DTE ENERGY

Severe weather moved through Southeast Michigan on Wednesday afternoon, with some scattered power outages being reported in the area.

A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for for all of Southeast Michigan until 9 p.m. Wednesday: Genesee, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.

Photo by Laurel KrausThese DTE generators parked behind The Village will keep the electricity stable during peak usage hours until DTE is able to complete repairs to the circuit. GROSSE POINTE CITY AND FARMS — According to city officials, last week’s power outages can be attributed to aging DTE Energy infrastructure unable to handle the

ANN ARBOR, MI — By far the biggest financial backer of the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti transit millage campaign is DTE Energy, newly released campaign finance reports show. The agency has tentatively set a goal to have 100% zero-emission buses by 2038. Aside from DTE, others who donated varying amounts to the transit millage campaign include current and past Ann Arbor officials, local residents and TheRide officials. Bank of Ann Arbor and the Transit Workers Union each gave $5,000 and the League of Conservation Voters gave $1,000. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:How a big tax increase could reshape public transit in Ann Arbor areaA quick overview of the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti transit tax proposalHere’s your Ann Arbor-area voter guide for the August 2022 primaryOver $122K pumped into Ann Arbor mayoral race, criticisms flyA look inside Ann Arbor’s Free Little Art Gallery where art is free for the taking

The Fleetwood Mac singer will perform at the outdoor venue on Tuesday, Sept. 13

Campbell power plant in Ottawa County. Campbell plant by 2025, two of the coal-fired units were slated to retire in 2031, with the last unit scheduled to retire in 2040. Statistics show only DTE Energy’s coal-fired power plant in Monroe emitted more carbon dioxide with its more than 13 million metric tons in 2020. The outcome may have ramifications for other coal-fired power plants that run under similar joint operating agreements, such as DTE Energy’s Belle River Power Plant, she said. DTE last year announced it will end coal use at the Belle River Power Plant by the end of 2028 – two years ahead of schedule – to hasten its carbon emissions reductions.

Severe weather is moving through Southeast Michigan on Wednesday afternoon, with some scattered power outages being reported in the area.

Westbound I-696 at I-275 is back open in Oakland County while DTE Energy got downed power lines off the road.

Scammers are repeatedly using the same tactics to steal money and personal information from their victims in Michigan.

DETROIT, MI — The piles of old bricks dug up along Detroit’s Beaufait Street might look like trash to some, but to Jeff Cowin and his neighbors they’re treasures to be saved. Teaming up with DTE Energy, which needed to excavate the area for a new power substation, Cowin recently helped rally dozens of volunteers to salvage thousands of the century-old Nelsonville Block pavers for a special purpose: restoring one of Detroit’s last remaining brick streets.

On Tuesday, Ann Arbor for Public Power (A2P2) will rally at Larcom City Hall at 5:30 p.m. to protest the nomination of Knox Cameron to the Ann Arbor Energy Commission.

Dangerous heat and severe weather in Southeast Michigan has knocked out power to thousands in the region.

Though more costly energy bills are almost inevitable during the summer months, there are still ways to keep those costs down some, experts say.

Last summer Metro Detroit got hit hard by severe weather.

The U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit against EES Coke Battery LLC on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 in federal district court in Detroit. EES Coke uses coal to produce metallurgical coke, which is used in making steel. The EPA says reducing SO2 emissions in the Detroit area would help local residents who suffer from asthma, of which there is high prevalence in Wayne County. For more than a decade, the downriver Detroit area been out of “attainment” for an ambient air quality standards passed for SO2 in 2010. According to the EPA, overall area SO2 emissions have dropped 70 percent since 2013 and, absent “problems near Zug Island,” are currently below 44 parts-per-billion (ppb).

More than 28,000 DTE Energy customers are without power Wednesday as severe weather moves through Southeast Michigan.

The Riverside Arts Center closed a deal with the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority on April 25, exchanging a check for the deed to 76 North Huron St., said William Kinley, one of the organization’s board members and founders of the center in 1995. Read more: Arts center becoming independent from city of Ypsilanti under 8-year purchase agreementThe organization has steadily worked through upgrades to the building, once a Masonic Temple, and the neighboring DTE Energy building it partially occupies. That could begin with expanding the litany of performing arts studio space the center already makes available for community groups to rent, including theater space, dance studios and galleries. The arts center plans to hold some listening sessions to shape plans for the space, said fellow board member Chad Wiebesick. Read more: Riverside Arts Center makes a comeback with residency program after a year without artArt facilities elsewhere have struggled to remain viable over the long-term, but the future is a priority for the center’s leaders.

