DETROIT – Progress is being made in power restorations after Friday's severe storms.
DTE Energy says about 145,000 customers lost power when severe thunderstorms, with winds up to 45 mph, came through southeast Michigan Friday afternoon and overnight.
As of 10 a.m. Sunday, about 30,000 customers remain without power as crews work to restore service.
About 90-percent of affected customers are expected to have their power restored by late Sunday. It could take days before power is completely restored. DTE says all available crews are working 16-hour shifts around the clock to restore service. DTE has called surrounding utility companies from Ohio and Indiana for assistance. The next update is expected to be released at approximately 9 p.m. Saturday.
Customers are encouraged to call DTE Energy at (800) 477-4747 to report power outages or downed lines.
Customers can use the mobile website at dteenergy.com, or their iPhone or Android phone to report a power problem using the DTE Energy Outage Center app. The app is available free of charge from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Customers can report an outage, check on the status of an outage, and view our outage map, all from their smart phones.
Additional information on the current storm – including our on-line Power Outage Map – is available at www.dteenergy.com/outage.
Stay away from downed power lines and anything with which they come in contact, especially metal fences. Treat every downed power line as if it were energized.
Don't open refrigerators or freezers more often than absolutely necessary. A closed refrigerator will stay cold for 12 hours. Kept closed, a well-filled freezer will preserve food for two days.
Turn off or unplug all appliances to prevent an electrical overload when power is restored. Leave on one light switch to indicate when power is restored.
Always operate generators outdoors to avoid dangerous buildup of toxic fumes.
If a customer is elderly or has a medical condition that would be adversely impacted by a power outage, they should try to make alternative accommodations with family or friends.
During low-voltage conditions – when lights are dim and television pictures are smaller – shut off motor-driven appliances such as refrigerators to prevent overheating and possible damage. Sensitive electronic devices also should be unplugged.
Stay out of flooded or damp basements or other areas if water is in contact with outlets or any electrically-operated appliance. The water or moisture may serve as a conductor of electricity. This can cause serious or even fatal injury.