her supervisor and then looked at me and stated. "Nope" I could not believe it, I asked to speak with a supervisor, they all stated that the techs leave at 3:00 and they do not make late calls. Since when did 3:00 in the afternoon become a late call? And it was there error?

I asked how I would be compensated for the food in my refrigerator, or damages to my basement as a result of my sump pump not working and ruining my basement. The rep stated, "We don't do that, bottom line, DTE has changed the way they do business, and I recommend that you pay your bill next time on time." I stated but, “I did pay my bill, she said but we can't find it so technically, you didn't pay it. I am doing you a favor by turning it on tomorrow. You need to call your bank and take it up with them." I informed her that my bank was willing to call and provide the appropriate information to help you find the misapplied payment but everyone over the phone refused to help. The rep stated, “You are lucky we are not charging you $750.00 to turn your services back on. That's our policy.” I couldn't help but think of all the customers they are strong arming in this manner. She offered to share with me how she pays her bill in person or over the phone because "DTE don't play and I work here!"

Another woman by the name of Vista offered to help find the payment and promised to call me back the next day. In the meantime, I went home without power or gas. Watching the sump pump all night while it rained, hoping that my basement wouldn't flood. I threw out all the food in the fridge that spoiled. Never in my life have I been without power and gas with the exception of an outage.

Because they shut off both my gas and electric, I had to take another day off work to wait on DTE to turn my services back on. Vista called me on my cell phone to inform me that she found the payment and the technicians would be there anytime between 8am- 5pm. It was imperative that I was available or they would not turn the services back on.

Mich-con came out first and rang the door bell. Because we didn't have electricity, no one, including the dog heard him, so they tagged the door and told me I had to wait until the next day for gas, take another day off work. Now, I’m going 48 hours without gas. Oh and by the way, "if you don't answer the door again, we will be charging you a $35.00 fee for wasting our time," is what the rep stated when we called back. I really wish I was exaggerating; you can’t make this stuff up. I really wish I could have recorded the calls, it was a continuous disaster. The electricity finally came back on but I am still waiting on gas. What if my pipes burst due to the temperature change? How is this legal? Who is fighting for the consumer? I can’t even take my business elsewhere because there is no competition. Please help me.

The representative told me I should have received a letter about it, but since I'm now saving about $40 a month off my gas. It’s no wonder DTE wouldn't want me to know. I was able to call the representative from MX back to my home and get on a plan with them supplying DTE at a lower rate for no additional charge to me at all. And the best part is there are no fees or penalties if I ever cancel MX as the supplier and go back to normal DTE. So I'm still billed through DTE, only my bills aren't as much!

Turns out it’s a law that DTE not make a profit on the supply of its gas. I am writing this today to inform anyone who didn't know they could have another supplier other than DTE while still having DTE service. I have received my bills for 2 months since choosing MX Energy as my supplier and my delivery costs are way down. Getting DTE to choose the supplier is extremely easy and has already saved me over $50. I have been helping my neighbors and family get this service to save them a little each month. Nowadays, a dollar is dollar. Anyone interested can email me and I'll give you the representative’s phone number.

In November 8, 2009, I called requesting the block to be removed and I was told that it was scheduled on October 16, 2009 and that she would reschedule and send it to a supervisor. I left a message with a Mrs. **, stating that I've been calling for service since June 2009 and that it was cold and I have small children (aged two to eight) in the home and that if someone could come out.

In November 10, 2009, an inspector came out, removed all the meter, and asked me to call the thief department to see if the block has been removed. I called and spoke to a Mrs. **, and she stated that they removed the meters because of thief from 2007 and that I needed to pay a deposit and a past due bill from 2004 at a previous address. I stated that I've been calling since June 2009, and I was told that the service was on at the Burgess address since 2007. I stated that I did not feel that I was responsible for a previous customer whose service they never turned off at the address, and I asked why my family have to suffer in the cold. This could have been resolved in June. She hung up on me.

In November 11, 2009, I went to DTE to speak with a supervisor in the thief department. A Mrs. ** stated that she would handle the matter. She took my proof of purchase and sent me to the lobby for thirty minutes. I went back to the desk to find out what was going on. Mrs. ** called me back and stated that the inspector stated when she came into the property that it was warm. She accused me of using hot water and running a furnace. I do not have a furnace, and it was nearly 60 degrees outside. Also, my hot water tank was never lit, because I was unaware that there was gas service; I only new of electric when I made the call in June.

She also stated that I had to pay $900.00 for the thief and $1669.00 from a 2004 bill before restoring service. When I asked about payment arrangement for the 2004 bill, she did not answer me but stated that the FIA department won't even help me and she was aware of the children in the house. I just replaced pipes throughout the house. My pipes will burst due to this weather. The children will be sick. We cannot live in these conditions. I tried to do the right thing by reporting service at the address and requesting service for five months.

I called to find out and the person I talked to told me I was taken off the budget plan because I changed suppliers. I told the person I was told that my budget plan would not change if I changed suppliers and the person again said that was not the case. I held off on paying until 7/25/08, a payment of $100 until I could resolve this issue. I emailed and left messages and no help. I work third shift so I can't go into the office or stay on the phone on hold for long periods of time when I have to sleep! Again, I called in August and sent them another payment of $100 until I could get back on the plan or figure this out.

The next person I spoke to told me I was off the plan because of non-payment or late payments while on the budget plan and that it had nothing to do with switching suppliers. So now, I am upset because I have been told two different stories and winter would be here soon and I would be stuck paying the full price each month until they could figure out a new budget wise plan for me.

