For Michiganders living on a fixed income from Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), every dollar is accounted for. For years, we have carefully managed our budgets to afford the basic necessities of life, including living in affordable housing where our rent is a percentage of their income.

This fragile balance is being shattered by DTE Energy's rising rates. These hikes have become more expensive than what the government can keep up with, directly impacting those on Section 8 and other housing programs where a person's rent is determined by their income. For people with a fixed income from SSI/SSDI, the utility bill is on track to become more expensive than their rent, a crisis that is even more catastrophic for households with necessary expenses like cars and children. This is not just an inconvenience; it is an unsustainable situation that puts their homes at risk.

This is not an isolated problem. It is a documented crisis affecting thousands. In 2024 alone, DTE disconnected over **211,000 customers** for nonpayment. A recent report from early 2025 found that DTE shut off power to customers while its profits surged by 41% and the company paid **$607 million to shareholders**.

The current system of government assistance is failing. While DTE claims to connect customers to assistance, a study found that in one quarter, less than **3% of customers** who had their power restored were able to do so by receiving assistance. Our own experience shows why: programs are often out of funding, or the requirements are so strict they do not work for people who have nothing left to pay. When my power was shut off for a period, there were no government programs that could help me.

We, the undersigned, call on DTE Energy and the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to take immediate action. We demand that DTE:

* Only charge a percentage of the monthly bill, with proof of active SSI, SSDI, or DHHS benefits, so that customers and government programs can keep up with the cost of electricity.

* Not shut off electricity within 30 days of the fiscal year where they have a history of DHHS making payments and active benefits, and that they are not allowed to shut off electricity in the month of September.

* Be more lenient on shutoff notices to work with the government on the issue, so that it is possible for customers and assistance programs to be able to keep up.

https://c.org/DM9jNmHYfS

This is our other petition sign this too this is right up the same alley what about them raising the rates at all unnecessarily profiting over 41%, 100,000 of people are being shut off because they can't keep up with their profit.