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.   

As we continue working hard to build a stronger grid, our crews have been busy in the Oakland County city of Birmingham. Recently, our crews were at the corner of Shirley Road and Brandon Street, installing a brand-new capacitor bank.

What is a capacitor bank? Its role is to kick in when the electric demand in the area is at a higher-than-normal level, when the bank will kick on to ensure no interruptions occur.  Along with this important piece of gear, trees were trimmed at this location to protect the equipment from potential damage. All this work is being done to help provide a better quality of service for our DTE customers. These and similar upgrades are happening all over the area to ensure that the performance of our equipment is improved, especially during extreme weather situations.  

Upgrades are vital to our mission of reducing outages and improving the grid’s resilience and reliability. By upgrading our equipment, DTE is not only reinforcing the existing system but also preparing to meet the growing electricity demands of the future. We remain fully committed to these efforts, ensuring our customers receive the reliable service they deserve. 

This upgrading work is part of DTE’s plan to build the grid of the future. That plan, now well underway, includes transitioning to a smart grid, upgrading existing infrastructure, rebuilding significant portions of the grid and trimming trees.    

To stay informed about ongoing projects you can explore DTE Energy’s Power Improvements Map or visit empoweringmichigan.com