Learn more about the grassroots effort to bring a community-owned utility to Ann Arbor at an event this weekend.

Summer in the city keeps getting better and better. The schedule of summer events to be taking place in Beacon Park was just announced and there is something for everyone.

O'Shea Solar Park is one of the largest urban solar arrays in the region. Meteorologist Kylee Miller shows us the facility in this Science of Weather segment.

The nuclear plant resumed operation and synchronized to the DTE Energy electrical system Friday, after completing a refueling and maintenance outage.

DTE Energy tells us about O’Shea solar park located in Detroit, which happens to be one of the largest urban solar arrays in the region. Meteorologist Kylee Miller explains more in this Science of Weather segment.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, according to a report from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

Some Michigan-based companies continue to fund campaigns of politicians pushing voter restriction bills

The Gilbert Family Foundation announced on Tuesday a collaboration with ProMedica and DTE Energy to help support a multi-million dollar fund to help repair homes in the city of Detroit.

A report by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the nonprofit organization that oversees our power grid, said Michigan could be facing power shortages in July and August.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor officials have big hopes for renewable energy to provide 100% of the community’s power by 2030, and one piece of the puzzle is creating a city-owned sustainable energy utility to help finance solar installations for homes and businesses throughout the city. Ann Arbor partners with nonprofit to launch program to help residents electrify homesCity staff also will discuss the SEU concept, gather feedback and answer questions at two upcoming webinars. Community solar programs that provide residents the benefit of solar installed in shared areas of the city. Energy justice initiatives to ensure everyone in the community has the benefit of clean energy. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:$3M federal earmark to help Ann Arbor affordable housing sites go solarUniversity of Michigan students, activists call on Ann Arbor to ditch DTE EnergyAnn Arbor administrator wants to clean up downtown, elevate city’s brandSeveral new initiatives included in Ann Arbor’s $525M city budget planRemembering Ann Arbor’s legendary 1975 marijuana giveaway contest

A report by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the nonprofit organization that oversees our power grid, said Michigan could be facing power shortages in July and August.

Scammers are targeting DTE Energy customers who have been impacted by recent cold weather.

Rain and thunderstorms are expected to move through Southeast Michigan on Sunday afternoon and into the nighttime hours, and those storms could pose some hazards.

Many Metro Detroit residents are receiving calls from people pretending to work for DTE Energy, threatening to shut off services.

A meeting held last week had city council members asking DTE to halt any electricity shutoffs.

A historic rocket launch took place on Friday afternoon, when three paying customers and a former astronaut lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center.

A new bill introduced in Lansing is looking to hold power companies accountable when the power goes out.

For homeowners who might be considered early adopters of solar roof panels, the sun isn’t the only thing heating this up -- it’s the compensation.

A wind advisory is in effect through Thursday afternoon in Metro Detroit, with gusts of up to 50 mph possible, bringing the possibility of power outages.

There have been increased power outages around Cass Lake in Oakland County lately. It doesn’t appear to be faulty wires or old transformers but swans flying into the lines. And when it happens, it’s not pretty.

