Here’s why your winter energy bill is higher

November 18, 2025

Energy bills fluctuate during winter months due to several key factors that increase consumption. Homes require more natural gas and electricity to maintain comfortable temperatures in cold weather, with older homes experiencing even greater energy demands due to inadequate insulation and outdated windows. Holiday activities compound the problem through increased hosting, decorative lighting, and additional appliance usage.

Who is affected

Homeowners and renters who pay energy bills
DTE Energy customers specifically
People living in older homes with poor insulation or old windows
Holiday hosts entertaining guests

What action is being taken

DTE is adjusting billing period end dates to account for holidays or weekends
DTE is notifying customers in advance when billing periods will be longer than normal
DTE is providing an 'Analyze My Bill' feature through online customer accounts

Why it matters

This matters because understanding the various factors affecting energy bills helps consumers distinguish between controllable usage patterns and external variables like extreme weather or billing cycle variations. This knowledge enables customers to make informed decisions about energy conservation, budget planning, and home improvements while avoiding confusion about seemingly inconsistent billing amounts.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article (though the article references tips available at dteenergy.com/staywarm, this is presented as an available resource rather than a specific next step).

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle