At DTE Energy, we’re working hard to make sure families and businesses in Bad Axe have power they can count on, no matter what kind of weather comes our way. That’s why we’re investing $7 million to rebuild and modernize the electric infrastructure that brings energy to your community. This investment focuses on rebuilding and strengthening the existing poles, power lines and equipment that deliver electricity to homes and businesses in the Bad Axe area.
This project covers nearly two miles of power lines and will help make the electric system stronger, safer and ready for the future.
What we’re doing
- Replacing approximately 50 old wooden poles with new steel poles that will help keep power lines standing tall during storms.
- Installing more than a mile of new power lines, transformers and other equipment to move part of the system out of deep, hard-to-reach areas so crews can make repairs faster if equipment is damaged.
- Trimming and clearing trees near power lines to reduce outage risk. Fallen trees and branches account for half the time our customers are without power.
These upgrades will create a stronger, more resilient electric grid and reduce the likelihood of future outages, especially during extreme weather. In addition to improving electric reliability, the upgraded system will support future growth and help meet increasing energy demands.
Construction is expected to begin in late spring or early summer 2027 and continue through the end of the year. DTE crews, engineers and installation contractors will work along North Van Dyke Road south of Learman Road and along Whitelam Street west of Pitt Road.
This rebuilding work is part of DTE’s plan to build the grid of the future and supports our commitment to reducing power outages by 30% and cutting outage times in half by the end of 2029.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to provide safe, reliable power to Bad Axe and the surrounding communities. Learn more about work happening in your community at dteenergy.com/powermap.
Work in progress
Fall 2026: Crews are surveying existing poles and electric infrastructure near homes along North Van Dyke Road south of Learman Road and along Whitelam Street west of Pitt Road. If new poles or wires are needed on your property, we will put stakes in the ground to mark where the equipment will be located. Please do not remove the stakes. We will remove them after the work is complete.