Spring is finally here. For many, it’s not just a sign of warmer weather — it’s a symbol of renewal. At DTE Energy, our commitment to renewing, upgrading and improving our services to provide reliable power isn’t just a spring theme. It’s what our team lives by each and every day.
In fall of 2021, we filed a new grid investment plan that will lead to increased reliability for our customers and the communities we serve. Through our capital improvement work, we’re investing more than $1.3 billion annually over the next few years to upgrade DTE’s electric infrastructure and create a more robust power grid for our customers.
“The capital improvement projects are a huge investment in the communities DTE Energy serves,” Matthew Evon, capital project implementation manager, said. “For years, we have worked to improve reliability for customers. These projects are another step toward building a resilient power grid of the future. DTE also will continue to invest in modernizing the grid to adapt for renewable energies and advance technologies for customers’ move toward cleaner solutions like electric vehicles.”
The energy needs of people and businesses have changed significantly over time. Whether someone is working from home, gaming, streaming TV or giving a presentation at the office, the need for a greater amount of reliable power is at an all-time high. The capital improvement projects will increase grid capacity and reliability; reduce outage and restoration times by modernizing and strengthening electrical infrastructure; and make the grid more resilient against severe weather.
The multi-year projects consist of the following and more:
- Constructing, modernizing and expanding new substations
- Trimming trees near power lines
- Upgrading and replacing electrical equipment and poles
- Reconfiguring and relocating power lines
- Incorporating preventative inspections and maintenance
In communities where we’ve completed these enhancements, customers are experiencing about a significant improvement in the reliability of their power.
The capital improvement projects, selected based on research-driven data, will span over a few years and will benefit approximately 50 communities across Southeast Michigan, with more being added as needed. Some of the communities include:
- Almont Township
- Ann Arbor
- Applegate
- Armada
- Bad Axe and Vicinity
- Birmingham
- Carsonville
- Carleton
- Chesterfield
- Clawson
- Clinton Township
- Columbus Township
- Commerce
- Croswell
- Dearborn
- Detroit
- Dexter
- Elba
- Farmington Hills
- Grosse Ile
- Harbor Beach
- Harrison Township
- Highland Park
- Lapeer
- Macomb Township
- Madison Heights
- Marysville
- Newport
- Northville
- Novi
- Plymouth
- Pontiac
- Port Hope
- Port Huron
- Port Sanilac
- Richmond
- Romulus
- Salem Township
- Sandusky
- Shelby Township
- South Rockwood
- Sterling Heights
- Trenton
- Troy
- Van Buren Township
- Vassar
- Warren
- Wayne
- West Bloomfield
- Yale
At DTE, we are dedicated to doing more to combat the impact of harsh weather and meet the ever-changing electrical needs of our customers. Our company will keep investing in the infrastructure and working to stay ahead of power preferences, so whether it’s for work or pleasure, your power meets your needs.
To learn more about reliability projects happening in your community, visit empoweringmichigan.com/reliability-improvements.