The Gatekeeper Program Recognizes Local DTE Energy Employee for Service to His Community

DETROIT, Nov. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Office of Service to the Aging (OSA) has nominated Andre' Hunter, a Field Service Technician with DTE Energy as the company's Gatekeeper of the Month.

The DTE Energy Gatekeeper program helps senior citizens get assistance from various community and human service organizations through confidential referrals. For example, at-risk seniors can receive help with transportation, nutrition, home repairs and health agency referrals, among other things.  

Hunter, a resident of Detroit, assisted a senior citizen customer after visiting his home for a gas leak repair. Upon arrival at the residence, he noticed that the home was in disarray and in need of proper cleaning.  There were several dogs in the home, one of which looked gravely ill.  Mr. Hunter was concerned and dispatched his supervisor to submit a Gatekeeper referral on the customer's behalf.

A representative from The Senior Alliance Inc. spoke to the elder customer and then provided him with information about senior agencies that assist people with household chores, weatherization and transportation.

"Personally it feels good because customers only see the bad part of DTE Energy," said Hunter, who is also a volunteer basketball coach in his community. "This award is less about me, than all of the other professionals who interact with customers daily."

All Gatekeeper referrals are investigated by the local Area Agency on Aging. Winners of the DTE Energy Gatekeeper of the Month receive a $50 gift card from DTE Energy, and are eligible to be named "Gatekeeper of the Year."

DTE Energy is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include Detroit Edison, an electric utility serving 2.1 million customers in Southeastern Michigan, MichCon, a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan, and other non-utility, energy businesses focused on gas storage and pipelines, unconventional gas production, power and industrial projects, and energy trading. Information about DTE Energy is available at www.dteenergy.com.

SOURCE DTE Energy