Strong winds moved through Southeast Michigan on Saturday, knocking out power for thousands of residents across the area.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The city of Grand Rapids three-way partnership with DTE Energy and the Interurban Transit Partnership (The Rapid) to fuel vehicles with renewable natural gas (RNG) is being called a “transformative project.”The Grand Rapids City Commission approved the agreement Tuesday, Feb. 22 for the purchase of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The city will pump pipeline grade renewable natural gas in the form of compressed natural gas, from the Environmental Services Department’s biodigester into DTE’s pipeline, which will transport the renewable natural gas to The Rapid’s fueling facility. In addition, renewable natural gas produced at the city’s biodigester will also be used to fuel DTE-owned compressed natural gas stations within Michigan. Renewable natural gas fuel holds some of the lowest carbon intensity of any on-road vehicle fuel, according to the city. Diesel buses will continue to be retired and replaced by renewable natural gas vehicles.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Supporters of forming a municipal electric utility to replace DTE Energy as Ann Arbor’s power provider are inviting the public to learn more about the idea. Ann Arbor for Public Power is hosting a Zoom round table from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17. City Council OK’d a resolution last month directing the city administrator to put together a request for proposals from consultants to study the technical, legal and financial viability of multiple potential pathways the city could take to meet its A2Zero goals to make the community carbon-neutral by 2030. That model is known as an SEU, which the city already has determined is feasible. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor partners with nonprofit to launch program to help residents electrify homesAnn Arbor budget outlook shows $2.1M deficit, 4.4% increase in tax revenueCalling all tree huggers: Ann Arbor seeks volunteers to help update forestry planSee how Ann Arborites rank spending options for $24M federal stimulusAnn Arbor subdivision reckoning with its racist past, repealing 1947 whites-only policy

There’s no reason to go without power, especially in the coldest months of Michigan’s winters, and anybody who truly needs help, gets help.

Before 2015, before Grow Detroit’s Youth Talent program, young adults would have to search for a summer job at each company individually to apply for a summer job. But now the city has made it real easy bringing all of the companies together with thousands of opportunities available.

DTE Energy's Fermi 2 Nuclear Power Plant began its 21st refueling and maintenance outage Friday evening.

City officials have negotiated new street light replacement and maintenance arrangements with DTE in a three phase plan saving the city nearly $280,000.

Two powerhouse community leaders -- Jerry Norcia, President/CEO of DTE Energy, and Bishop Edgar Vann, Senior Pastor of Second Ebenezer Church of Detroit – appear on CBS 62’s “Michigan Matters” this Sunday to talk about helping United Way...

Two powerhouse community leaders -- Jerry Norcia, President/CEO of DTE Energy, and Bishop Edgar Vann, Senior Pastor of Second Ebenezer Church of Detroit – appear on CBS 62’s “Michigan Matters” this Sunday to talk about helping United Way...

The Monroe County Board of Commissioners noted resolution of a property tax lawsuit with DTE Energy as a major effort during 2021.

ANN ARBOR, MI — “We can’t burn coal for 2 more decades” and “Ditch DTE” were among the messages on signs outside Ann Arbor’s city hall Tuesday night, Jan. 18. University of Michigan students and other members of activist group Ann Arbor for Public Power demonstrated along Huron Street ahead of a City Council meeting where city officials were considering the city’s energy future. “We thank everyone who has helped advance this effort, including the sponsors of this resolution, the Ann Arbor Energy Commission, and the more than 1,300 Ann Arbor residents who signed petitions in support of a feasibility study,” Ann Arbor for Public Power President Greg Woodring said in a statement. Ann Arbor for Public Power supports full municipalization and notes dozens of Michigan communities have their own energy utilities. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor wants residents to get rid of gas furnaces to fight climate changeAnn Arbor aims to make Bryant neighborhood carbon-neutral in 5 years‘We have not done enough.’ Ann Arbor tax to fight climate change headed to voteAnn Arbor homeowners use solar backup batteries to weather power outages80 new electric vehicle chargers coming to downtown Ann Arbor parking system

DTE Energy is proposing a $388 million investment into Michigan’s energy grid and electric storage and generation system.

Michigan utilities are struggling to provide reliable energy to customers as storms become more frequent and severe.

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) released its final order in DTE Gas’ most recent rate case, approving an $84,173,000 annual increase.

A major metro Detroit hospital system will step toward cutting its greenhouse gas emissions from power use in a new deal to buy renewable energy from DTE Energy. Henry Ford Health System officials this week announced an agreement with the power company to buy about 10 percent of its future electricity – 19,000 megawatt hours – specifically from wind and solar energy sources starting in 2023. The plan is for the hospital network to increase how much of its power comes from renewable sources incrementally to 100 percent by 2029.

Strong winds are once again blowing through Southeast Michigan on Thursday, triggering some power outages.

There’s concern about a stretch of land in a storage yard in River Rouge where the pavement has buckled and cracked along Pleasant and Campbell streets.

Strong winds moved through Southeast Michigan on Saturday, knocking out power for thousands of residents across the area.

