DETROIT – DTE Energy says its crews continue making progress restoring power across Metro Detroit, and with more storms expected tonight, the company says teams are positioned to respond to any new outages.
As of the latest update on DTE’s outage map on Thursday afternoon, the utility reports that more than 99% of customers have electricity back, but just under 2,000 customers were still without power.
Even as restoration numbers improve, some customers and businesses say the wait has been frustrating, including workers at Woodward Coin Laundry, a Detroit laundromat across from Palmer Park.
Workers there said power was restored early Thursday morning, after being out since severe storms hit the region last Friday.
“We weather the storm. But, just, been a week,” said Mary Wilson, an attendant at the laundromat.
Wilson said subcontractors came out multiple times but couldn’t complete the work without DTE crews on scene.
“They all said that they couldn’t go up the pole. They had to have DTE with them. Of course, there was no DTE, so they leave. So, they’ve been out three times,” Wilson said.
Employees said the DTE truck that arrived Thursday replaced a dropout fuse cutout on a utility pole, restoring electricity and allowing the laundromat to reopen.
“We want you to know that we are open for business,” said employee Tara Renee Hunter.
With washers and dryers running again, and the air conditioning back on, customers like Sheila Andrews said the laundromat is essential for many in the neighborhood.
“Oh, they depend on it. Like, if they don’t have no laundry stuff at home, they come right here,” Andrews said.
Workers said many customers are seniors and people on fixed incomes, and that turning people away during the outage was difficult, especially in the heat.
“Some people were on the bus. Some people were traveling carrying bags. I had to have them to sit, and then the air was off. So, it was hot in here,” Hunter said.
With service restored, employees say the mood has shifted from stress to relief.
“Oh my gosh, yes, a big relief,” Wilson said. “We’re just really glad right now to have our power on.”
DTE says it has about 4,000 team members ready to respond if tonight’s weather brings additional outages.