Compare Utility Providers in Detroit, MI

Electric Providers in Detroit

Top 22 Natural Gas Providers in Detroit

Top 11 Internet Providers in Detroit

*Not all internet providers and speeds available in all areas.

Water & Sewage Providers in Detroit

Top 9 Trash and Recycling Providers in Detroit

Utilities Summary for Detroit, MI

Electric Companies:	1
Natural Gas Companies:	22
Water & Sewage Providers:	1
Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers:	9
Municipal Electricity:	No

Setting Up Utility Services for Your Home in Detroit

Welcome to the Motor City, where innovation, resilience, and community pride define the culture. Detroit is undergoing an exciting revitalization, offering a blend of historic charm and new development. Whether you’re settling in downtown, Corktown, or a quiet suburban neighborhood, getting your utilities in order is a key step in making your new place feel like home. This guide will walk you through all the major utility services in Detroit, including electricity, natural gas, water, trash, internet, green energy options, and financial assistance programs.

Electricity in Detroit

Detroit’s electricity service is primarily provided by DTE Energy, one of Michigan’s largest utilities. Electricity in Detroit is regulated, meaning you do not have the option to choose a different electricity provider, DTE is the sole provider in this area.

DTE Energy supplies power to most homes in Detroit and offers several tools and programs to help manage energy usage:

• Energy Efficiency Rebates: DTE offers rebates on Energy Star appliances, smart thermostats, insulation upgrades, and more through its Energy Efficiency Program.
• Time-of-Day Rate Plans: Customers can choose rate plans that lower costs during off-peak hours.
• Home Energy Consultations: Free or low-cost in-home assessments can help identify ways to save.

Natural Gas in Detroit

Living in Detroit means you still get your natural gas delivered by DTE Energy, but thanks to Michigan’s deregulated market, you’re not limited to their commodity rates. Since April 1, 2002, the Gas Customer Choice program gives you the freedom to shop among licensed suppliers for the supply portion of your bill.

How It Works

• Delivery vs. Supply: DTE Gas remains responsible for pipeline delivery, meter reading, billing, and emergency services. However, the supplier (who actually provides the gas) can be anyone from DTE or one of the licensed Retail Natural Gas Providers (RNGP).
• Rate Options: DTE charges a regulated, cost-based rate. RNGPs offer unregulated rates, often in fixed or variable plans, and promotions too.
• To switch, just provide your account number and preferred plan; DTE will continue to handle delivery.

Top Licensed Gas Suppliers in DTE Territory

There are many options, here are a few notable ones :

• Direct Energy: Offers fixed-rate plans with term lengths like 12, 24, or 36 months. Known for transparent terms and bundling perks.
• Symmetry Energy: A Michigan-focused supplier available in Detroit, consumers can access competitive plans in DTE’s territory.
• Ambit, Ardent, Bishop Energy: Local and national RNGPs licensed in DTE’s service area; plan details vary.

Tips for Choosing a Supplier

1. Fixed vs Variable
   • Fixed-rate plans lock your price but may include early termination fees.
   • Variable-rate plans can lower costs in off-seasons but risk spiking in winter.
2. Promotional Offers
   • RNGPs often advertise low introductory rates, but those may adjust later, watch for rate hikes during high-usage periods .
3. Transparency & Fees
   • Carefully read the contract for cancellation fees, auto-renew clauses, and fees.
4. Lock-in Options
   • DTE offers a “supplier lock” feature so no one can switch your supplier without consent.
5. Monitoring
   • Check your monthly bill under “Summary of Charges” to confirm your supplier, rate, and any upcoming changes.

Water and Trash Services in Detroit

Water, sewer, and trash services in Detroit are managed by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) and City of Detroit Department of Public Works (DPW).

DWSD provides water sourced from the Detroit River, which is then treated and distributed to homes throughout the city. Your monthly water bill will cover water, sewer, and stormwater drainage fees.

Key services and features:

• Customer Care Portal: View bills, make payments, and track water usage.
• Water Affordability Plan (WAP): Offers income-based rates and arrears forgiveness (more on this in the assistance section).
• Green Infrastructure Initiatives: DWSD is investing in rain gardens and bioswales to reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality.

Trash and Recycling: Trash pickup is provided by the City of Detroit and includes weekly curbside collection. Recycling is available through the Recycling Program powered by GFL Environmental, and residents can sign up for a free green cart.

Trash services include:

• Weekly garbage pickup
• Bi-weekly bulk item collection
• Optional yard waste pickup during warmer months

Best Internet Providers in Detroit

Detroit has access to a wide range of internet options, including fiber, cable, DSL, and satellite providers. Availability varies by neighborhood, so always check your exact address.

Here are the top providers:

1. Xfinity

• Nearly 99% availability in Detroit
• Cable internet with speeds up to 2 Gbps
• Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) discounts
• Bundles with TV and mobile options

2. AT&T Fiber

• Available in around 90% of the city
• Fiber internet available in select areas
• Speeds up to 5 Gbps (where fiber is available)
• Known for low latency and reliable performance

3. Starlink

• Satellite-based, ideal for rural outskirts
• No local infrastructure required
• Higher latency and startup costs

4. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet

• Wireless home internet using 5G towers
• Easy setup, no contracts
• Availability may vary by signal strength

Green Energy & Conservation Programs

Detroit and DTE Energy offer several opportunities for eco-conscious residents to reduce their environmental footprint.

Here are a few key initiatives:

• MIGreenPower Program: Voluntary renewable energy program from DTE allowing customers to match up to 100% of their electricity use with solar or wind power.
• Home Energy Efficiency Kits: Free kits from DTE with LEDs, faucet aerators, and power strips.
• EV Incentives: DTE offers rebates for Level 2 EV chargers and discounted charging rates overnight.

The city also promotes rain barrel usage, urban gardening, and green building certifications through the Detroit Office of Sustainability.

Financial Assistance for Utility Bills

Several programs are available to help Detroit residents who are struggling to pay their utility bills.

1. Water Affordability Plan (WAP) – DWSD

• Income-based rates capped at 2-3% of household income
• Arrearage forgiveness over time
• Eligibility: Household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level

2. Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

• Federally funded, helps pay overdue water and sewer bills
• Administered by local community action agencies

3. State Emergency Relief (SER) – Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

• Covers energy-related emergencies like shutoff prevention
• Can be applied to electricity, gas, or heating fuel

4. DTE Energy Assistance Programs

• Low-Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP): Fixed monthly payments and forgiveness of past due balances
• Shutoff Protection Plan: Available for seniors and eligible low-income households

5. United Way for Southeastern Michigan

• Connects residents with utility payment support and weatherization assistance
• Offers help navigating multiple programs

Detroit Internet Connectivity

Fastest Internet Providers in Detroit

Detroit Drinking Water Quality Information

Clean drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Safe, contaminant-free water helps prevent the spread of diseases, supports proper hydration, and ensures the body's vital functions operate smoothly.