Overview:

  • DTE charges 24.13 cents per kWh from 3-7 p.m. weekdays in summer, dropping to 18.44 cents during off-peak hours.
  • Pre-cooling your home before 3 p.m., then raising your thermostat to 78 degrees can significantly reduce electricity costs.
  • Running dishwashers, washing machines, and other major appliances during off-peak morning or evening hours helps avoid higher rates.

DTE Energy offers peak hours, also called time-of-use rates, that charge different electricity prices based on the time of day, the day of the week and the season. It’s especially essential for consumers to be aware of these rates during a heat wave to lower bills and prevent grid overload.

DTE’s “Time of Day 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.” rate lowers electricity rates during off-peak hours to encourage less energy use during peak times. This peak rate has higher costs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, especially during the summer months (June-September) when it is 24.13 cents per kWh for the standard base rate. For the rest of the day and all weekend, the rate drops to 18.44 cents per kWh.

This plan is designed to help manage energy demands more efficiently by encouraging consumers to shift their high-energy usage to times when the demand is lower.

How can I lower my DTE bill during a heat wave?

Adjust your thermostat: Set your thermostat to the highest comfortable temperature. Each degree you raise the setting can save you on your cooling costs.

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 75-78 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re at home (also consider pets’ comfort when you’re not at home). You can set your thermostat higher when you’re not at home to save energy while ensuring your home doesn’t get too warm. Raising the thermostat by about 7-10 degrees from your normal setting can reduce your energy usage without making your home uncomfortable.

If your normal home temperature is 78 degrees when you’re there, setting the thermostat to around 85-88 degrees when you’re away is a good rule of thumb. This way, you can save energy without overburdening your cooling system when you return home.

Cool early: Pre-cool your home during off-peak hours (before 3 p.m.) and increase the thermostat setting slightly during peak hours (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.) to reduce costs.

Block out the sun: Use blinds and curtains to shade your home from direct sunlight, which can raise indoor temperatures.

Increase efficiency: Seal leaks, use sun-blocking window treatments, and employ fans to help circulate the air, reducing the need for continuous air conditioning.

Utilize off-peak hours: Run other major appliances like dishwashers and washing machines during off-peak times, early in the morning or late at night, to take advantage of lower rates.

Utilize fans: Ceiling and portable fans help circulate air, making the environment feel cooler without significantly increasing electricity use.

Remember: Keep pets safe: When you’re not home, set your thermostat to a safe recommended temperature for pets, around 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and ensure they have access to fresh water. Additionally, make sure all doors and windows are securely closed to keep your home and pets safe.

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Nina Misuraca Ignaczak is an award-winning Metro Detroit-based editor, journalist, and documentary filmmaker. She is the founder, publisher, and editor of Planet Detroit, a digital media startup focused on producing quality climate, health, and environment journalism that holds power accountable, and spotlights solutions. Planet Detroit has received awards and recognition from the Society for Professional Journalists Detroit, the Institute for Nonprofit News, and LION Publishers since its establishment in 2019. Prior to her journalism career, Nina worked in urban planning in local government and nonprofit sectors, holding a Master of Science in Natural Resource Ecology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.