Reliable power in our homes and businesses is one of the most essential things we can have. DTE agrees.
Energy experts at the company said they aim to reduce power outages by 30% and cut outage durations in half by 2029. The company is focused on building the grid of the future -- one that is smarter, stronger and resilient.
Here are four ways the energy company plans to achieve that goal.
1. Transition to a smarter grid.
Efforts are already underway to make the grid “smarter” with the recent addition of a new systems operations center and a state-of-the-art grid management system.
Behind the installation of 10,000 smart devices -- also known as reclosers -- DTE aims to have the entire system automated by 2029. It will allow crews to pinpoint damage and get to those areas faster to make repairs. It will enable damage to be isolated and power to be rerouted during an outage so the energy of many customers can be restored within minutes while crews make repairs. To further keep customers safe, it can also de-energize a line when a wire is on the ground.
2. Update existing infrastructure.
Whether it’s poles, cross arms, transformers or other substation equipment, crews are in the field every day updating the infrastructure of the grid. DTE inspected and upgraded pole top equipment across more than 1,700 miles in 2023.
3. Rebuild portions of the grid
Substations are being rebuilt from scratch and entire circuits are being replaced, which is important because this is the equipment that delivers power to homes. Similarly, older portions of the electric grid are also being completely rebuilt.
4. Trim trees
Trees can account for half of the time customers are out of power. As such, tree trimming is one of the most effective ways to improve electric reliability.
In areas where tree trimming is up to date, there is a 40% improvement in reliability. Since 2015, DTE has trimmed nearly 40,000 miles of trees. Company leaders say it is committed to maintaining an aggressive tree trim cycle to battle new growth and keep branches away from electric equipment.
Over the next five years, more than $9 billion is expected to be invested to make the grid safer and more reliable.
Click or tap here to see where work is being done in your community.
To learn more about DTE’s plan to reduce power outages, click or tap here.