DETROIT – DTE Energy reports that as of 4 p.m. today, nearly 70,000 customers have had their electric back on after thunderstorms and strong winds hit southeast Michigan Thursday.
About 16,000 customers still remain without power after the severe weather. Read: Four Mich. counties declare state of emergency due to storm.
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Majority of outages:
• Wayne County 2,000
• Oakland County 6,000
The remaining outages are scattered throughout DTE Energy's service area.
Today's wind gusts of up to 45 MPH resulted in more downed trees and power lines. DTE says all available crews are working around the clock to restore service.
CMS Energy Corp.'s Consumers Energy unit says about 4,400 of its customers were without service, including about 2,300in Iosco County.
The utility reported having about 7,000 outages Thursday. View: Wires down in Livonia
For the latest look at outages view DTE's outage map here.
Report an outage:
Customers can use a mobile website at dteenergy.com, or their phone 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 from their smart phones. Customers can also call DTE Energy at (800) 477-4747 to report power outages or downed power lines.
Additional information on the current storm – including our on-line Power Outage Map – is available at www.dteenergy.com/outage.
Tips during outages:
• Stay at least 20 feet 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.