Some DTE Energy customers say their frustration is mounting after days without power following Friday’s storm.
Many are complaining that shifting restoration estimates are making a bad situation worse.
Several customers said they have received multiple notifications from DTE with projected restoration times, only to be told later that the power would be delayed again.
One Detroit woman, who asked to be identified only as Bri, said she has seen her restoration dates moved back.
“This is what we’ve been dealing with since Friday,” Bri said, standing in a darkened home she shares with her five children. When asked what the last few days without electricity have been like, she answered: “Hell.”
Bri said she was forced to throw away everything in her refrigerator and freezer after the outage.
“[I had] a healthy amount,” she said, calling the loss of food both frustrating and expensive.
The outages are affecting residents well beyond Detroit.
In Dearborn Heights, Stacey Delpizzo opened her cooler to show how she has been trying to keep drinks cold.
“This is all we have,” she said, pointing to a few remaining items. “Half and half, some orange juice, some water.”
Delpizzo said she also had to throw away most of her food and has been eating out for meals.
The lack of power, she said, is making it especially difficult to care for her aging mother, who has dementia.
“It’s just been really hard,” Delpizzo said.
Another customer said the restoration time for his street has been repeatedly delayed.
“Friday, Saturday, and then now Sunday and now Monday,” he said, describing how often the estimated time of restoration has changed. He called the situation frustrating but said he appreciates that DTE is at least providing updates.
Bri feels differently.
“Turn it on today,” she said when asked what she wants from the utility.
In response to the widespread outages, DTE has set up community resource stations in different locations. Monday locations included: Detroit, Monroe, Dearborn, and Taylor.
At those sites, the utility is handing out ice, water, and kits to help customers cope without power.
This is while supplies last.
Company representatives are also available at the stations to answer questions from affected residents.
DTE said the locations are subject to change depending on where the need is greatest.
They are notifying residents by text or phone if the stations will be in their area.