DTE Energy is dedicated to constructing a smarter, stronger and more resilient grid to enhance reliability. Our commitment to customers is to reduce power outages by 30% and to cut outage durations in half by 2029.
DTE has been laser focused on upgrading our infrastructure. Our front-line crews have been inspecting our current infrastructure to decide what and where these upgrades take place. In 2023, DTE inspected and upgraded over 1,700 miles (about half the width of the United States) of pole top equipment across the communities we serve. These upgrades improve reliability, especially during extreme weather situations.
In Ypsilanti, 70 locations were selected to receive pole-top maintenance in 2024. Recently, on the corner of Taft Avenue and Lathers Avenue, our front-line crews were busy carrying out more of these updates. A full pole upgrade was installed, meaning a new pole was dropped, adding new cross-arms and accompanying pole-top equipment. The work is 80% finished and our crews are expected to be wrapping up work in the coming weeks.
DTE is building the grid of the future. That plan includes transitioning to a smart grid, upgrading existing infrastructure, rebuilding significant portions of the grid and trimming trees. These are at the core of our plan as we work to increase reliability in Ypsilanti and for the many communities we serve.
To stay informed about ongoing projects you can explore DTE Energy’s power improvements map or visit Empowering Michigan’s reliability improvements webpage.