DETROIT, Dec. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy customers can expect to see their natural gas prices lowered by 15 percent this winter, making it more affordable to stay warm and comfortable in their homes. Over the past eight years, DTE has been able to reduce natural gas prices for its customers by nearly 50 percent.

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"We work hard all year to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to our customers," said Mark Stiers, president and COO, DTE Gas, explaining that one way DTE helps to keep costs low is by buying natural gas far in advance of the winter and storing it underground during the summer months when demand and associated prices are low. "Additionally, we provide valuable energy efficiency tips and offer payment programs to assist customers during our cold Michigan winters."

There are three key variables that contribute to energy bills: the cost of the natural gas used by a customer, the amount of natural gas used and the severity of the weather, which impacts energy use. DTE has identified ways to keep heating costs down and is working with customers to help prepare for the frigid temperatures.

DTE recommends:


    --  Installing a programmable thermostat and setting it at 68-degrees or
        lower, which could add up to $180 a year in savings
    --  Sealing air leaks first and then adding insulation, which could save
        homeowners about 10 percent in heating costs
    --  Enrolling in programs to help manage bills, including BudgetWise
        Billing, which allows customers to spread their heating payments equally
        over the entire year
    --  Visiting the Michigan.gov/CompareMIGas site prior to making any decision
        regarding purchasing natural gas from an alternative service provider

Additional energy saving tips are available at dteenergy.com/winter. For details about DTE's natural gas rates, visit dteenergy.com/gasrates. Information about BudgetWise Billing and similar programs can be found at dteenergy.com under "Payment & Usage."

About DTE Energy
 DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric utility serving 2.1 million customers in Southeastern Michigan and a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan. The DTE Energy portfolio includes non-utility energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects, natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage, and energy marketing and trading. As one of Michigan's leading corporate citizens, DTE Energy is a force for growth and prosperity in the 450 Michigan communities it serves in a variety of ways, including philanthropy, volunteerism and economic progress. Information about DTE Energy is available at dteenergy.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.

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SOURCE DTE Energy