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Author Archives: Sarah Alvarez

A woman looks at a piece of paper in a darkened kitchen
Posted inNews

She didn’t know she still owed money to her utility. Then 25% of her paycheck was gone.

photo of reporter emily hopkins by Sarah Alvarez and Emily Hopkins, ProPublica August 19, 2022August 19, 2022

After DTE Energy sold hundreds of thousands of closed accounts, Detroiters faced default judgments and garnished wages. The utility only reaped pennies on the dollar.

James Massey of Detroit is still struggling with utility costs from the pandemic
Posted inDetroit

Detroiters struggling to make it out of pandemic pain feel left behind as relief programs end

by Sarah Alvarez June 30, 2022June 30, 2022
Illustration showing residential homes, some with lights out, and DTE Energy building
Posted inNews

Detroit City Council Calls on Michigan’s Largest Utility to Pause Shut-offs, Explain Its High Electricity Rates

by Sarah Alvarez April 14, 2022April 14, 2022
flooed I-94 freeway in detroit in 2021
Posted inNews

Detroit flood season is coming – here’s what we know after 2021’s ‘rain event’

by Sarah Alvarez April 13, 2022April 14, 2022
illustration showing silhouettes of people talking
Posted inNews

Share your info needs with us!

by Sarah Alvarez April 13, 2022April 14, 2022
photo illustration showing money and electrict pylons
Posted inNews

The obscure utility tax Detroiters pay each month to fund the police

by Sarah Alvarez March 24, 2022March 24, 2022
Illustration showing residential homes, some with lights out, and DTE Energy building
Posted inNews

Detroit’s heavy burden: High electric rates, tens of thousands of shut-offs and a looming price hike

by Sarah Alvarez and Data analysis by Agnel Philip, ProPublica March 18, 2022March 23, 2022
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