Customers of DTE Energy who prefer to settle their monthly bills with credit or debit cards should prepare for a new fee that's about to kick in. Starting on March 2, DTE Energy will introduce a $2.99 processing charge for each card payment, a policy that was confirmed by the Detroit Free Press. The additional cost aims to offset fees imposed by third-party payment processors.
While DTE Energy asserts that the fee goes "directly to the processor and does not benefit DTE," this surcharge is not an isolated incident. Entities like Consumers Energy have previously instituted similar fees, suggesting a broader trend within the utility industry. According to the Detroit Free Press, "This fee goes directly to the processor and does not benefit DTE."
For those seeking to avoid the extra cost, DTE Energy has suggested alternatives. Customers can pay via their online bank account, mail in a paper check or money order, or utilize cash or check at DTE kiosks or certain retail locations. As detailed by WWJ Newsradio 950, "The easiest for many people would be to pay with a bank account." DTE customers can log into their account online and click on Add Payment Method to set this up. Additionally, customers preferring in-person payments can do so at authorized retail counters like Kroger, Meijer, or Walmart.
The announcement coincides with DTE's plan to limit the payment amounts processed in a single card transaction. In a statement obtained by WZZM 13, the utility disclosed, "For residential customers, that limit is $2,000, and for commercial customers, that limit is $5,000." A timeline of important dates has also been established to facilitate the transition, beginning with the unenrollment of autopay card users, and culminating with the fee's implementation on March 2.
However, it's worth noting that while the utility is adding these processing fees, it has also expressed a commitment to keeping energy costs down for its clientele. "At DTE Energy, we know that every dollar matters, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to keep energy costs as low as possible for the communities we serve across our state," said DTE in a statement shared with WZZM 13. It remains to be seen how the new fee will impact customer payment preferences and behavior in the months to follow.
