DTE CEO: Suspending Shutoffs Necessary to Meet COVID-19 Need

The current public health crisis, and subsequent orders to stay at home, has stripped the economy down to essential industries.

“Those who can pay, must pay. We need to pull together to make sure that utilities and government have the resources to help the people who are most vulnerable.” – DTE CEO Jerry Norcia

One of those essential industries, of course, is utilities, many of which are having to do business a little differently these days. DTE Energy says it’s taking unprecedented steps to make sure the energy supply is uninterrupted through this pandemic and to protect its own workers at the same time.

Click on the player above to hear DTE CEO Jerry Norcia on suspending shut-offs and the company’s role during a public health crisis. 

Guest

Jerry Norcia, President and CEO of DTE Energy, says the company has taken steps to protect workers by enacting remote work programs and implementing safety procedures for those employees who still have to provide essential services out in the community. 

DTE is also taking measures to ensure the safety of their customers by suspending shut-offs for low-income and senior citizens for the month of April.

“The need, as you can imagine, is just growing,” Norcia says. “So we need to do real unprecedented things to serve these customers.”

He says navigating the current crisis will need to be a communal effort, encouraging those who can afford it to pay their bills.

“Those who can pay, must pay. In these times of crisis, we need to pull together to make sure that utilities and government have the resources to help the people who are most vulnerable.”