I paid the full amount due in order to start over in Sept. Now, on my credit report, it states that I was late for 90 days in Aug. and Sept. of 2008 and all my credit cards have increased my rate to almost double and so, therefore, at this rate, I will never pay down any of my cards! I can't even finance a used car. They have ruined my credit and no one there seems to care when I call again and again to dispute this horrible billing practice they have.

Oh, and they also had the address to my home screwed up on their file and would not update it unless the city called them to update the address. I own the place and I know my house does not face Rumley but Case, and they had my address as Rumley which is on the side of my house. It's ridiculous!

I did not understand why I was not receiving bills from DTE in the mail nor why they would not contact me by phone, seeing as though they have had my number on file since the day I activated my service. I figured that the reason for your number to be on file is so that they may contact you in a situation such as this one. Now back in July, I called DTE to find out where my statements were and why they hadn't arrived. It turned out my old last name was still in the system as current. I was again assured this would be updated.

Now, several months later, upon receiving this "shut-off" notice, I see that this mistake was never fixed; and now, it is threatening my life. Upon filing a complaint with DTE, I was informed by them that it was my fault I hadn't received my mail from them and that I should have 'kept calling' until they fixed the error they had already stated they would fix. They told me that they serve over 3.4 million customers and that the only way for them to inform me of their mistake was for me to phone in with them. I thought it was their job to inform me by phone of any dispute before it reached this point.

Now, I am facing eviction from my apartment complex and complete loss of my housing and food assistance, which my children and I receive. I do not know what to do. I am fearful, for I know corporations usually get their way, being so powerful and all. But I just can't see how they could be so stubborn as to not work with me on a payment plan or anything, when I am not the one who repeatedly mixed up my files!

I cannot see how it is my job to inform them when they are not doing theirs! This whole ordeal could have been prevented if they would have just updated the info like they said they would do and called me to inform me of a late payment. I have no problem with the company they run, but I feel as though they see humans as nothing more than customers these days, and they have terrible customer service. Maybe because nothing is personal.

I called DTE Energy back on June 14 and explained to them once again that I had no power and that if it was not turned on today, I would be filing a law suit against them. About 1 hour later a service truck showed up and the men showed me that my line going to my house was fried and that they would need to repair it. I dont understand why the first two service guys didn't do this. This is poor customer service!

As a result of my power not being fixed properly, ALL of my food was destroyed and has left a nasty odor in my house.

Because I am not considered low income, they want me to pay the whole bill. I do not have $2,900 to pay all at one time. I am not asking for a hand out, I just need help. I am a single parent (widowed), what do my daughter and I do heat and lights if no one will help us. Can you direct to someone that is willing to help me

have had to stay with others paying rent for a place i can't use.

After two weeks when I finally did get through I was told by Ms. Moore of energy theft she told me that DTE was suppose to fax the information to them while I was still in the office so I had to go back to DTE Energy. On 9/19/2006 I returned to DTE Energy and was asked questions concerning the prior tenants to the address 245 Monterey. My grandmother who owns the property gave DTE Energy all the information she had and the deed to the property and then they asked my grandmother and myself some more questions. The representative looked at the deed and then asked for the new lease. I told them my boyfriend had already did all that and the account was opened and paid for. The rep then said that my boyfriend still had to come in and show his identification and the lease agreement. Upon doing so we was told to call on the phone because he did not have his social security card.

The rep over the phone was looking up the account on the computer while setting up the account she found the information which showed that the account was paid and open and she stopped suddenly when something showed up on her screen stating that it was still a hold on the property 245 Monterey and we would have to call corporate security to get it lifted and then we should be able to have service. Me and my grandmother went back to DTE earlier that day and then I returned by myself to show them the rental agreement, yet again for the 4th or 5th time. I called corporate security and they said DTE must have not let the hold off because the landlord just put it in this morning. Thursday 9/21/2006 I called DTE back and I got a rep by the name of Ms. Williams on the phone who asked me did I know how much the bill was. I told her I did not and then she informed me the bill was $15,000.

She said you can fax me the deed and the eviction notice of the woman who resided at the address 245 Monterey before I moved there. There was no eviction notice the lady just got up and left. We gave DTE all the information we had and I have 3 girls and twins on the way. I don't understand why DTE allowed me and my boyfriend to set up an account and pay for it when they knew that this much money was owed on this house.

It is not fair for me to have went through all of this for nothing. I f I had know the gas bill was that outrageous I would have never moved there with my family in the first place. I was misled and an account was opened and paid for and now my girls and myself are currently living with no heat. My twins are due the end of October and with all the other stress I am going through I have tow worry about my daughter's and my unborn twins having heat as the winter approaches. I don't know what else to do and I need some answers as to why DTE is able to take money from me knowing that they were not going to turn the gas on. I would not have moved my family to 245 Monterey if I was told about the outrageous balance on this address when I first went into the DTE Office.

I feel DTE should have known how much was owed on the house before they took my money. If they found what was owed the third time I came to the office they could have found the same information the very first time I came in to open an account and paid in advance before I even received the service (which I never did!) The reps at DTE are either incompetent or deceitful or lazy, I don't know which. I tried talking to someone at Channel 4 news and Channel 2 news to no avail. I am at my wits end. DTE should be held accountable for withholding information or simply being deceitful to consumers trying to make a living for their children. It is immoral and inhumane for me to have to go through all these changes to get treated as if it is no big deal. My family is my life and I am trying to make it the best way I can. DTE took the money and opened the account and then refused me service. I NEED HELP!