Here are this morning's top stories.

Widespread power outages caused by intense winds have prompted DTE Energy to call in hundreds of out-of-state crews to help restore power to Southeastern Michigan residents.

Development of solar farms growing in county

Strong winds caused a tree to fall into an electric pole in Huntington Woods, knocking out power for several residents, officials said.

High winds caused major power outages across the Metro Detroit area on Saturday. There was extensive damage in the Dearborn area.

As strong winds cut across Michigan, utility workers are left dealing with power outages now approaching 200,000. DTE Energy was reporting about 65,000 outages, while Indiana Michigan Power in Southwest Michigan had about 7,000 outages. According to storm reports submitted to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, wind gusts of about 70 mph hit the lakeshore in Saugatuck, Grand Haven and Muskegon. According to the National Weather Service, a high wind warning remains in effect until noon Saturday for parts of the eastern Lower Peninsula. The Kent County Health Department is reminding residents of the importance of generator safety after losing power, including never using them indoors.

DTE Energy’s Fermi 2 nuclear power plant in Newport is gradually reducing its power level in anticipation of its next refueling outage.

DTE Energy is preparing for possible power outages on Monday around Southeast Michigan as a wind advisory goes into effect.

Bedford robotics team places second in DTE contest

County settles property tax appeal with DTE over Fermi 2

There may not be snow on the ground (yet), but given the temps the past few days, winter has certainly arrived in Metro Detroit.

The following are among recent reports to Monroe County law enforcement agencies.

Michigan’s Public Service Commission has approved an accounting measure that allows DTE Electric Co. to provide a one-time, $70 million voluntary refund to be spent on tree trimming.

Here's what's coming up on Local 4 News at 5.

DTE Energy on Thursday announced a plan to invest billions of dollars into Michigan’s electric grid following a summer of continuous power outages across Southeast Michigan.

DTE Energy says it is planning a five-year $7 billion investment in Southeast Michigan's electric grid.

ANN ARBOR, MI — A group advocating for a public power utility in Ann Arbor says the city’s latest idea doesn’t offer a clear path to 100% renewable energy by 2030. Ann Arbor for Public Power maintains creating a sustainable energy utility, giving city residents and businesses the option to supplement their DTE Energy service with locally sourced renewable energy, is a good idea, but the city still should pursue full municipalization of the local electric grid. New Ann Arbor report says city could create its own renewable energy utilityA full municipal electric utility could own the electrical distribution infrastructure and acquire, generate and distribute its own electricity, getting to 100% renewable energy through local generation and purchased power, the group argues. Ann Arbor for Public Power has said it wants to put the question of a public power utility on the ballot in 2022. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:‘Literally power to the people.’ Ann Arbor group gearing up for ballot campaign‘Multi-colored portals’ and ‘bursts of confetti-like’ art coming to Ann Arbor alleysInspection photos reveal Ann Arbor bridge’s deteriorating conditionAnn Arbor leaders talk downtown’s challenges and post-pandemic futureAnn Arbor considering law to require menstrual products in all public restrooms

According to the company, the employee came into contact with an energized cable and sustained fatal injuries.

ANN ARBOR, MI — DTE Energy is staying neutral for now on Ann Arbor’s idea of a creating its own public renewable energy utility to supplement DTE service in the city. “Right now we don’t really have a stance on it. We just need to understand what exactly it is they’re proposing to do and what the study says,” Jill Wilmot, DTE’s electric communications director, said after the city announced the idea Thursday.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor has determined the city could create its own public energy utility, giving city residents and businesses an option to supplement their service from DTE Energy with locally sourced renewable energy. Not only possible, it’s legal.”Stults thinks it could provide 100% renewable energy at rates comparable, if not lower, than DTE’s rates for the 15% renewable energy offered on its power grid. Innovations in distributed energy, including solar energy and energy storage, and advancements in energy technologies, mean the city can think differently now, and the SEU envisions a new type of entity, she said. Through the SEU, Ann Arborites could increasingly reduce the amount of energy they use through energy waste reduction and get remaining energy needs met from clean, local, publicly owned sources, she said. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:As Ann Arbor eyes move away from gas, DTE Energy investing billions in itAnn Arbor wants residents to get rid of gas furnaces to fight climate change$20M power grid upgrade coming as Ann Arbor prepares for electrified futureAnn Arbor solar program hits 2-megawatt milestone, saves residents $925KAnn Arbor homeowners use solar backup batteries to weather power outages

