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DTE Energy suspending non-critical and infrastructure work during COVID-19 outbreak

Posted at 8:12 AM, Mar 23, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-23 08:27:28-04

DETROIT (WXYZ) — DTE Energy announced Monday it will wind down and suspend all non-critical infrastructure and maintenance work during the COVID-19 outbreak.

According to the energy company, the move is to prioritize the health of its employees, customers and communities during the coronavirus outbreak and will keep employees at home.

"Today's decision to voluntarily suspend non-critical infrastructure and maintenance work will go a long way to support the health and safety of employees. DTE will continue to reliably deliver the electric and gas service our customers need as this pandemic runs its course," DTE President and CEO Jerry Norcia said in a release. “We will protect our employees who need to leave their homes to service our customers by ensuring they follow safe practices and utilize protective equipment. DTE is doing its part to mitigate further spread of COVID-19, which will help to protect our customers, communities and highly dedicated health care professionals.”

According to DTE, non-critical work includes main renewal, infrastructure construction and home energy consultations.

Employees will continue to handle power outage restoration, gas leaks and downed power lines to ensure public safety and mitigate power outages during the outbreak.

The company also said customer service specialists will work remotely along with 5,000 company employees who have already started.

“Addressing the economic and societal impact of COVID-19 will be important in the coming weeks and months. So as DTE ensures reliable delivery of energy, the DTE Energy Foundation has increased support for non-profit organizations in communities across the state to help those in need, especially those individuals who need food and shelter. We live and work in the communities we serve and we care about them deeply,” said Norcia.

Customers who are impacted by COVID-19 — those with a sudden loss of income or medical condition — as well as our vulnerable senior citizens, are encouraged to contact DTE at 1.800.477.4747 to determine eligibility for our payment assistance programs.

Additional Coronavirus information and resources:

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Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.

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