DTE Energy said it will end coal use at the Belle River Power Plant by the end of December 2028 to hasten its carbon emissions reductions. The large Michigan utility company announced it will stop burning coal at the power plant in St. Clair County two years ahead of schedule. The Belle River site will be converted to a renewable power generator after officials said they evaluate options. The last two of DTE’s coal-burning plants will be Belle River and the Monroe Power Plant, confirmed Renee McClelland, company spokesperson. “We are 100 percent very supportive of the fact that DTE is looking to stop burning coal in Belle River two years earlier than they had planned.

The sixth annual Energy Efficiency Day was Oct. 6, but you can still learn the benefits of saving energy.

Ever since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are at home and using more energy. As a result, you may be looking for different ways to manage your monthly energy bill.

ANN ARBOR, MI — DTE Energy is moving ahead with a long-discussed community solar project outside Ann Arbor. It’s a first-of-its-kind community solar project for DTE and the company’s first MIGreenPower project in Washtenaw County allowing DTE customers to subscribe to it. “With this project, DTE is bringing a large-scale community solar installation to the residents of Washtenaw County,” Trevor Lauer, president of DTE’s electric company, said in a statement. It’s also designed to support Ann Arbor and Pittsfield Township with achieving renewable energy goals. DTE’s announcement of the Ann Arbor community solar project comes as some local officials and residents are criticizing the company for not investing enough in renewable energy.

Some of Metro Detroit already is receiving a portion of their power from existing DTE Energy solar parks and now the company is looking to expand its solar panel reach.

DTE Energy is doing its part to help curb climate change and now it’s inviting Metro Detroit families to do the same.

DTE Energy is still working to restore power in Port Huron.

Maple Road at Cranbrook Road on the border of Bloomfield Township and Birmingham is closed to through traffic due to downed power lines, officials said.

Heavy rain and winds moved through southeastern Michigan on Wednesday as part of a weather event that has left thousands without power.

Residents in a Detroit neighborhood were worried about a section of sidewalk torn up with a gaping hole. It has been a problem for almost two years.

Fungi, parasites, root rot: Climate change is increasing the risk of trees weakening and dying. Falling trees have increased power outages nationwide, which threatens public health and safety.

With help from his friends and Boy Scout Troop 508 of Carleton, Chase Cousino built osprey nesting platforms as part of his Eagle Scout project.

"At no time have they gave us any indication that the residents were in danger."

As of Saturday, there are about 16 agencies working on the massive project,

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor is known for its tree-lined neighborhood streets, but lately some residents and city officials say it feels like Tree Town is under attack. Customers experience a 60% improvement in power reliability when tree trimming is done and it keeps the community safe by reducing down lines, DTE maintains. If such a solution can be worked out for Ann Arbor, hopefully DTE can implement it across the region, she said. In communications with the city, DTE has acknowledged the impacts of climate change, she said. Even if it’s expensive, she maintains burying power lines needs to be seriously explored.

Hundreds of DTE customers lose power during storm

ANN ARBOR, MI — A grassroots group is gearing up for a campaign to convince Ann Arbor voters to support shifting away from DTE Energy and forming a public power utility to take control of the community’s energy future. Dozens of Ann Arbor for Public Power supporters, including several local elected officials, gathered Thursday night, Sept. 9, for a fundraiser kickoff event in Burns Park. DTE Energy hopes Ann Arbor nixes idea of creating its own electric utilityAnn Arbor for Public Power is still building support for its campaign and residents can expect to see and hear more from the group in the next year, Woodring said. “Yes, we need to be fighting for public power. “What we’re doing is envisioning a better future for our community,” he said, adding Ann Arbor can lead the way and carve a path other communities can follow.

Hundreds lose power following tornado warning in county

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor officials are going to weigh the pros and cons of shifting away from DTE Energy and forming a public power utility for the city, and there’s talk now that the issue could go to city voters in 2022. As Ann Arbor eyes move away from gas, DTE Energy investing billions in itAs council deliberated Tuesday night, nearly 80,000 DTE customers, including some in Ann Arbor, were without power after another storm rolled through the region. Nelson objected to the three-month delay, saying the Energy Commission already has spent months discussing the issue. “We don’t need Lansing’s approval to pass municipalization, we put it to a vote in Ann Arbor,” the group’s website states. At this point, Briggs said she’s not interested in asking Ann Arbor taxpayers to buy DTE’s crumbling infrastructure.

Stellantis said it will pay $285 million for an auto-finance company to provide loans and leases to customers through its dealers.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Neighborhood by neighborhood, DTE Energy is making big investments in gas infrastructure in Ann Arbor, replacing thousands of home gas lines. DTE-hired crews from Corby Energy Services carried out more gas line replacements in Ann Arbor’s Old West Side historic neighborhood this past week. In broader strokes, DTE acknowledges it’s investing billions of dollars in new gas infrastructure statewide, and thousands of customers in Ann Arbor are getting new gas lines. While the city’s goal is to expand electrification and move away from burning fossil fuels, city officials also want existing gas service to be safe until full electrification can be achieved. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor homeowners use solar backup batteries to weather power outagesPower outages lead to renewed talks of creating public electric utility for Ann ArborDTE Energy hopes Ann Arbor nixes idea of creating its own electric utilityAnn Arbor-area bus services being restored to pre-pandemic levelsAnn Arbor implements COVID-19 vaccine mandate for city employees

ANN ARBOR, MI — As Ann Arbor considers looking into creating its own public electric utility, Detroit-based private utility company DTE Energy is hoping the city decides against it. Prolonged power outages following recent storms have some local officials once again talking about the idea of creating a community-owned, nonprofit electric utility to give the city more control over its energy future. A grassroots group called Ann Arbor for Public Power is lobbying the city to move away from DTE, an investor-owned, for-profit company. By 2023, DTE plans to increase solar energy generation nearly 10 times with nearly 2.2 million additional solar panels, the company’s website states, indicating its portfolio should include more than 11 million solar panels by 2040. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:$20M power grid upgrade coming as Ann Arbor prepares for electrified futureAnn Arbor OKs plan for 77-acre community solar projectSome University of Michigan students forced to start fall semester in hotelsHow they voted: Ann Arbor City Council vote breakdown for August 2021Latest look at Ann Arbor’s downtown affordable housing high-rise plans

A grassroots group called Ann Arbor for Public Power gave a presentation to the city’s Energy Commission in February about the advantages and obstacles to creating a public power utility for Ann Arbor, estimating about $120,000 would be needed to conduct a feasibility study. It’s time for a municipal community run utility in Ann Arbor.”DTE officials did not respond to a request for comment from The Ann Arbor News/MLive. As many in Ann Arbor were still without power on Aug. 15, Rabhi vented his frustrations again. There were storms across the Midwest and “Michigan had by far the highest rates of prolonged power outages,” they wrote. After the storms and extended power outages, City Council members discussed the issue at their Aug. 16 meeting.

Photos: Office of the Governor/DTELANSING – Governor Whitmer is calling on utilities companies to automatically credit Michiganders who experienced recent widespread outages and increase the amount paid out to them towards compensations. More than 750,000 Michiganders lost power over the last few weeks, with some outages lasting up to a week on some of the hottest days of the year. On Friday, Whitmer called on DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, and Indiana Michigan Power to take immediate action to help Michigan families dealing with extended power outages and commit resources to improve reliability through tree trimming and grid hardening. DTE said that in its coverage area, about 550,000 customers were out of power at the hight of outages. Whitmer asked fo immediate action to reduce disruptions to power by increasing tree trimming and other grid-hardening practices.

DTE and Consumers Energy representatives told MLive that they understand people’s frustration during the relatively long power outage that affected so many. “Clearly, the DTE customer’s voice does not carry any weight with DTE executives,” Pritchett said, asking for help from the media to get attention. It prioritizes restoration to certain places like hospitals, before moving onto groups of customers, and then single customers, DTE said. About 370,000 of its customers lost power cumulatively in the storms that began Aug. 11, Consumers Energy Spokesman Josh Paciorek said. For the power outages stemming from last week’s storms, Consumers Energy offered tokens of appreciation for customers’ patience to restore the power.